Academic world in Brussels pays tribute to EUA's Stéphane Berghmans

Stéphane Berghmans, former Director for Research and Innovation at the European University Association (EUA), has died, the EUA announced on 30/10/2025.

Berghmans, who held a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Liège in Belgium, began his academic career as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Between 2008 and 2009, he worked at the European Science Foundation as Head of Unit for Biomedical Sciences, and from 2009 to 2012, he held the position of Vice-President for Academic & Research Relations at Elsevier, fostering partnerships with academic and research institutions. Then, from 2020 to 2025, he was the Director of Research & Innovation at the EUA.

He left a "lasting mark" on the association, the EUA said. Berghmans was "a skilled mediator with a deep commitment and passion for research and innovation in universities". He had a "unique ability to bring people together and inspire trust and respect" and was "an insightful and inspiring leader", who combined clarity and humanity in even the most complex discussions…