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Moved details about the university's convoluted history from the Intro to the Background and history section. Removed redundancies throughout the article. Moved and re-organized sentences for flow and cohesion, as well as chronology. Added a paragraph about KU Leuven's official usage regarding naming (and context) and applied it to the main introductory sentences.
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[[File:Gregory XVI.jpg|thumb|Pope [[Gregory XVI]], cofounder with the bishops of Belgium of the [[Catholic University of Malines]] in 1834, which would later be the [[Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968)|Catholic University of Leuven]].]]
[[File:Gregory XVI.jpg|thumb|Pope [[Gregory XVI]], cofounder with the bishops of Belgium of the [[Catholic University of Malines]] in 1834, which would later be the [[Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968)|Catholic University of Leuven]].]]


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'''KU Leuven'''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://admin.kuleuven.be/sab/jd/en/id-sheet|title=Basic info legal entity KU Leuven|website=admin.kuleuven.be|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref> is a research university in the Dutch-speaking city of [[Leuven]] in [[Flanders]], [[Belgium]]. It conducts teaching, research, and services in the natural sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, law, and social sciences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kuleuven.be/english/about-kuleuven/|title=About KU Leuven|website=www.kuleuven.be|language=en|access-date=2018-04-26}}</ref>
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The '''Katholieke Universiteit Leuven'''{{ref|caveat|A}} (in English: '''Catholic University of Leuven'''),{{ref|caveat|B}} abbreviated '''KU Leuven''', is a research university in the Dutch-speaking town of [[Leuven]] in [[Flanders]], [[Belgium]], founded<ref>''Encyclopédie théologique'', tome 54, ''Dictionnaire de l'histoire universelle de l'Église'', Paris : éd. J.P. Migne, 1863, ''sub verbo'' ''Grégoire XVI'', col. 1131 : "Après sa séparation de la Hollande en 1830, la Belgique libérale a vu son Église jouir d'une véritable indépendance. Les évêques s'assemblent en conciles, communiquent avec le Saint-Siège en toute liberté. Sur l'article fondamental des études, '''ils ont fondé l'université catholique de Louvain''', où les jeunes Belges vont en foule puiser aux sources les plus pures toutes les richesses de la science". And : Edward van Even, ''Louvain dans le passé et dans le présent'', Louvain, 1895, p. 606 : "''Par lettre collective du 14 novembre 1833, le corps épiscopal s'adressa à Grégoire XVI, à l'effet d'obtenir l'autorisation nécessaire pour ouvrir l'école. Cette autorisation fut octroyée par un bref du 13 décembre suivant. Une circulaire épiscopale, datée du 20 février 1834, annonça aux fidèles la '''fondation''' d'une Université catholique''".</ref> in 1834 in [[Mechelen]] as the [[Catholic University of Belgium]] and moved its seat to the town of [[Leuven]] in 1835 where it changed its name to Catholic University of Leuven. KU Leuven considers itself to be the continuation of the [[Old_University_of_Leuven|Studium Generale Lovaniense]] established in 1425 and suppressed in 1797 under French rule.<ref>https://www.kuleuven.be/english/about-kuleuven/history</ref>


The university's full name is '''Katholieke Universiteit Leuven''',{{ref|caveat|A}} which translates in English as Catholic University of Leuven'''.'''{{ref|caveat|B}} It is however not translated in official communications, like its similarly-named French-language sister university [[Université catholique de Louvain]] (UCLouvain). Although Catholic in heritage, it operates independently from the [[Catholic Church|Church]].
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It conducts teaching, research, and services in the natural sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, law, and social sciences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kuleuven.be/english/about-kuleuven/|title=About KU Leuven|website=www.kuleuven.be|language=en|access-date=2018-04-26}}</ref>


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In addition to its main campus in Leuven, it has [[satellite campus]]es in [[Kortrijk]], [[Antwerp]], [[Ghent]], [[Bruges]], [[Ostend]], [[Geel]], [[Diepenbeek]], [[Aalst, Belgium|Aalst]], [[Sint-Katelijne-Waver]], and in Belgium's capital [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuleuven.be/campus|title=Studeren aan de KU Leuven, ook buiten Leuven – KU Leuven|date=|publisher=Kuleuven.be|accessdate=2015-10-18}}</ref> KU Leuven is the largest university in Belgium and the [[Low Countries]]. In 2017-18, more than 58,000 students were enrolled. Its primary language of instruction is Dutch, although several programs are taught in English, particularly graduate degrees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuleuven.be/toekomstigestudenten/studieaanbod/english|title=International programmes|date=|publisher=Kuleuven.be|accessdate=2014-03-28}}</ref><ref>https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/catholic-university-of-leuven-504785</ref>
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KU Leuven consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world by five major ranking tables. As of 2020, it ranks 85th according the Shanghai [[Academic Ranking of World Universities]], 52nd according to the [[CWTS Leiden Ranking]], 45th globally according to [[Times Higher Education]], 56th according [[U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking]] and 80th according [[QS World University Rankings]].<ref name="KU Leuven ARWU Ranking">{{cite web|url=http://www.shanghairanking.com/World-University-Rankings/KU-Leuven.html|title=Academic Ranking of World Universities - KU Leuven|date=12 January 2020||website=www.shanghairanking.com}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven THE Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/ku-leuven|title=World University Rankings - KU Leuven|date=12 January 2020|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven QS Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/ku-leuven|title=QS World University Rankings - KU Leuven|date=12 January 2020|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven USNWR Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/catholic-university-of-leuven-504785|title=U.S. News Education: Best Global Universities - Catholic University of Leuven|date=12 January 2020||publisher=}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven CWTS Leiden Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2019/list|title=CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019|website=|date=23 September 2019|publisher=}}</ref> For four consecutive years starting in 2016, [[Thomson Reuters]] ranked KU Leuven as Europe's most innovative university,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://graphics.reuters.com/EUROPE-UNIVERSITY-INNOVATION/010091N02HR/index.html|title=Reuters Top 100|website=Reuters|access-date=2019-07-11}}</ref> with its researchers having filed more patents than any other university in Europe; its patents are also the most cited by external academics. A number of its programs rank within the top 100 in the world according to QS World University Rankings by Subject.


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KU Leuven consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world by five major ranking tables. As of 2020, it ranks 45th in the [[Times Higher Education]] rankings, 80th according [[QS World University Rankings]], 85th according the Shanghai [[Academic Ranking of World Universities]], 52nd according to the [[CWTS Leiden Ranking]], and 56th according [[U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking]].<ref name="KU Leuven ARWU Ranking">{{cite web|url=http://www.shanghairanking.com/World-University-Rankings/KU-Leuven.html|title=Academic Ranking of World Universities - KU Leuven|date=12 January 2020||website=www.shanghairanking.com}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven THE Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/ku-leuven|title=World University Rankings - KU Leuven|date=12 January 2020|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven QS Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/ku-leuven|title=QS World University Rankings - KU Leuven|date=12 January 2020|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven USNWR Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/catholic-university-of-leuven-504785|title=U.S. News Education: Best Global Universities - Catholic University of Leuven|date=12 January 2020||publisher=}}</ref><ref name="KU Leuven CWTS Leiden Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2019/list|title=CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019|website=|date=23 September 2019|publisher=}}</ref> For four consecutive years starting in 2016, [[Thomson Reuters]] ranked KU Leuven as Europe's most innovative university,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://graphics.reuters.com/EUROPE-UNIVERSITY-INNOVATION/010091N02HR/index.html|title=Reuters Top 100|website=Reuters|access-date=2019-07-11}}</ref> with its researchers having filed more patents than any other university in Europe; its patents are also the most cited by external academics. A number of its programs rank within the top 100 in the world according to QS World University Rankings by Subject.
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In addition to its main campus in Leuven, it has [[satellite campus]]es in [[Kortrijk]], [[Antwerp]], [[Ghent]], [[Bruges]], [[Ostend]], [[Geel]], [[Diepenbeek]], [[Aalst, Belgium|Aalst]], [[Sint-Katelijne-Waver]], and in Belgium's capital [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuleuven.be/campus |title=Studeren aan de KU Leuven, ook buiten Leuven – KU Leuven |publisher=Kuleuven.be |date= |accessdate=2015-10-18}}</ref> KU Leuven is the largest university in Belgium and the [[Low Countries]]. In 2017-18, more than 58,000 students were enrolled. Its primary language of instruction is Dutch, although several programs are taught in English, particularly graduate degrees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuleuven.be/toekomstigestudenten/studieaanbod/english |title=International programmes |publisher=Kuleuven.be |date= |accessdate=2014-03-28}}</ref><ref>https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/catholic-university-of-leuven-504785</ref>


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With historical roots from the 15th century, the [[Catholic University of Leuven (1834-1968)|Catholic University of Leuven]] was re-founded<ref>''Souvenir du XXVe anniversaire de la '''fondation''' de l'Université catholique: Novembre 1859'', Louvain, typographie Vanlinthout et Cie, 1860 : "Inaugurée à Malines, le 4 novembre 1834, l'Université catholique a célébré à Louvain, le jeudi 3 novembre 1859, sa vingt-cinquième année d'existence"[https://books.google.be/books?id=brlLAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&hl=fr#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Souvenir du XXVe anniversaire de la fondation de l'Université catholique: Novembre 1859''].</ref> in 1834, and is frequently (but controversially) identified as a continuation of the older institution.{{ref|caveat|C}} In 1968, the [[Catholic University of Leuven (1834-1968)|Catholic University of Leuven]] split into the Dutch-language Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the French-language UCLouvain, which moved to [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] in [[Wallonia]] and [[Brussels]]. It is considered the oldest extant Catholic university. KU Leuven is open to students from different faiths.
The old [[Old University of Leuven|University of Leuven]] was founded at the center of the historic town of Leuven in 1425, making it Belgium's first university.

Once formally integrated into the French Republic, a law dating to 1793 mandating that all universities in France be closed came into effect.<ref>The law of 15 September 1793 had decreed the suppression of all the colleges and universities in France, but the universities remain de facto until the new law of 7 ventôse year III (25 February 1795) creating the [[Écoles centrales]]. In accordance with this law the University of Louvain was abolished by Decree of the Departement of the Dijle. Louis Trénard, ''De Douai à Lille, une université et son histoire'', Presses Universitaires du Septentrion, 1978, p.37 note 6.</ref> The University of Leuven was abolished by decree of the [[Dyle (department)|Département of the Dyle]] on October 25, 1797.<ref>Jan Roegiers et al., ''Leuven University'', Leuven, Leuven University Press, 1990, p. 31: "''With the Law of 3 Brumaire of Year IV, which reorganized higher education in the French Republic, there was no place for the University of Louvain, and it was abolished by Decree of the Departement of the Dijle on 25 october'' (1797)".</ref>

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The new [[Catholic University of Leuven (1834-1968)|Catholic University of Leuven]] was "founded"<ref>''Souvenir du XXVe anniversaire de la '''fondation''' de l'Université catholique: Novembre 1859'', Louvain, typographie Vanlinthout et Cie, 1860 : "Inaugurée à Malines, le 4 novembre 1834, l'Université catholique a célébré à Louvain, le jeudi 3 novembre 1859, sa vingt-cinquième année d'existence"[https://books.google.be/books?id=brlLAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&hl=fr#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Souvenir du XXVe anniversaire de la fondation de l'Université catholique: Novembre 1859].</ref> in 1834, and is frequently (but controversially) identified as a continuation of the older institution.{{ref|caveat|C}} In 1968, the [[Catholic University of Leuven (1834-1968)|Catholic University of Leuven]] split into the Dutch-language Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven and the French-language [[Université catholique de Louvain]] (UCLouvain), which moved to [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] in [[Wallonia]] and [[Brussels]]. Historically, the Catholic University of Leuven has been a major contributor to the development of Catholic theology. It is considered the oldest extant Catholic university. Although Catholic in heritage, it operates independently from the [[Catholic Church|Church]]. KU Leuven is open to students from different faiths.


==Background and history==
==Background and history==
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{{For|the history of the pre-1970 university|Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968)#History}}
{{For|the history of the pre-1970 university|Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968)#History}}


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The old University of Leuven, founded in 1425, was formally integrated into the French Republic. A law dating to 1793 mandated that all universities in France be closed came into effect.<ref>The law of 15 September 1793 had decreed the suppression of all the colleges and universities in France, but the universities remain de facto until the new law of 7 ventôse year III (25 February 1795) creating the [[Écoles centrales]]. In accordance with this law the University of Louvain was abolished by Decree of the Departement of the Dijle. Louis Trénard, ''De Douai à Lille, une université et son histoire'', Presses Universitaires du Septentrion, 1978, p.37 note 6.</ref> The old University of Leuven was abolished by decree of the [[Dyle (department)|Département of the Dyle]] on October 25, 1797.<ref>Jan Roegiers et al., ''Leuven University'', Leuven, Leuven University Press, 1990, p. 31: "''With the Law of 3 Brumaire of Year IV, which reorganized higher education in the French Republic, there was no place for the University of Louvain, and it was abolished by Decree of the Departement of the Dijle on 25 october'' (1797)".</ref> Re-founded<ref>''Encyclopédie théologique'', tome 54, ''Dictionnaire de l'histoire universelle de l'Église'', Paris : éd. J.P. Migne, 1863, ''sub verbo'' ''Grégoire XVI'', col. 1131 : "Après sa séparation de la Hollande en 1830, la Belgique libérale a vu son Église jouir d'une véritable indépendance. Les évêques s'assemblent en conciles, communiquent avec le Saint-Siège en toute liberté. Sur l'article fondamental des études, '''ils ont fondé l'université catholique de Louvain''', où les jeunes Belges vont en foule puiser aux sources les plus pures toutes les richesses de la science". And : Edward van Even, ''Louvain dans le passé et dans le présent'', Louvain, 1895, p. 606 : "''Par lettre collective du 14 novembre 1833, le corps épiscopal s'adressa à Grégoire XVI, à l'effet d'obtenir l'autorisation nécessaire pour ouvrir l'école. Cette autorisation fut octroyée par un bref du 13 décembre suivant. Une circulaire épiscopale, datée du 20 février 1834, annonça aux fidèles la '''fondation''' d'une Université catholique''".</ref> in 1834 in [[Mechelen]] as the [[Catholic University of Belgium]], it was then moved its seat to the town of [[Leuven]] in 1835, where it changed its name to Catholic University of Leuven.
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In 1968, tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities led to the splitting of the bilingual Catholic University of Leuven into two "sister" universities, with the Dutch-language university becoming a fully functioning independent institution in Leuven in 1970, and the [[Université catholique de Louvain]] departing to a newly built greenfield campus site in the French-speaking part of Belgium. [[Pieter De Somer]] became the first rector of the KUL.

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In 1968, tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities led to the splitting of the bilingual Catholic University of Leuven into two "sister" universities, with the Dutch-language university becoming a fully functioning independent institution in Leuven in 1970, and the [[Université catholique de Louvain]] departing to a newly built greenfield campus site in the French-speaking part of Belgium. KU Leuven's first rector was [[Pieter De Somer]]. KU Leuven considers itself to be the continuation of the [[Old_University_of_Leuven|Studium Generale Lovaniense]] established in 1425.<ref>https://www.kuleuven.be/english/about-kuleuven/history</ref>


In 1972, the KUL set up a separate entity Leuven Research & Development (LRD) to support industrial and commercial applications of university research. It has led to [http://lrd.kuleuven.be/en/spinoff/spin-off-companies numerous spin-offs], such as the technology company Metris, and manages tens of millions of euros in investments and venture capital.
In 1972, the KUL set up a separate entity Leuven Research & Development (LRD) to support industrial and commercial applications of university research. It has led to [http://lrd.kuleuven.be/en/spinoff/spin-off-companies numerous spin-offs], such as the technology company Metris, and manages tens of millions of euros in investments and venture capital.
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On 11 July 2002, the KU Leuven became the dominant institution in the "KU Leuven Association" (see below).
On 11 July 2002, the KU Leuven became the dominant institution in the "KU Leuven Association" (see below).


KU Leuven is a member of the [[Coimbra Group]] (a network of leading European universities) as well as of the [[LERU|LERU Group]] (League of European Research Universities). Since November 2014, KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business is accredited by [[European Quality Improvement System]], which is a leading accreditation system specializing in higher education institutions of management and business administration.<ref name="equis">{{cite web|url=http://feb.kuleuven.be/home/equis|title=EFMD EQUIS Accreditation for KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business}}</ref>
KU Leuven is a member of the [[Coimbra Group]] (a network of leading European universities) as well as of the [[LERU|LERU Group]] (League of European Research Universities). Since November 2014, KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business is accredited by [[European Quality Improvement System]], which is a leading accreditation system specializing in higher education institutions of management and business administration.<ref name="equis">{{cite web|url=http://feb.kuleuven.be/home/equis|title=EFMD EQUIS Accreditation for KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business}}</ref> As of academic year of 2012-2013, the university held Erasmus contracts with 434 European establishments. It also had 22 central bilateral agreements in 8 countries: the United States, China, South Africa, Japan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vietnam, Poland, and the Netherlands. The vast majority of international EU students came from the Netherlands, while most non-EU ones come from China.


In December 2011, the university changed its official name to KU Leuven in all official communications and branding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.flanderstoday.eu/current-affairs/ku-leuven-drops-%E2%80%9Ccatholic%E2%80%9D-its-name|title=KU Leuven drops “Catholic” from its name {{!}} Flanders Today|website=www.flanderstoday.eu|access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2011/12/26/leuven_universitychangesitsname-1-1184056/|title=Leuven University changes its name|last=News|first=Flanders|date=2011-12-26|website=vrtnws.be|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref> While its legal name remains to be Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the university uses KU Leuven in all communications, including academic research publications.<ref name=":0" /> The long name is only used in contracts and only on the first instance, according to university's communication guidelines. According to its then rector, the change is intended as a way to emphasize its history of freedom of academic inquiry and its independence from the Church, without erasure of its Catholic heritage.<ref name=":1" />
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Since August 2017, the university has been led by [[Luc Sels]] who replaced former [[rector (academia)|rector]] [[Rik Torfs]]. The [[Belgium|Belgian]] [[archbishop]], [[André-Joseph Léonard]] is the current ''Grand Chancellor'' and a member of the university [[school board|board]].


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Since August 2017, the university has been led by [[Luc Sels]] who replaced former [[rector (academia)|rector]] [[Rik Torfs]]. The [[Belgium|Belgian]] [[archbishop]], [[André-Joseph Léonard]] is the current ''Grand Chancellor'' and a member of the university [[school board|board]].
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KU Leuven is dedicated to [[Mary, the mother of Jesus]], under her traditional attribute as "[[Seat of Wisdom]]", and organizes an annual celebration on [[Candlemas|2 February]] in her honour. On that day, the university also awards its [[honorary doctorate]]s. The seal used by the university shows the medieval statue [[Sedes Sapientiae, Leuven|Our Lady of Leuven]] in a [[vesica piscis]] shape.

In the academic year of 2012-2013, the university held Erasmus contracts with 434 European establishments. It also had 22 central bilateral agreements in 8 countries: the United States, China, South Africa, Japan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vietnam, Poland, and the Netherlands. The vast majority of international EU students came from the Netherlands, while most non-EU ones come from China.


KU Leuven hosts the world's largest [[banana]] [[Gene bank|genebank]], the [[Bioversity International]] ''Musa'' Germplasm Transit Centre, that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017 and was visited by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation, [[Alexander De Croo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.decroo.belgium.be/en/belgian-support-innovative-agricultural-research|title=Belgian support for innovative agricultural research|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>
KU Leuven hosts the world's largest [[banana]] [[Gene bank|genebank]], the [[Bioversity International]] ''Musa'' Germplasm Transit Centre, that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017 and was visited by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation, [[Alexander De Croo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.decroo.belgium.be/en/belgian-support-innovative-agricultural-research|title=Belgian support for innovative agricultural research|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

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Historically, the Catholic University of Leuven has been a major contributor to the development of Catholic theology. The university is dedicated to [[Mary, the mother of Jesus]], under her traditional attribute as "[[Seat of Wisdom]]", and organizes an annual celebration on [[Candlemas|2 February]] in her honour. On that day, the university also awards its [[honorary doctorate]]s. The seal used by the university shows the medieval statue [[Sedes Sapientiae, Leuven|Our Lady of Leuven]] in a [[vesica piscis]] shape.


==Organization and academics==
==Organization and academics==
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KU Leuven joined the [[Venice International University]] on October 29, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kuleuven.be/english/international/News/viu|title=KU Leuven New Member of VIU – international|website=www.kuleuven.be|language=nl|access-date=2017-01-20}}</ref>
KU Leuven joined the [[Venice International University]] on October 29, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kuleuven.be/english/international/News/viu|title=KU Leuven New Member of VIU – international|website=www.kuleuven.be|language=nl|access-date=2017-01-20}}</ref>


Since July 2002, thirteen higher education institutes have formed the [[KU Leuven Association]]. The members are:<ref name="association">[https://associatie.kuleuven.be/eng/about/members Members KU Leuven Association]. Retrieved June 24, 2018.</ref>
Since July 2002, thirteen higher education institutes have formed the [[KU Leuven Association]]. Members include:<ref name="association">[https://associatie.kuleuven.be/eng/about/members Members KU Leuven Association]. Retrieved June 24, 2018.</ref>
* KU Leuven
* KU Leuven
* [[LUCA School of Arts]]
* [[LUCA School of Arts]]

Revision as of 01:18, 30 April 2020

For the university founded in 1425, see Old University of Leuven. For the 1817-1835 university, see State university of Leuven. For the 1834–1968 university, see Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968). For the present-day French-speaking university, see Université catholique de Louvain.
KU Leuven
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Seal of the University of Leuven
Latin: Universitas catholica Lovaniensis
Other name
Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven
MottoSedes Sapientiae (Latin)
Motto in English
Seat of Wisdom
TypeIndependent/Free catholic university
Established1425 (Studium Generale Lovaniense, suppressed in 1797)

1834/35 (Catholic University of Leuven)C

1970 (split of the bilingual university into KUL and UCL)
Endowment€950 million
ChairmanHerman, Baron Daems
ChancellorJozef De Kesel
RectorLuc Sels
Students58,045 (2017–18)
4,272
Location
Leuven
,
Belgium

50°52′41″N 4°42′00″E / 50.878°N 4.700°E / 50.878; 4.700
CampusMain (urban/university town) campus in Leuven and satellite campuses in Aalst, Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Diepenbeek, Geel, Ghent, Kortrijk, Ostend and Sint-Katelijne-Waver
ColorsBlue and white    
AffiliationsCLUSTER
Coimbra Group
EUA, LERU
CESAER
EQUIS
EASN
VIU
MascotFons Sapientiae
Websitewww.kuleuven.be
Pope Gregory XVI, cofounder with the bishops of Belgium of the Catholic University of Malines in 1834, which would later be the Catholic University of Leuven.

KU Leuven[1] is a research university in the Dutch-speaking city of Leuven in Flanders, Belgium. It conducts teaching, research, and services in the natural sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, law, and social sciences.[2]

The university's full name is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven,A which translates in English as Catholic University of Leuven.B It is however not translated in official communications, like its similarly-named French-language sister university Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain). Although Catholic in heritage, it operates independently from the Church.

In addition to its main campus in Leuven, it has satellite campuses in Kortrijk, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Ostend, Geel, Diepenbeek, Aalst, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, and in Belgium's capital Brussels.[3] KU Leuven is the largest university in Belgium and the Low Countries. In 2017-18, more than 58,000 students were enrolled. Its primary language of instruction is Dutch, although several programs are taught in English, particularly graduate degrees.[4][5]

KU Leuven consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world by five major ranking tables. As of 2020, it ranks 45th in the Times Higher Education rankings, 80th according QS World University Rankings, 85th according the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, 52nd according to the CWTS Leiden Ranking, and 56th according U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking.[6][7][8][9][10] For four consecutive years starting in 2016, Thomson Reuters ranked KU Leuven as Europe's most innovative university,[11] with its researchers having filed more patents than any other university in Europe; its patents are also the most cited by external academics. A number of its programs rank within the top 100 in the world according to QS World University Rankings by Subject.

With historical roots from the 15th century, the Catholic University of Leuven was re-founded[12] in 1834, and is frequently (but controversially) identified as a continuation of the older institution.C In 1968, the Catholic University of Leuven split into the Dutch-language Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the French-language UCLouvain, which moved to Louvain-la-Neuve in Wallonia and Brussels. It is considered the oldest extant Catholic university. KU Leuven is open to students from different faiths.

Background and history

Kasteel van Arenberg, purchased by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven's predecessor in 1921.
For the history of the pre-1970 university, see Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968) § History.

The old University of Leuven, founded in 1425, was formally integrated into the French Republic. A law dating to 1793 mandated that all universities in France be closed came into effect.[13] The old University of Leuven was abolished by decree of the Département of the Dyle on October 25, 1797.[14] Re-founded[15] in 1834 in Mechelen as the Catholic University of Belgium, it was then moved its seat to the town of Leuven in 1835, where it changed its name to Catholic University of Leuven.

In 1968, tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities led to the splitting of the bilingual Catholic University of Leuven into two "sister" universities, with the Dutch-language university becoming a fully functioning independent institution in Leuven in 1970, and the Université catholique de Louvain departing to a newly built greenfield campus site in the French-speaking part of Belgium. KU Leuven's first rector was Pieter De Somer. KU Leuven considers itself to be the continuation of the Studium Generale Lovaniense established in 1425.[16]

In 1972, the KUL set up a separate entity Leuven Research & Development (LRD) to support industrial and commercial applications of university research. It has led to numerous spin-offs, such as the technology company Metris, and manages tens of millions of euros in investments and venture capital.

The university's electronic learning environment, TOLEDO, which started in September 2001, was gradually developed into the central electronic learning environment at the KUL. The word is an acronym for TOetsen en LEren Doeltreffend Ondersteunen (English: "effectively supporting testing and learning"). It is the collective name for a number of commercial software programs and tools, such as Blackboard. The project offers the Question Mark Perception assignment software to all institution members and has implemented the Ariadne KPS to reuse digital learning objects inside the Blackboard environment.

On 11 July 2002, the KU Leuven became the dominant institution in the "KU Leuven Association" (see below).

KU Leuven is a member of the Coimbra Group (a network of leading European universities) as well as of the LERU Group (League of European Research Universities). Since November 2014, KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business is accredited by European Quality Improvement System, which is a leading accreditation system specializing in higher education institutions of management and business administration.[17] As of academic year of 2012-2013, the university held Erasmus contracts with 434 European establishments. It also had 22 central bilateral agreements in 8 countries: the United States, China, South Africa, Japan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vietnam, Poland, and the Netherlands. The vast majority of international EU students came from the Netherlands, while most non-EU ones come from China.

In December 2011, the university changed its official name to KU Leuven in all official communications and branding.[18][19] While its legal name remains to be Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the university uses KU Leuven in all communications, including academic research publications.[1] The long name is only used in contracts and only on the first instance, according to university's communication guidelines. According to its then rector, the change is intended as a way to emphasize its history of freedom of academic inquiry and its independence from the Church, without erasure of its Catholic heritage.[18]

Since August 2017, the university has been led by Luc Sels who replaced former rector Rik Torfs. The Belgian archbishop, André-Joseph Léonard is the current Grand Chancellor and a member of the university board.

KU Leuven hosts the world's largest banana genebank, the Bioversity International Musa Germplasm Transit Centre, that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017 and was visited by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation, Alexander De Croo.[20]

Historically, the Catholic University of Leuven has been a major contributor to the development of Catholic theology. The university is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, under her traditional attribute as "Seat of Wisdom", and organizes an annual celebration on 2 February in her honour. On that day, the university also awards its honorary doctorates. The seal used by the university shows the medieval statue Our Lady of Leuven in a vesica piscis shape.

Organization and academics

Academics at KU Leuven is organized into three groups, each with its own faculties, departments, and schools offering programs up to doctoral level. While most courses are taught in Dutch, many are offered in English, particularly the graduate programs.[21]

Biomedical Sciences Group

  • Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
  • Department of Oral Health Sciences
  • Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences
  • Department of Human Genetics
  • Department of Imaging and Pathology
  • Department of Kinesiology
  • Department of Microbiology and Immunology
  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
  • Department of Neurosciences
  • Department of Oncology
  • Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
  • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Department of Development and Regeneration
  • Department of Public Health and Primary Care

Humanities and Social Sciences Group

  • Institute of Philosophy
  • Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
  • Faculty of Canon Law
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Economics and Business
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences

Science, Engineering and Technology Group

  • Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Department of Architecture
  • Department of Biology
  • Department of Biosystems
  • Department of Civil Engineering
  • Department of Chemistry
  • Department of Chemical Engineering
  • Department of Computer Science
  • Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT)
  • Department of Materials Engineering
  • Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • Department of Mathematics

Libraries

Artes - Ladeuze Library

KU Leuven has 24 libraries and learning centers across its 12 campuses, containing millions of books and other media. Its theology library alone hold 1.3 million volumes, including works dating from the 15th century.[22] The following libraries are found at its Leuven campus:[23]

  • 2Bergen - Biomedical Library
  • 2Bergen - Campuslibrary Arenberg (exact sciences, engineering sciences, industrial engineering sciences, bio-engineering sciences, architecture and kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences)
  • Artes - Ladeuze & Erasmushuis (Humanities & Social Sciences Group and the Faculty of Arts)
  • Library of Psychology and Educational Sciences
  • Law Library
  • Library of Social Sciences
  • Library of the Institute of Philosophy
  • AGORA Learning Centre
  • EBIB Learning Centre
  • MATRIX (music and audio recordings library)
  • Maurits Sabbe Library (Library of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies)

University hospital

Universitair ziekenhuis Leuven (UZ Leuven) is the teaching hospital associated with the KU Leuven. Its most well known and largest campus is Gasthuisberg, which also houses the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences and most of the faculty of medicine.

Organisations

Students attending a conference at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Notable divisions of the university include the Higher Institute of Philosophy and the Rega Institute for Medical Research.

The university is a member of the Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology. The Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre is a spin-off company of the university.

The students of the university are gathered together in the student's council Studentenraad KU Leuven.[24] They have representatives in most meetings at the university, including the Board of Directors. It was separated from LOKO [nl] in 2012-2013 when the different locations outside of Leuven became part of the university. LOKO remained the overarching student organisation for all students in the city of Leuven.

KU Leuven joined the Venice International University on October 29, 2016.[25]

Since July 2002, thirteen higher education institutes have formed the KU Leuven Association. Members include:[26]

Rankings

Template:Infobox European university ranking In 2016, the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven as the world's 93rd best university,[27] while the Times Higher Education ranked KU Leuven 40th best university[28] and QS World University Rankings ranked KU Leuven 79th overall in the world.[29] KU Leuven ranked first in Thomson Reuters' list of Europe's most innovative universities four times in a row since it began in 2016.[30]

According to QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2019, KU Leuven ranked within the world's top 50 universities in the following fields: Sports-related Subjects (11), Theology (14), Dentistry (17), Classics and Ancient History (22), Library and Information Management (23), Psychology (24), Statistics and Operational Research (26), Mechanical Engineering (30), Philosophy (31), Geography (34), Pharmacy & Pharmacology (35), Education and Training (36), Law (37), Social Policy and Administration (39), Development Studies (43), Materials sciences (45), Chemical Engineering (46), Politics (49), Sociology (50), Life Sciences and Medicine (56), Social Sciences and Management (60), , Arts and Humanities (61), Engineering and Technology (61). Also according to QS, many other KU Leuven programs rank within the top 100 in the world, including Linguistics, English Language and Literature, History, Anatomy and Physiology, Architecture, Anthropology, Computer Science and Information System, Biological Sciences, Civil and Structural Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Mathematics, Economics and Econometrics, Chemistry, Accounting and Finance .[31]

Year World university ranking European university ranking World reputation ranking
2011 86 (QS Decrease 21) | 119 (THE) 35 (QS Decrease 14) | 37 (THE)
2012 68 (QS Increase 18) | 67 (THE Increase 52) 24 (QS Increase 11) | 17 (THE Increase 20) 81-90 (THE)
2013 82 (QS Decrease 14) | 58 (THE Increase 9) 31 (QS Decrease 7) | 13 (THE Increase 4) 81-90 (THE Steady)
2014 77 (QS Increase 5) | 61 (THE Decrease 3) 29 (QS Increase 2) | 17 (THE Decrease 4) 71-80 (THE Increase)
2015 82 (QS Decrease 5) | 55 (THE Increase 6) | 96 (ARWU Increase) 31 (QS Decrease 2) | 13 (THE Increase 4) | 32 (ARWU Increase) 71-80 (THE Steady)
2016 82 (QS Steady) | 35 (THE Increase 20) | 90 (ARWU Increase 6) 31 (QS Steady) | 12 (THE Increase 1) | 32 (ARWU Steady) 51-60 (THE Increase)
2017 79 (QS Increase 3) | 40 (THE Decrease 5) | 93 (ARWU Decrease 3) 26 (QS Increase 5) | 12 (THE Steady) | 32 (ARWU Steady) 51-60 (THE Steady)
2018 71(QS Increase 8) | 47 (THE Decrease 7) | 90 (ARWU Increase 3) 21 (QS Increase 5) | 14 (THE Decrease 2) | 31 (ARWU Increase 1) 71-80 (THE Decrease)
2019 48 (THE Decrease 1) | 86 (ARWU Increase 4) 15 (THE Decrease ) | 28 (ARWU Increase 3) 51-60 (THE Increase)

Rectors

# Name Began office Ended office Studies Vice-rector
1 Pieter De Somer 1968 1985 Medicine
2 Roger Dillemans [nl] 1985 1995 Law
3 André Oosterlinck [nl] 1995 2005 Engineering
4 Marc Vervenne 2005 2009 Theology Mark Waer
5 Mark Waer 2009 2013 Medicine
6 Rik Torfs 2013 2017 Canon Law
7 Luc Sels (nl) 2017 Economics

Notable alumni

For pre-1970 alumni see Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968)#Notable alumni

Honorary doctorates

Notable recipients of honorary doctorates at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven include:

Bibliography

See also

Footnotes

A.^ Dutch pronunciation: [katoˈlikə ʔynivɛrsiˈtɛit ˈløːvə(n)], listenⓘ
B.^ According to the university's style guidelines, KU Leuven is the only official name in all languages. [1] (in Dutch) However, according to the university's statutes, [2] KU Leuven is an abbreviation of Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven, [3] which is the university's legal name by the law of 28 May 1970 issuing legal personality to the institution, [4] in the university's own official publications, [5] with a variant Katholieke Universiteit Leuven according to the Flemish Community of Belgium. [6]
C.^ The Old University of Leuven (1425–1797) is the oldest university in the low countries, and the Catholic University of Leuven (1834) is generally, yet controversially, identified as a continuation of it. In the mid-1800s, Belgium's highest court, the Court of Cassation, ruled that the 1834 "Catholic University of Leuven" was a different institution created under a different charter and thus cannot be regarded as continuing the 1425 "University of Leuven".[33] See also: History of the Old University of Leuven.

References

  1. ^ a b "Basic info legal entity KU Leuven". admin.kuleuven.be. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
  2. ^ "About KU Leuven". www.kuleuven.be. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
  3. ^ "Studeren aan de KU Leuven, ook buiten Leuven – KU Leuven". Kuleuven.be. Retrieved 2015-10-18.
  4. ^ "International programmes". Kuleuven.be. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  5. ^ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/catholic-university-of-leuven-504785
  6. ^ "Academic Ranking of World Universities - KU Leuven". www.shanghairanking.com. 12 January 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  7. ^ "World University Rankings - KU Leuven". 12 January 2020.
  8. ^ "QS World University Rankings - KU Leuven". 12 January 2020.
  9. ^ "U.S. News Education: Best Global Universities - Catholic University of Leuven". 12 January 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  10. ^ "CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019". 23 September 2019.
  11. ^ "Reuters Top 100". Reuters. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  12. ^ Souvenir du XXVe anniversaire de la fondation de l'Université catholique: Novembre 1859, Louvain, typographie Vanlinthout et Cie, 1860 : "Inaugurée à Malines, le 4 novembre 1834, l'Université catholique a célébré à Louvain, le jeudi 3 novembre 1859, sa vingt-cinquième année d'existence"Souvenir du XXVe anniversaire de la fondation de l'Université catholique: Novembre 1859.
  13. ^ The law of 15 September 1793 had decreed the suppression of all the colleges and universities in France, but the universities remain de facto until the new law of 7 ventôse year III (25 February 1795) creating the Écoles centrales. In accordance with this law the University of Louvain was abolished by Decree of the Departement of the Dijle. Louis Trénard, De Douai à Lille, une université et son histoire, Presses Universitaires du Septentrion, 1978, p.37 note 6.
  14. ^ Jan Roegiers et al., Leuven University, Leuven, Leuven University Press, 1990, p. 31: "With the Law of 3 Brumaire of Year IV, which reorganized higher education in the French Republic, there was no place for the University of Louvain, and it was abolished by Decree of the Departement of the Dijle on 25 october (1797)".
  15. ^ Encyclopédie théologique, tome 54, Dictionnaire de l'histoire universelle de l'Église, Paris : éd. J.P. Migne, 1863, sub verbo Grégoire XVI, col. 1131 : "Après sa séparation de la Hollande en 1830, la Belgique libérale a vu son Église jouir d'une véritable indépendance. Les évêques s'assemblent en conciles, communiquent avec le Saint-Siège en toute liberté. Sur l'article fondamental des études, ils ont fondé l'université catholique de Louvain, où les jeunes Belges vont en foule puiser aux sources les plus pures toutes les richesses de la science". And : Edward van Even, Louvain dans le passé et dans le présent, Louvain, 1895, p. 606 : "Par lettre collective du 14 novembre 1833, le corps épiscopal s'adressa à Grégoire XVI, à l'effet d'obtenir l'autorisation nécessaire pour ouvrir l'école. Cette autorisation fut octroyée par un bref du 13 décembre suivant. Une circulaire épiscopale, datée du 20 février 1834, annonça aux fidèles la fondation d'une Université catholique".
  16. ^ https://www.kuleuven.be/english/about-kuleuven/history
  17. ^ "EFMD EQUIS Accreditation for KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business".
  18. ^ a b "KU Leuven drops "Catholic" from its name | Flanders Today". www.flanderstoday.eu. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
  19. ^ News, Flanders (2011-12-26). "Leuven University changes its name". vrtnws.be. Retrieved 2020-04-30. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  20. ^ "Belgian support for innovative agricultural research".
  21. ^ "Aantal studenten".
  22. ^ "... that our library has more than 1.3 million volumes?". Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  23. ^ "KU Leuven libraries". bib.kuleuven.be. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  24. ^ "Studentenraad KU Leuven". Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  25. ^ "KU Leuven New Member of VIU – international". www.kuleuven.be (in Dutch). Retrieved 2017-01-20.
  26. ^ Members KU Leuven Association. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  27. ^ "Academic Ranking of World Universities 2015".
  28. ^ "The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019". THE World University Rankings. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  29. ^ "QS World Universities Ranking 2020". QS Top Universities.
  30. ^ Ewalt, David. "Europe's 100 Most Innovative Universities".
  31. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019". Top Universities. Retrieved 2017-05-11.
  32. ^ "KU Leuven and UGent to confer joint honorary doctorate on Angela Merkel".
  33. ^ Ruling of the Cour de Cassation of Belgium of 26 November 1846: "The Catholic University of Leuven can not be regarded as continuing the old University of Leuven", in, Table générale alphabétique et chronologique de la Pasicrisie Belge contenant la jurisprudence du Royaume de 1814 à 1850, Brussels, 1855, p. 585, column 1, alinea 2. See also: Bulletin Usuel des Lois et Arrêtés, 1861, p. 166.

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