Ellen Moons is the Ghent University Alumnus of the Year 2026. Her passion for science took her off the beaten track. She strives for impact with science and is committed to science communication. In addition to being Professor of Physics at Karlstad University in Sweden, she was appointed Secretary-General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the institution that awards several Nobel Prizes. She is the first woman to hold this position since 1739.
"It was a complete surprise. It was also very moving to read those nominations and see how many people had nominated me, and why."
Ellen Moons, Ghent University Alumnus of the Year
About Ellen Moons
Moons studied physics at Ghent University from 1984 to 1989. In the meantime, she has been living and working in Sweden for years. She is Professor of Physics, a member of the Swedish Research Council, has been a member of the committee that awards the Nobel Prizes for Physics and was appointed secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In that role, she announces several Nobel Prizes.
Her curiosity has been a defining factor in her impressive international career: “With the help of my professor, I went to Israel. Nine months turned into five years of doctoral research. It was not easy. I really had doubts. But: step by step. And I adapt easily. I eventually felt at home in every new country.”
Moons also advocates for women in science. Although it is not her ambition to be a role model, she believes visibility matters: “I do see my role as that of an icebreaker for future generations. When young women see examples, their confidence grows and they realise that doors will not remain closed. I think it is extremely important that women are given the opportunity to pursue careers in science. It was a great pleasure to read the motivations of the female researchers who nominated me as Alumnus of the Year.”
Want to read more?
Read the full interview with Ellen Moons.