About
Femke De Backere is a part-time Associate Professor at Ghent University's IDLab research group (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Information Technology) and a full-time Senior Scientist at imec. She holds a Bachelor's in Informatics and Master's in Computer Science Engineering from Ghent University, with doctoral research focused on semantic technologies and personalized healthcare systems through collaborations with intensive care units and industry partners.
Her research integrates computer science, health psychology, and movement science across three primary domains: (1) developing explainable knowledge models, (2) creating personalized context-aware systems, and (3) designing engagement mechanisms like serious games and gamification. Current projects include digital interventions for cancer survivors, VR-based ecological validity platforms, and physical activity promotion in older adults.
Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate strong focus areas: 60% address personalized health interventions using machine learning and ontologies; 30% explore virtual reality applications in clinical and behavioral contexts; and 10% examine academic systems development. Longitudinal trends show increasing emphasis on sensor-driven behavioral analytics and adaptive eHealth platforms.
She leads significant research initiatives including:
- GRAY – Ghent University Research for Aging Young (2020-2030)
- FWO projects on eHealth self-management for cancer survivors and sedentary behavior interruption
- Interdisciplinary grants for VR-enabled consumer preference studies and physical activity interventions
Her lab coordinates doctoral training for 9+ students and collaborates with the eBehaviourChange research unit, focusing on technology-mediated behavior modification across clinical and wellness domains.
