Luc Van Hoorebeke

Luc Van Hoorebeke is a Senior Full Professor at Ghent University in the Department of Physics and Astronomy within the Faculty of Sciences. He also serves as an Associated staff member in the Department of Electronics and Information Systems within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. His research is centered at the Centre for X-ray Tomography and the Radiation Physics research group, where he leads the Composites Core Facility.

Professor Van Hoorebeke's expertise spans X-ray imaging, particularly micro-CT, with applications in environmental science, materials research, and biomedical engineering. His research focuses on image processing, applied nuclear physics, computational physics, and spectroscopic methods. His work bridges multiple disciplines, with significant contributions to dendrochronology for climate reconstruction, materials characterization of wood and composites, and biomedical applications including bone pathology and cardiovascular research. His methodology development includes advanced techniques for phase-contrast imaging, dual-energy CT, and X-ray fluorescence tomography.

His extensive publication record demonstrates innovative approaches to X-ray imaging, with recent work focusing on developing high-throughput pipelines for tree-ring analysis that enable millennial-scale temperature reconstructions. His research also addresses challenges in biomedical imaging, including stem cell therapy assessment and inflammatory bone loss mechanisms. A consistent theme across his work is the development of improved imaging algorithms and methodologies that enhance resolution, accuracy, and application scope of X-ray tomography techniques.

Professor Van Hoorebeke leads the Centre for X-ray Tomography at Ghent University, which serves as a core research facility supporting interdisciplinary projects. His team develops and applies advanced X-ray imaging techniques across diverse fields, from analyzing Martian samples to studying ancient wooden artifacts. The research group maintains strong collaborations with departments across Ghent University and with international partners on projects ranging from climate science to space exploration.