Peter Van Puyvelde is a Full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he leads research at the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) unit within the Department of Chemical Engineering. He is an active member of the Applied Rheology and Plastics Processing Division and the Leuven.AM Institute for Additive Manufacturing. His academic responsibilities include membership in the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and departmental committees. His core research focuses on: Polymer processing and complex fluid dynamics In-situ characterization of flow-microstructure relationships Flow-induced crystallization phenomena Development of sustainable polymer materials Additive manufacturing technologies Professor Van Puyvelde's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on sustainable polymer systems including lignin-based materials, humins valorization, bioplastics, and green additives. His work frequently employs advanced characterization techniques like fast-scanning calorimetry and synchrotron X-ray scattering to study crystallization kinetics and microstructure development in complex polymer systems. He currently supervises PhD students working on nanofiltration membranes and reinforced polymer parts. His extensive research portfolio includes leadership roles in multiple ongoing projects: Polylactic acid bioplastics development (Co-promoter) Lignin-based flame retardants (Co-promoter) Humins valorization for functional polymers (Co-promoter) Ionic liquids for enhanced oil recovery (Promoter) Competition between crystallization and crosslinking (Promoter) Additive manufacturing of polymer composites (Co-promoter)
Jozef Vleugels is a full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he serves as Department Head of Functional Materials (SIEM) within the Department of Materials Science. He is also Chairman of the Leuven Centre for Materials and serves as contact person for the Functional Materials research unit located at Castle Park Arenberg 44 in Leuven. His research focuses on advanced materials processing, particularly in ceramics, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing. Vleugels has extensive expertise in zirconia-based dental biomaterials, nuclear materials, and refractory ceramics. His work integrates traditional ceramic processing techniques with cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, including direct ink writing (DIW) and binder jetting for complex geometries. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on dental applications of zirconia ceramics, laser surface modification techniques, microwave processing, and high-entropy carbide systems. His research group is actively involved in numerous EU and national projects related to additive manufacturing of multi-material components, nuclear applications, and dental biomaterials. Prof. Vleugels teaches several courses including Ceramics and Powder Metallurgy, Advanced Ceramic Materials, and project-based courses in materials science. He supervises numerous doctoral candidates and collaborates extensively with industry partners on applied research projects. He is an active member of multiple research networks including the Materials Science Division, KIEM – KU Leuven Institute for Energy and Society, and Leuven.AM – KU Leuven Institute for Additive Manufacturing. He also serves on various faculty and departmental councils including the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and the Departmental Council of Materials Science.
Roel Leus is a full professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), part of the Operations Research and Statistics Research Group (ORSTAT). He holds roles such as Program Director for the Business Engineering programs and Chairman of the KU Leuven Advisory Committee for the Chinese Region. He earned his PhD in Applied Economics from KU Leuven in 2003, focusing on project planning under uncertainty. His research emphasizes operations research and management, particularly scheduling, project planning, and decision-making under uncertainty. Education: PhD in Applied Economics (KU Leuven, 2003); Master's in Business Engineering (Handelsingenieur, KU Leuven, 1998). He has held academic positions since 2003, including adjunct professorships at Beijing Jiaotong University. His administrative roles include heading ORSTAT research group (2012–2016) and program directorships. Research Interests: Sequencing and scheduling, project planning under uncertainty, discrete optimization, and practical quantitative decision support. He has supervised 12 graduated PhD students as primary supervisor and contributed to numerous publications in top journals like INFORMS Journal on Computing and European Journal of Operational Research. Teaching: Courses include 'Introduction to Operations Research,' 'Operations Research,' and 'Applications of Operations Research.' He coordinates master's theses in Data Science and Business Analytics, focusing on practical optimization problems. Grants and Projects: Acquired over €2 million in research funding from private companies, the National Bank of Belgium, and KU Leuven. His work spans satellite scheduling, supply chain management, and cross-docking logistics. Labs/Teams: Active in ORSTAT, collaborating on projects like drone-assisted delivery and robust scheduling algorithms. His research bridges theoretical advancements with real-world applications in logistics, manufacturing, and aerospace.
Patrick Wagner is a full professor at the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and the Department of Physics of Soft Matter and Biophysics. His research focuses on biosensors, soft matter physics, and nanotechnology, often intersecting with biomedical and environmental applications. Head of the Department of Physics of Soft Matter and Biophysics Member of Leuven One Health and LIMNI institutes Active in interdisciplinary projects involving sensor development and biophysical systems His current projects include PFAS contamination monitoring, thermally responsive biosensors, and advanced electrode systems for lab-on-chip integration. While no explicit awards or students are listed in the provided text, his publications highlight collaborations across Europe and involvement in clinical, environmental, and materials science domains. Recent works emphasize electrochemical sensing, molecular imprinting, and temperature-driven cell adhesion techniques.
Heidi Ottevaere is a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) since October 1, 2009. She serves as the head of the Instrumentation and Metrology platform at the Photonics Innovation Center and leads the 'biophotonics' research unit of the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT), which is chaired by Prof. Hugo Thienpont. Her work focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterization of photonic components and systems for diverse applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes. Dr. Ottevaere earned her Electrotechnical Engineering degree with majors in Photonics from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 1997 and completed her PhD in Applied Sciences at the same institution in 2003. Her doctoral research focused on 'Refractive microlenses and micro-optical structures for multi-parameter sensing: a touch of micro-photonics.' Professor Ottevaere's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas of photonics with particular emphasis on biophotonics, micro-optics, and optical metrology . Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, developing novel photonic components and systems that address real-world challenges. She has pioneered research in miniaturized optical systems for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. Her current research focuses on advancing lab-on-a-chip technologies, microfluidic optical sensors, and novel optical fiber systems for biomedical applications. She has developed microminiaturized, integrated plastic detection units for absorbance and laser-induced fluorescence measurements in microfluidic channels, enabling portable, robust, and disposable diagnostic systems. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrated optical sensing systems with applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. There's a clear progression from fundamental optical component design to complete system integration, with increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence for data analysis and computational imaging techniques. Her work bridges photonics with biomedical engineering, materials science, and data science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern photonics research. Dr. Ottevaere has been recognized with several prestigious awards: Best Application award (2008) Educational award - Bronze (2019) MOC09 Contribution Award Winners (2009) As an educator and mentor, Professor Ottevaere has promoted 9 PhD students and supervised numerous master's theses. She has secured substantial research funding from diverse sources including the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT), and multiple European Framework Programs. Her current portfolio includes projects on miniaturized biosensors for drinking water screening, precision manufacturing, and photonics education initiatives in Uzbekistan. She has coordinated multiple strategic research and networking projects with regional, national, and international funding bodies. Professor Ottevaere leads the biophotonics research unit within the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT), one of Europe's leading photonics research groups. Her team includes researchers working on optical metrology, micro-optics fabrication, and biophotonic applications. She collaborates extensively with industry partners including Melexis, Umicore, and Anteryon, as well as academic institutions across Europe through various EU-funded projects. She has been instrumental in developing the interuniversity engineering curriculum 'Master in Photonics' which received the EC Erasmus Mundus quality label in 2006, and continues to be the driving force behind photonics education at VUB.
Prof. Wim Desmet is a full professor at the Faculty of Engineering Science and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven . His research focuses on advanced modeling techniques for mechanical systems, including: noise and vibration control in automotive and industrial systems computational acoustics and interval field uncertainty modeling metamaterials for broadband vibroacoustic performance AI-driven diagnostic systems in renewable energy and manufacturing Current research projects address challenges in electric vehicle drivetrains, wind turbine monitoring, and multi-physical digital twin development. He actively contributes to academic governance as: Managing Director of KU Leuven Head of Subdivision HIST Chair of multiple executive committees Member of 15+ academic and administrative councils
Robrecht Abts is a researcher at KU Leuven’s Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) group, affiliated with the De Nayer Campus. His work bridges electromechanics, materials science, and advanced manufacturing techniques. His research focuses on structure, behavior, and sustainability of materials , with particular emphasis on thermal analysis in additive manufacturing processes like fused filament fabrication (FFF). This includes leveraging deep learning for real-time thermal data interpretation and optimizing electrical discharge machining (EDM) through adaptive pulse classification. Recent publications highlight his expertise in Threshold-free machine learning pipelines Thermal modeling in 3D printing COMSOL simulations for manufacturing processes
Ruben Snellings is a Professor at the KU Leuven , affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals and the Division of Geology . His research focuses on sustainable cementitious materials, mineral carbonation, and valorization of industrial by-products in construction. He actively contributes to RILEM technical committees, including TC 309-MCP and TC 267-TRM, establishing terminology and testing protocols for carbonation-based construction products. Research Highlights Advancing low-carbon binders through co-calcination of waste materials Investigating hydration kinetics and reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) Developing CO2 mineralization techniques for sustainable construction Technical Contributions Co-developing standardized R3 reactivity tests for SCMs Leading interlaboratory validation studies for binder performance Environmental Focus Reducing environmental leaching via carbonation of metallurgical slags Optimizing circular economy approaches for concrete recycling
Gamze Egin Martin is a Researcher in the MOBI - Electromobility Research Centre at Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Faculty of Engineering, specializing in Electrical Engineering and Power Electronics. She focuses on advanced thermal management systems for wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, power electronics for electric vehicles, and high-performance power module design. Her work includes projects like SOCMAAK36 (Smart Single Oil System), NEXTBMS (Next-Gen Battery Management Systems), and HiEfficient (GaN-based power systems). Research Interests: Power Electronics, Thermal Systems, Electric Vehicle Technologies, Semiconductor Reliability Her recent publications address challenges in GaN power modules, SiC MOSFET cooling, and additive manufacturing for automotive inverters. She actively collaborates with industry partners, contributing to EU-funded initiatives like ECSEL. Key Projects: BRGPROV9 (HiEfficient), EUAR140 (NEXTBMS), SOCMAAK36 She has supervised student research, including Aouami's Master's thesis on cooling systems for WBG-based chargers.
Dr. Krishna Kumar Saxena is a faculty member at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Research and Education - Materials and Mechanical Engineering (Geel Campus) and the Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit in the Arenberg campus. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and engagement, with a focus on non-conventional micromachining processes and hybrid manufacturing technologies. Research Interests: Non-conventional micromachining (ECM, EDM, laser), hybrid laser-electrochemical processes, electrochemical nano-manufacturing, simulation-based virtual sensing, and sustainable manufacturing systems. Teaching: Contributes to courses on smart mechanics and industrial control systems. Engagement: Participates in EU Horizon 2020 projects (MICROMAN, ProSurf), FWO-funded postdoctoral research (2021-2024), and international collaborations (University of Tokyo, NSFC mobility projects).
Konstantinos Gryllias is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences. He leads research in the Mechatronic System Dynamics (LMSD) unit at the Arenberg campus. His academic affiliations extend across multiple KU Leuven institutes including Leuven.AI, Leuven.AM (Additive Manufacturing), and the Gravitation Institute. He serves on important governance bodies as a member of the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences, Faculty Doctoral Committee of Engineering Sciences, and Departmental Council of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Gryllias specializes in signal processing, fault detection and diagnosis of rotating machinery, condition monitoring, and machine learning applications in structural health monitoring. His research spans linear and nonlinear vibrations, anomaly detection, rotordynamics, and pattern recognition. His work bridges theoretical signal processing with practical engineering applications in wind turbines, marine propulsion systems, and industrial machinery. His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on deep learning approaches for wind turbine anomaly detection, bearing diagnostics, stern bearing lubrication optimization, and structural health monitoring using advanced signal processing techniques. The research shows increasing integration of explainable AI methods with traditional vibration analysis. Dr. Gryllias teaches advanced courses including Monitoring & Prognostics, Structural Dynamics, Smart Sensing Technologies, and Applied AI perspectives. His teaching portfolio reflects the interdisciplinary nature of his research, connecting mechanical engineering fundamentals with cutting-edge AI methodologies. He currently leads multiple research projects through 2025-2029, primarily as Promotor, focusing on fault detection in gears using fiber optic sensors, multi-sensor monitoring of drivelines, physics-inspired machine learning for condition monitoring, and digital twin applications for wind turbine efficiency improvement.
Overview Mohamed El Baghdadi is a postdoctoral researcher at the MOBI - Electromobility Research Centre and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Power Electronics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His work focuses on advanced power electronics for electric vehicles, thermal management systems, and sustainable energy integration. He has led over 30 projects since 2014, including high-profile initiatives like GEARING MOBI and DESTINY. Research Interests His research spans: Electric vehicle powertrains and charging infrastructure SiC/GaN semiconductor cooling solutions Digital twin modeling for power electronics Fuel cell vehicle optimization Thermal management of high-power inverters Key Contributions Recent work includes groundbreaking advancements in: 6-phase motor drive systems Additive-manufactured cooling structures Multiport DC charging strategies Fuel cell coach powertrain design Awards Awarded the Best Paper Award (2024) and WEVJ BEST PAPER AWARD (2021) for contributions to electric vehicle technologies. Collaborations Active collaborations with industry leaders on EU-funded projects like GIANTS and SOCMAAK39, focusing on decarbonization and electromobility innovations.
Els Henckaerts is a Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, where she serves as head of the Trellis Research Group and Virus-Host Interactions and Therapeutic Approaches (VITA) Research Group. She additionally holds leadership roles as division head of the Virology Division Group 4 – Rega and is an active member of the KU Leuven Brain Institute and Leuven Institute for Rare Diseases. Her research integrates virology, molecular biology, and gene therapy with emphasis on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector development for rare genetic disorders. Current investigations focus on dual AAV intein-based systems for DFNB9 deafness, nanobody-conjugated vectors for enhanced targeting specificity, and preclinical Parkinson's disease therapies. Her work bridges fundamental viral mechanisms with translational applications in inherited sensory and neurodegenerative conditions. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant themes in AAV vector engineering, analytical characterization methods, and rare disease applications. Key trends include standardization of rAAV production processes, novel conjugation technologies for tissue-specific delivery, and advanced quantification techniques using digital droplet PCR and nanopore sequencing. Henckaerts leads multiple major initiatives including the European Research Alliance for Rare Diseases (2024-2031), an integrated AAV therapy development ecosystem (2025-2030), and the Gene Therapy Innovation Training Network (GET-IN). Her grant portfolio demonstrates significant funding for translational gene therapy projects with clinical endpoints. The Trellis Research Group operates across KU Leuven's Herestraat and Gaston Geenslaan campuses, maintaining specialized facilities for vector production, preclinical testing, and analytical characterization. The team collaborates extensively with clinical partners through the Rega Institute and participates in European consortia focused on rare disease therapeutics.
Reza Talemi is a Professor and Head of the Elooi Research Laboratory within the SCALINT Division at the Department of Materials Engineering (MTM), Faculty of Engineering Technology, KU Leuven, Belgium. His research focuses on structural integrity of materials fabricated through advanced manufacturing techniques, with particular expertise in impact dynamics, fracture mechanics, and fatigue analysis of metallic materials. His educational background shows extensive specialization in materials science and engineering, with research focusing on structural integrity assessment of advanced materials. His work bridges experimental and numerical approaches to understand material behavior under various loading conditions. Talemi's research interests span structural integrity of advanced materials, tribo-mechanical fracture, innovative testing methods for material behavior assessment, and advanced numerical modeling of material failure. His work has significant applications in aerospace, energy, and manufacturing sectors where material integrity is critical for safety and performance. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on additive manufacturing technologies, particularly examining fretting fatigue behavior of additively manufactured components, residual stress characterization, and microstructural analysis. The research shows consistent advancement in understanding how advanced manufacturing processes affect material properties and structural performance. Among his notable contributions are development of specialized testing apparatus for evaluating material performance in dovetail joint configurations, advanced numerical modeling techniques for predicting material behavior, and innovative approaches to characterize material integrity under complex loading conditions. Professor Talemi actively supervises numerous PhD students and leads multiple research projects, including 'Precise advanced material processing via controlled fatigue fracture' and 'Hybrid Experimental and Numerical Framework for Monitoring Structural Integrity in Aerospace Structures,' demonstrating his leadership in both academic and applied research domains.
Maarten Blommaert is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven. He leads the Applied Mechanics and Energy conversion (TME) unit at the Geel Campus and heads the Subdivisie EnergyVille TME. His research focuses on numerical optimization of thermal systems, particularly district heating networks, additive manufactured heat exchangers, and plasma-facing components for nuclear fusion reactors. Assistant Professor, KU Leuven Head, Subdivisie EnergyVille TME Member, KIES Institute Member, Leuven.AM Institute Member, EnergyVille Blommaert's research explores three main areas: heat network optimization through automated design tools like PATHOPT, additive manufacturing of high-performance heat exchangers, and thermally resistant wall modules for nuclear fusion reactors. His work combines computational modeling with advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Scientific awards include collaborative research contributions in: Optimizing district heating networks for renewable energy integration Developing next-generation heat exchangers Advancing nuclear fusion reactor technology Blommaert actively supervises research projects in thermal-fluid systems and collaborates with institutions like VITO and EnergyVille. His research team IDEAL (Innovative Design for Energy Applications Lab) specializes in free-shape and topology optimization techniques for energy components and systems.
