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Geert Deconinck is a full professor at KU Leuven , leading the Electrical Energy Systems and Applications (ELECTA) research group within the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT). He also serves as scientific leader of the EnergyVille research center's algorithms domain, focusing on smart electrical networks and thermal systems. M.Sc. and Ph.D. from KU Leuven Head of ELECTA since 2012 (10 professors, 8 postdocs, 70+ PhDs) Over 8 million EUR research budget in last 5 years 44 completed PhDs and 10 current advisees IEEE Transactions editorial board member His research spans smart grid architectures , distributed control , and cyber-physical security , with recent focus on EV-grid integration , renewable energy democratization , and multi-carrier energy systems . Current projects include: Smart Charging - E-Mobility meets Renewable Energy Early Detection and Defense Systems for Smart Grids Open-source P2P energy sharing platforms Microgrid control strategies for PV-battery systems Awarded IET Fellow and IEEE Senior Member status, his work combines machine learning with power systems engineering through both theoretical modeling and experimental validation . He has contributed over 575 publications with 9800+ Google Scholar citations.

• Smart Grids
• Distributed Control Systems
• Renewable Energy Integration
• +6 more

Tom Dhaene is a Full Professor at Ghent University, affiliated with the Department of Information Technology (INTEC-IDLab) within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEA). He also holds a position at imec, a research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Research Unit: Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab) Academic Rank: Full Professor Affiliations: Ghent University, imec His research focuses on data-efficient machine learning, surrogate modeling, Gaussian processes, Bayesian optimization, and system identification. He has developed widely used software tools such as the SUMO toolbox and ooDACE, and holds 5 U.S. patents. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in engineering and biomedical domains. Recent publications highlight his contributions to physics-informed machine learning, antenna design, microwave optimization, and healthcare applications. Notably, he explores Bayesian active learning, multi-objective optimization under uncertainty, and efficient modeling techniques for complex systems. Prof. Dhaene's research has been recognized through over 500 peer-reviewed publications and collaborations across academia, industry, and government sectors globally.

• Data-Efficient Machine Learning
• Surrogate Modeling
• Gaussian Processes
• +3 more

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.

• Operations Research
• Operations Management
• Sequencing and Scheduling
• +6 more

Tegoeh Tjahjowidodo is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences , KU Leuven , affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit at Campus De Nayer. He serves as Head of Education for Electromechanics programs and leads Subdivision 17 at the campus. Research Areas: Additive Manufacturing (Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing), Process Monitoring, Control Systems, Laser Micromanufacturing, Wear Analysis, Robotics, and Condition Monitoring. Publication Trends: Focus on in-situ monitoring of laser micromanufacturing, machine learning for abrasive belt grinding, WAAM parameter optimization , and multi-sensor fusion for process control. Scientific Contributions: Co-promotor for MultiTRIBO (tribology), Promotor for WAAM structural integrity and pedicle screw surgical simulators . Active in international collaborations (e.g., 25th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication, Spain 2024).

• Additive Manufacturing
• Process Monitoring
• Control Systems
• +6 more

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.

• Structural integrity of materials
• Advanced manufacturing techniques
• Fracture mechanics
• +7 more

Brecht Van Hooreweder is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences , KU Leuven , and serves as Director of the KU Leuven Institute for Additive Manufacturing (Leuven.AM) . His research focuses on advanced laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) techniques for metals, ceramics, and polymers, with an emphasis on surface quality, fatigue performance, and multi-functional applications. Research Areas Van Hooreweder specializes in: Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Mechanical properties of AM materials Laser-based process optimization Metal lattice structures for aerospace and biomedical applications Surface roughness and fatigue life enhancement Scientific Contributions His recent publications address challenges in: Improving surface quality via dual-laser systems Multi-scale fatigue analysis of Ti-6Al-4V and 316L stainless steel Computational models for melt pool dynamics Thermal management in copper heat exchangers

• Additive Manufacturing
• 3D Printing
• Mechanical Engineering
• +4 more

Dieter Jens De Baere serves as a Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, leading the Applied Mechanics Acoustics & Vibrations Research Group. His work centers on hybrid manufacturing and smart structures within mechanical engineering, with significant contributions to additive manufacturing technologies reflected in an h-index of 13 and 48 research outputs. His primary research domains include Additive Manufacturing, Structural Health Monitoring, and Laser Cladding, with specialized focus on 3D printing process optimization, crack mitigation in metal components, and real-time flaw detection systems. Current investigations address thermal gradient control in directed energy deposition and fatigue analysis of functionally graded materials for aerospace applications. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate concentrated advancement in laser-directed energy deposition processes, particularly in-situ monitoring using high-speed imaging and thermal management strategies to reduce distortion in metal additive manufacturing. These efforts directly support industrial implementation of Industry 4.0 manufacturing standards. Prof. De Baere currently supervises one graduate student project. His research receives substantial funding through multiple competitive grants: NGCAT1: Metal hybrid 3D printing project (2025-2028) OZR4367: Strategic pillars for metal hybrid 3D printing (2024-2028) FWOSBO62: Fatigue optimization for sustainable additive manufacturing (2024-2028) IOF3024: VALM&M industrial valorization project (2023-2027) SRP82: Advanced modeling and monitoring strategies (2022-2027) He directs the Applied Mechanics Acoustics & Vibrations Research Group, which maintains active collaborations with aerospace and manufacturing industry partners to develop next-generation structural health monitoring systems and hybrid manufacturing solutions for critical components.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Laser Cladding
• +3 more

Frank Buysschaert is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven, based at the Bruges Campus. He heads the Subdivision M-Group Aeronautics, Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion and serves as contact person for the Applied Mechanics and Energy conversion (TME) unit. He also holds senior academic positions on the Faculty of Engineering Technology Council and Mechanical Engineering Department Council. His research spans renewable energy systems with emphasis on ocean energy conversion, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Current projects integrate aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and energy conversion to develop sustainable solutions for defense, offshore wind, and aerospace applications. Key focus areas include hybrid drone systems, PEM fuel cell optimization, and rim-driven thruster hydrodynamics. Recent publications reveal strong interdisciplinary trends connecting hydrogen-powered UAVs, marine propulsion systems, and military water treatment. His work bridges fundamental material science (e.g., proton exchange membrane degradation) with applied engineering (e.g., adjoint-based duct optimization), demonstrating consistent growth in energy conversion and drone technology research. Dr. Buysschaert actively secures major research funding as promotor or co-promotor, with current projects including: Development of a Hybrid Fixed-Wing and Hover Drone System for Long-Range Offshore Wind Inspection (2025-2029) Hydrogen technology for defense energy supply (2022-2026) Performance prediction of fuel cells in UAVs under variable weather (2024-2028) He operates within KU Leuven's M-Group specializing in aeronautics and energy conversion, utilizing advanced facilities like the tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry system. His team collaborates on drone inspection systems, hydrogen propulsion, and marine energy conversion with strong industry and defense sector partnerships.

• Renewable Energy
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• +3 more

Bey Vrancken serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Science, where he leads research within the Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit at Celestijnenlaan 300. As an active member of the Council of the Faculty of Engineering Science and Mechanical Engineering Department Council, he drives strategic initiatives while maintaining laboratory operations in room 02.172. His dual role as educator and researcher bridges theoretical knowledge with industrial applications through KU Leuven's Leuven.AM Institute for Additive Manufacturing. Dr. Vrancken's research program centers on transformative manufacturing technologies with four interconnected pillars: Process Innovation: Laser Powder Bed Fusion optimization through multi-sensor fusion and real-time control systems Materials Science: Microstructure manipulation of alloys like super duplex stainless steel and multi-material systems Biomedical Integration: Development of patient-specific implants using Voronoi structures for orthopedic applications Sustainable Production: Zero-defect manufacturing frameworks via AI-driven geometric deviation prediction His methodology uniquely combines computational modeling with experimental validation, particularly in monitoring acoustic emissions and thermal profiles during metal additive processes. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals a strategic research trajectory toward industrial implementation, with 70% of studies addressing in-situ monitoring challenges and 40% focusing on biomedical applications. Key collaborations with the University of British Columbia through the SusManPro initiative demonstrate international leadership in sustainable manufacturing, while his large-scale interlaboratory study establishes critical standards for metal and polymer LPBF processes across 50+ research institutions. Dr. Vrancken actively mentors graduate researchers including F.J. Gallego Bordallo (computational modeling for LPBF enhancement) and C. Hou (Voronoi structures for shoulder implants), while securing substantial project funding through 9 concurrent grants. His MULTIMAT project (2023-2027) pioneers multi-material LPBF techniques, and the 2025-2031 shoulder implant initiative coordinates design, production, and clinical testing phases across engineering and medical disciplines. Within KU Leuven's ecosystem, he operates through the MaPS research unit's advanced facilities including laser powder bed fusion systems with integrated thermal imaging and acoustic monitoring. His team collaborates with the POC Materiaalkunde network on materials characterization and leverages Leuven.AM's industry partnerships for technology transfer, particularly in aerospace applications through his Aircraft Materials courses.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Process Monitoring and Control
• Materials Processing
• +3 more

Wim De Roeck is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Technology. He serves as contact person for the Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD) research group at Group T Leuven Campus and heads Subdivision 20 within the same campus. Additionally, he holds multiple program director roles for Elektromechanica programs across different KU Leuven campuses. His research focuses on acoustics, vibration analysis, and fluid dynamics with particular emphasis on aeroacoustics and flow-structure interactions. De Roeck's work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to address noise and vibration challenges in mechanical systems. His research spans multiple application domains including automotive systems, aerospace components, and HVAC technologies, with a strong focus on micro-perforations, flow ducts, and Helmholtz resonators. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on advanced measurement techniques (particularly two-port and three-port characterization methods), impedance modeling of micro-scale components, and the development of both experimental and numerical approaches to understand flow-acoustic interactions. His work increasingly incorporates data-driven methodologies while maintaining strong foundations in fundamental acoustics and fluid mechanics principles. As an educator, De Roeck contributes to multiple courses including Strength of Materials for Machine Design, Finite Element Based Design, and Vehicle Dynamics, demonstrating his interdisciplinary expertise across mechanical engineering domains. He actively participates in institutional governance as a member of the Board and Council of the Faculty of Engineering Technology and serves as secretary for the POC Elektromechanica committee, reflecting his significant administrative contributions alongside his research and teaching responsibilities.

• Acoustics
• Vibration Analysis
• Fluid Dynamics
• +4 more

Aurélie Bellemans is a Professor in Applied Mechanics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), specializing in plasma physics and combustion engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. Her research integrates thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and machine learning to address challenges in aerospace propulsion, hydrogen energy systems, and sustainable combustion technologies. She leads multiple high-impact projects including DESTINY (low-carbon technologies), SRP98 (data-driven thermal-fluid systems), and FOD112 (Belgian Hydrogen Fundamental Expertise). Her research interests focus on Plasma Physics , Combustion Engineering , and Fluid Dynamics , with specific expertise in plasma-assisted ignition, hydrogen combustion, and machine learning applications for kinetic mechanism reduction. Recent work demonstrates significant contributions to nanosecond pulsed plasma-assisted ammonia combustion and data-driven modeling of hypersonic plasma flows, reflecting her leadership in bridging fundamental plasma science with practical aerospace and energy applications. Recent publications reveal strong trends in Machine learning applications for plasma kinetics (60% of 2020-2025 output) Hypersonic aerothermodynamics and reentry vehicle testing (25%) Sustainable fuel combustion (ammonia, hydrogen) (15%) Her work consistently addresses critical gaps in plasma diagnostics, combustion efficiency, and emission reduction through innovative computational frameworks. Scientific awards include: European Research Prize of the SOM foundation (2023) BAEF Postdoctoral fellowship (2018) Bourse d'Excellence WBI.World (2019) FRIA doctoral fellowship (2014) Solvay Awards (2018) As an ERC proposal Administrative Promoter, Bellemans actively mentors junior researchers through MSCA Doctoral Networks and supervises postdoctoral fellows in plasma-assisted combustion projects. Her research is supported by major grants including EU Horizon Europe funding, FWO projects, and industry collaborations focused on hydrogen turbine technology and low-carbon propulsion systems. Current projects emphasize digital twin development for reacting flows and plasma diagnostics for hypersonic testing facilities. She actively contributes to research infrastructure through leadership in the VKI Plasmatron facility characterization and development of standardized enthalpy rebuilding procedures for plasma wind tunnels, collaborating with European Space Agency and industrial partners on reentry vehicle testing protocols.

• Plasma Physics
• Combustion Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• +5 more

Moussa Amrani is a researcher with expertise in Model-Driven Engineering , Artificial Intelligence , and Database Performance Testing . His work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing technological innovation and systems modeling. He collaborates with scholars like P.-Y. Schobbens and participates in projects such as CoTu: Erasmus+ICM for Higher Education Mobility and THCS: Testing Highly-configurable Systems . His research interests span Model Federation , UAV Coordination , and Machine Learning Applications in Databases . Recent publications highlight trends in federative model management, autonomous drone control in dynamic environments, and enhancing reproducibility in database testing. These works reflect interdisciplinary efforts bridging Computer Science , Cyber-Physical Systems , and Software Engineering . Collaborations : Active in international research groups (e.g., VeriLearn, MPM4CPS) with focus on AI verification and model-driven approaches. Research Themes : Model transformations, configurability in systems, and real-time coordination mechanisms.

• Model-Driven Engineering
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• +7 more

Dr. Ann Witvrouw is a senior researcher at KU Leuven's Department of Mechanical Engineering (division MaPS), specializing in additive manufacturing (AM) and advanced materials processing. Her work focuses on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), surface quality optimization, and hybrid manufacturing systems. She leads research into AM applications for aerospace, medical implants, and industrial tooling, emphasizing process monitoring, defect characterization, and material-property enhancements. Her research integrates advanced imaging techniques (e.g., X-ray computed tomography) with real-time in-process monitoring to improve part precision and reliability. Key areas include pore detection in LPBF, powder-characterization strategies for surface finishing, and topology-optimized tooling designs. As a core member of Flanders Make, she collaborates widely on interdisciplinary AM projects, bridging academic and industrial innovation. Research Themes: Metal AM process optimization, LPBF defect mitigation, hybrid manufacturing, and bio-based composite printing. Key Technologies: Coaxial/Off-axis melt pool monitoring, machine learning for defect classification, and topology optimization for AM. Dr. Witvrouw's publications highlight advancements in AM surface functionalization, hybrid die-casting-SLM systems, and high-speed LPBF methodologies. She actively supervises PhD students in areas like LPBF powder selection and in-process monitoring, contributing to next-generation AM technologies. Her work addresses critical challenges in AM adoption, such as post-processing reduction, first-time-right manufacturing, and scalability for industrial applications. She also explores innovative AM applications in medical and aerospace sectors, emphasizing precision and cost-effectiveness.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
• Materials Processing
• +3 more

Lincy Pyl is a Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), holding roles as Department Chair and Head of Research Group in the Mechanics of Materials and Constructions department. Their work focuses on advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and composite material behavior under extreme conditions. Pyl leads multiple high-impact projects funded by EU and industry partnerships, including initiatives on recycled composites, thermal strain modeling, and blast-resistant structures. Research interests span composite materials, acoustic emission analysis, thermal stress management, and metamaterial design. Notable contributions include developing hybrid mechanical metamaterials and improving mechanical properties of 3D-printed composites. Over 166 publications and 15 active or completed research projects highlight their prolific output, with collaborations across Europe and beyond. Advisor to 36 doctoral and master's theses, Pyl mentors students in advanced materials characterization and sustainability. Their work bridges fundamental science with industrial applications, addressing challenges in aerospace, civil engineering, and environmental management. Key projects include COMPOST (composite recycling), ANI420 (additive manufacturing), and SBO-Optimization (sustainable manufacturing). Active in academic governance, Pyl chairs multiple PhD committees and works on international research coordination. Their lab focuses on integrating computational modeling with experimental validation to advance material science and engineering solutions.

• Composite Materials
• Additive Manufacturing
• Mechanical Properties of Materials
• +3 more

Sameer Dayanand Meshram is a Researcher at KU Leuven's Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit in Leuven, Belgium, specializing in additive manufacturing with particular expertise in laser powder bed fusion and lattice structure characterization. His research focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of complex 3D-printed metallic structures. His primary research interests include: Additive Manufacturing - Metal 3D printing technologies and process optimization Laser Powder Bed Fusion - Parameter development and material behavior analysis Lattice Structure Characterization - Mechanical properties of cellular structures Materials Science - Titanium alloys for high-performance applications Mechanical Engineering - Structural integrity and fatigue behavior His recent publication examines the fatigue behavior of Ti-6Al-4V diamond lattices, providing critical torsional and axial tension/compression data that advances understanding of how these complex structures perform under stress. This work has significant implications for lightweight design applications in aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries where weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity is essential. Dr. Meshram brings diverse international experience from nine cities across Europe, South Asia, and North America, having previously served as a Project Scientist at IIT Delhi, Mechanical Design Engineer at Tesla, Volkswagen, and other major companies, and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Washington - Seattle. His interdisciplinary background combines industrial engineering practice with academic research. Outside his primary research focus, he maintains interests in Asian art and culture (particularly India/Pakistan), Economics, and Political Science. He is an amateur investor, Tabla player, and currently mentors early to mid-stage technology startups, believing that 'an interdisciplinary knowledge base is the key to solving highly complex problems.'

• Additive Manufacturing
• Laser Powder Bed Fusion
• Lattice Structure Characterization
• +2 more