Prof. dr. Nico Van de Weghe is a full Professor of GIScience at the University of Ghent (UGent), affiliated with the CartoGIS research unit. His work bridges computer science, social science, and natural science through geospatial information studies, focusing on enabling machines to reason spatially (GeoAI). Since 2004, he has specialized in knowledge-based AI, particularly spatiotemporal reasoning and moving object analysis, with applications in animal behavior, criminology, healthcare, mobility, and sports. Van de Weghe's research emphasizes hybrid GeoAI systems combining knowledge-driven and data-driven approaches. Keywords include GeoAI, GIScience, Spatiotemporal Analysis, Moving Objects, and Data Mining. Recent publications highlight urban road network analysis, hybrid trajectory modeling, BIM semantic enrichment, and cycling safety studies using virtual reality.
David Martens is a Professor of Data Science at the University of Antwerp , where he directs the Applied Data Mining Research Group within the Faculty of Business and Economics . He also serves as Chair of the Department of Engineering Management and Director of the Antwerp Center on Responsible AI . His academic work spans data mining , interpretable machine learning , and the societal impact of AI . PhD in Applied Economic Sciences (KU Leuven, 2008) Director, Antwerp Center on Responsible AI Chair, Department of Engineering Management Martens' research focuses on responsible AI and data ethics , with applications in finance, public policy, and behavioral analysis. His recent publications emphasize counterfactual explanations , LLM interpretability , and privacy implications in AI systems. His articles reveal trends in Explainable AI (XAI) , including narrative-driven explanations , graph neural networks , and ethical challenges like monetization risks and algorithmic bias. Keywords span Computer Science , Artificial Intelligence , and Behavioral Data . Martens is a leading voice in data science ethics , authoring the book Data Science Ethics: Concepts, Techniques, and Cautionary Tales (Oxford University Press, 2022). He combines academic rigor with industry experience, having consulted for banks, telecom firms, and startups in fraud detection and digital advertising .
Matthew B. Blaschko is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at KU Leuven, Belgium. He serves as director of the KU Leuven ELLIS unit and is a fellow in the ELLIS Health program. He is a Core PI in the Flanders AI Research Program, working as a workpackage lead for Decision Support Systems and Medical Imaging. Blaschko is also a member of the KU Leuven Institute for Artificial Intelligence and one of the leaders of the working group on Machine Learning and Data Science. Professor Blaschko received his B.S. from Columbia University, M.S. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Dr. rer. nat. from Technische Universität Berlin (awarded for work at Max Planck Institutes Tübingen). He was a Newton International Fellow at the University of Oxford and received his Habilitation (HDR) from École Normale Supérieure de Cachan. Prior to joining KU Leuven, he was a Permanent Research Scientist in the INRIA Saclay Research Center and a Faculty Member at Ecole Centrale Paris. His research focuses on machine learning techniques applied to visual data, with particular emphasis on calibration in deep learning, medical image analysis, and federated learning. Blaschko's work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, as evidenced by technology developed in his research being incorporated into MONA, software for ophthalmic image analysis. His research group has made significant contributions to the fields of model calibration, uncertainty estimation, and medical imaging analysis, with recent publications showing strong trends toward improving reliability of AI systems in medical contexts and advancing theoretical understanding of calibration metrics. Professor Blaschko has been recognized with several awards including the Université Paris-Saclay STIC Doctoral School Best Scientific Contribution Award, Best Paper Award at CVPR 2008, Main Award at DAGM 2008, and Best Student Paper Award at ECCV 2008. Professor Blaschko has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students, with current and former students including Deniz Soysal, Claire Marchal, Dongli Xu, Sebastian Gruber, Jiameng Li, Marco Mezzina, and many others working on diverse topics from Alzheimer's disease analysis to surgical phase recognition. His research has been supported by various funding sources including the Flanders AI Research Program. He has co-organized several influential workshops including the "Another Brick in the AI Wall: Building Practical Solutions from Theoretical Foundations" at CVPR 2025, Commands 4 Autonomous Vehicles workshop at ECCV 2020, and the Learning from Limited Labeled Data workshop series at NIPS 2017 and ICLR 2019. His laboratory focuses on machine learning for medical image analysis, with applications in ophthalmology, neurology, and surgical robotics. The group maintains active collaborations with medical institutions and participates in international challenges such as the KNee OsteoArthritis Prediction (KNOAP2020) challenge.
Karl Farrow is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences , KU Leuven , affiliated with the Department of Biology and the Animal Physiology and Neurobiology unit. He is also a member of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuro Electronics Research Flanders (NERF) and the KU Leuven Brain Institute . Dr. Farrow's research focuses on neurobiology and visual processing , particularly the role of retinal ganglion cells and neural circuits in the superior colliculus . His work explores direction selectivity, motion perception, and adaptive mechanisms in visual systems under varying ambient conditions. His recent projects include dissecting the neural basis of threat responses in the superior colliculus, studying evolutionary influences on innate behavior circuits, and developing tools like a single-objective light sheet microscope for 3D tissue analysis. Collaborative efforts involve synaptic transmission studies in amyloid-beta precursor protein interactions.
Vincent Bonin is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at KU Leuven's Faculty of Sciences. He is affiliated with the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuro Electronics Research Flanders (NERF) and the KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI). His research focuses on neural circuits and visual neuroscience, with an emphasis on cortical and subcortical mechanisms of perception and plasticity. Research Interests: Vincent investigates visual coding, cortical connectivity, and brain circuit dynamics. His work spans topics like: Role of non-hierarchical visual pathways in perception Dendritic processing in the superior colliculus Cell type-specific connectivity in layer 2/3 visual cortex Astrocyte-mediated cortical plasticity Development of high-resolution intracortical visual prosthetics Recent Projects: • The contributions of non-hierarchical visual pathways to visual coding and perceptual behavior (2025-2028) • An investigation into cell type-specific connectivity rules in visual cortex (2024-2027) • Short- and long-term circuit mechanisms of motor rehabilitation after spinal cord injury (2024-2027)
Lucca Geurts is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences at KU Leuven, where he is affiliated with the Department of Computer Science. He serves as chairman of the Leuven Centre for Accessible Health Technology, subdivision head of Subdivision 3, Campus Group T Leuven, and Head of Education of the OC Innovative Health Technology. Additionally, he is an active member of DigiSoc – KU Leuven Institute for Digital Society. His research focuses on Technology for Tangible and Playful Interactions, particularly in healthcare applications. Dr. Geurts leads numerous research projects including therapeutic games for children with visual disorders, flexible activity measurement systems, intimate interactive systems, and early-stage glaucoma screening platforms. His work bridges human-computer interaction with accessible health technology, emphasizing user-centered design principles and practical healthcare solutions. Dr. Geurts' publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental interaction techniques to applied healthcare contexts. His recent work shows increasing sophistication in squeeze interactions, emotion regulation through tangible interfaces, and medical applications of interactive technology. The research trends indicate a growing focus on accessible medical diagnostics, therapeutic applications, and user experience in healthcare technology. As an educator, Dr. Geurts teaches across multiple domains including Electronics, Computer Architectures, Health Entrepreneurship, Sensors and Circuits for Healthcare Applications, and Extended Reality. His educational leadership extends to Master's theses and internships in health engineering, reflecting his commitment to training the next generation of healthcare technologists. Committee for Culture, Art and Heritage Faculty Council of Industrial Engineering Sciences Evaluation Committee of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences POC Advanced Education Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences Secretary of the OC Innovative Health Technology Departmental Council for Computer Science Interfaculty Council for Global Development (as substitute member) Dr. Geurts maintains an active research profile with numerous publications in top-tier human-computer interaction conferences and journals. His work shows a clear progression toward increasingly impactful healthcare applications, with strong emphasis on accessibility and user experience in medical technology development.
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.
Jef Vandemeulebroucke is a researcher at the Department of Electronics and Informatics , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , specializing in medical imaging, computer vision, and augmented reality applications in healthcare. His work bridges artificial intelligence with radiology and biomechanics , focusing on automated segmentation, predictive modeling, and real-time surgical navigation systems. Research interests include: Medical image analysis for disease prognosis (e.g., COVID-19 severity , neurosurgical drains ) Development of MedShapeNet , a 3D medical shape dataset for computer vision Augmented reality systems in orthopedic and neurosurgical interventions AI-driven fluorescence endoscopy and dynamic CT for joint kinematics Key trends in his 140+ publications emphasize deep learning , image registration , and 4D-CT applications . Supervised theses include brain age prediction and chest radiography automation. Active in 38 projects (e.g., AI-NIMO , TumorScope ), he collaborates with institutions like the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB) and FWO (Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders).
Pieter Simoens is an Assistant Professor at Ghent University and affiliated with the imec research institute. He works at the intersection of distributed artificial intelligence, edge computing, and collective intelligence, with a focus on AI applications for resource-constrained environments and robotic systems. His research explores innovative approaches to machine learning deployment in heterogeneous infrastructures, task planning for IoT-integrated robotics, and modeling collective decision-making processes. He has contributed to frameworks like DIANNE for distributed deep learning and developed methods for cognitive modeling in reinforcement learning scenarios. With over 100 publications, his recent work spans adaptive neural networks, privacy-preserving surveillance, UAV hyperspectral data analysis, and computational fairness in AI systems. He leads research initiatives within the Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab) and contributes to educational programs in software engineering and applied machine learning. Responsible for courses on software engineering, mobile development, system design, and applied machine learning Active in edge computing and neuromorphic algorithms research Develops AI solutions for robotics, surveillance, and industrial IoT applications
Tomas Norton is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Biosystems at KU Leuven. He is actively affiliated with multiple research units including the Division of Bio-Environmental Control, the KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), and the KU Leuven Institute for Integration of Micro- and Nano-scale Technologies (LIMNI). His work is centered at the Animal and Human (A2H) research unit located at Castle Park Arenberg. Dr. Norton's research focuses on precision livestock farming with particular expertise in computer vision, machine learning, and sensor technologies applied to animal monitoring. His current projects span sustainable agriculture, animal vocalization analysis, and bio-response monitoring systems across multiple species including poultry, pigs, and buffalo. He serves as promotor on numerous research initiatives funded through 2028-2029 that address critical challenges in sustainable food production while improving animal welfare. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward AI-driven solutions for animal monitoring, with particular emphasis on behavior recognition, health assessment through sound analysis, and robotic management systems. These works appear primarily in agricultural technology journals with a focus on practical implementation of advanced computational methods in farming contexts. As an academic leader, Dr. Norton serves on the Faculty Council of Bioscience Engineering, the Doctoral Committee for Bioscience Engineering, and the Departmental Council for Biosystems. He teaches courses including Modelling of Biosystems, Bioresponse Measurements and Process Control, and Sustainable Precision Livestock Farming, integrating his research expertise directly into his educational practice. His laboratory work within the A2H unit represents a multidisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, computer science, and animal science to develop practical technological solutions for modern agricultural challenges, with particular emphasis on sustainability and welfare improvements in livestock production systems.
Peter Lambert is a full-time Associate Professor at Ghent University – imec (Belgium), affiliated with the Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab) where he coordinates the MEDIA research team since 2013. His academic background includes a Master's degree in Science (Mathematics) and Applied Informatics from Ghent University, followed by a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the same institution in 2007. Prior to his current role, he served as a Technology Developer at Ghent University (2010-2013). Lambert's research focuses on: Multimedia signal processing and visual communication systems Computer graphics and computational geometry Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies Video compression and perceptual quality assessment Multimedia security and digital watermarking His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on real-time multimedia systems, VR/AR applications, perceptual quality metrics, and multimedia security. Research trends include deep learning-based video forensics, light field rendering optimizations, perceptual hashing techniques, and adaptive video streaming solutions. As leader of the IDLab-MEDIA team, Lambert oversees research on emerging visual media formats with applications in immersive experiences. The team develops technologies like OpenDIBR (real-time light field renderer) and maintains datasets such as SILVR (Synthetic Immersive Large-Volume Plenoptic Dataset).
Peter Bienstman is a full professor at Ghent University, working in the Department of Information Technology (INTEC) where he has been since 1997. He is affiliated with the Photonics Research Group and also collaborates with imec. His research spans nanophotonics, neuromorphic computing, and biosensing applications. Bienstman received his electrical engineering degree from Ghent University in 1997 and completed his Ph.D. at the same institution in 2001. His doctoral work focused on "Rigorous and efficient modelling of wavelength scale photonic components." His research interests primarily revolve around nanophotonics and its applications, with specific focus areas including: Photonic Reservoir Computing for neuromorphic information processing Optical label-free biosensors based on ring resonators TE/TM biosensors for measuring conformational changes SiN biosensors operating in the visible spectrum Optical spiking neurons and neuromorphic architectures Nanophotonic information processing systems Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing photonic reservoir computing for practical applications, particularly in communications signal processing and biomedical sensing. His work demonstrates how photonic systems can implement neuromorphic computing paradigms with energy efficiency advantages over traditional electronics. Recent trends show increasing integration of phase-change materials and exploration of quantum-inspired photonic computing approaches. Bienstman has received significant recognition for his work, most notably an ERC Starting Grant for the Naresco-project: "Novel paradigms for massively parallel nanophotonic information processing." This prestigious European grant supports his innovative research at the intersection of photonics and computing. As an advisor, Bienstman has supervised numerous doctoral students to completion and currently mentors a large research group with nine active PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers. His research is supported by multiple grants that enable the development of novel photonic computing architectures and biosensing platforms. The group's work bridges fundamental photonics research with practical applications in communications, healthcare, and computing. The Photonics Research Group at Ghent University, where Bienstman works, maintains state-of-the-art facilities for nanophotonic device design, fabrication, and characterization. The group collaborates extensively with imec and other international research institutions, creating a vibrant ecosystem for advancing photonic technologies from fundamental research to potential commercial applications.
Nikolaos Tsiogkas is an Assistant Professor in the Declarative Languages and Artificial Intelligence (DTAI) group at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Computer Science. His research focuses on robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, with particular emphasis on cognitive reasoning, knowledge representation, and sensor fusion for robotic navigation. Projects: Promotor of initiatives like 'Harnessing Robotics for Safe Agriculture' (2024-2028) and 'ROSANA: Robust Semantic Navigation in Orchards' (2022-2027); co-promotor in demining robotics and multi-arm manipulation research. Research: Combines symbolic AI with robotics, exploring knowledge graphs for explainable navigation, reinforcement learning frameworks, and computationally efficient free-space detection algorithms.
Maarten Bassier is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Department of Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering Technology. He is based at the Geomatics unit operating at the Ghent and Aalst Campuses. His academic profile combines research, teaching, and institutional service, with significant contributions to the field of digital construction technologies. As senior academic staff, he serves on both the Council of the Faculty of Engineering Technology and the Civil Engineering Department Council, actively participating in institutional governance while maintaining a robust research program focused on Scan-to-BIM methodologies and geospatial applications in construction. Dr. Bassier's research centers on Scan-to-BIM methodologies, which involve converting 3D scans of existing buildings into Building Information Models. His work bridges geomatics, computer vision, and civil engineering, with applications in construction progress monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and heritage documentation. He applies machine learning techniques to automate aspects of the modeling process, particularly semantic segmentation of point clouds and integration of UAV (drone) data. His research increasingly incorporates deep learning approaches for object detection, segmentation, and completion in complex built environments, with practical applications spanning road construction, bridge inspections, and electrical substation modeling. His interdisciplinary approach connects civil engineering with computer science to solve practical construction challenges through digital innovation. Bassier's recent publication record demonstrates a strong focus on automating the Scan-to-BIM process through advanced computational techniques. His work spans multiple application domains while maintaining a consistent methodological thread of integrating sensing technologies with semantic understanding of construction environments. The trajectory of his research shows increasing sophistication in machine learning applications, moving from basic point cloud processing to complex semantic understanding and automated model generation. His publications appear in high-impact journals across civil engineering, remote sensing, and computer vision domains, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. SESAME - Semantic Segmentation of Electrical Substations and Derived Models for Engineering (2024-2026) - Promotor UAV-assisted bridge inspections (2022-2027) - Co-promotor XR-empowered dynamic reality modeling for AECO applications (2021-2026) - Co-promotor Digitization in road construction: automating as-built models (2020-2026) - Co-promotor SCAN-to-BIM Automation of as-built BIM production through digitization and machine learning (2020-2025) - Co-promotor As a member of the Division Digital and Sustainable Civil Engineering and the Subdivision Geomatics Ghent, Dr. Bassier contributes to KU Leuven's research ecosystem focused on digital transformation in civil engineering. His teaching portfolio includes courses on BIM, industrial measurements, Scan-to-BIM, 3D modeling, and geomatics, preparing the next generation of civil engineers for the digital construction landscape. His work represents the cutting edge of digital construction technologies, with practical applications that address real-world challenges in infrastructure development and maintenance.
Prof. Jan De Beenhouwer is a faculty member at the University of Antwerp, affiliated with the Department of Physics and the imec Vision Lab. His research focuses on advanced computational imaging techniques, particularly in X-ray tomography, phase contrast imaging, and reconstruction algorithms for medical and industrial applications. His primary research interests include: Development of novel X-ray imaging methodologies like edge illumination phase contrast Advanced CT reconstruction algorithms for sparse-view and dynamic systems Integration of deep learning with tomographic reconstruction Industrial applications including defect detection and material characterization Biomedical imaging such as bone structure analysis and tissue modeling Analysis of recent publications (2024-2025) reveals strong emphasis on: Innovations in phase contrast imaging hardware and simulation tools Advanced reconstruction techniques for motion compensation and sparse data AI-powered approaches for industrial inspection and biomedical research Development of open-source tools (CAD-ASTRA) for the tomography community He leads research at imec Vision Lab, focusing on both fundamental imaging physics and practical applications. The lab collaborates extensively with industrial partners on non-destructive testing solutions.
