Tijl De Bie is a Senior Full Professor at the University of Ghent, specializing in machine learning, data science, and their applications in bioinformatics, computational social sciences, and HR analytics. He leads the AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) research group within IDLab-ELIS. PhD in Machine Learning (KU Leuven, 2005) Worked at U.C. Berkeley, U.C. Davis, University of Southampton, and University of Bristol His research focuses on foundational aspects of data science, including fairness in AI, network embeddings, and human-centric methodologies. Recent work explores temporal network simulation, bias mitigation, and large-scale career trajectory datasets. Notable awards include an FWO Odysseus Group I grant and three ERC grants (Consolidator, Proof of Concept, Advanced). Current projects involve ethical AI frameworks and dynamic network analysis. Scientific Awards : FWO Odysseus Group I, ERC Consolidator, ERC Proof of Concept, ERC Advanced Grant He collaborates extensively in interdisciplinary research, applying machine learning to social media analysis and financial domains. His team develops open-source tools like EvalNE and Fondue for network embedding evaluation.
Blake Walker is a Professor of Digital Geography/Cultural Geography at the Institute of Geography, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), where he has held his position since September 2019. His academic journey includes previous roles as a Visiting Researcher (2018-2019) and Visiting Lecturer (2017-2018) at the Geographical Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin. He earned his PhD in Geography from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada in 2017, following an MSc in Geography from the same institution in 2013 and a Professional Specialization in Population Health Data Analysis from the University of Victoria in 2015. His research spans several interconnected domains within geography, with a particular focus on the intersection of digital methods, health, and social issues. His work in digital geography employs innovative approaches to analyze spatial phenomena through critical GIS and remote sensing methodologies. In health geography, he investigates the relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes, particularly examining how urban green spaces impact mental wellbeing and how socioeconomic factors influence disease risk. His research on violence employs spatial analysis to understand patterns of interpersonal violence and injury, while his work in digital humanities explores how cultural narratives are represented in digital media, particularly video games. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying spatial analysis techniques to pressing social and health issues, with an increasing emphasis on digital methods and critical approaches to geospatial data. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across geography, public health, computer science, and social sciences. Professor Walker leads or participates in several research projects including REKKE (Resilience through Cultural Landscapes in Climate Change), VIBRANCE (Violence in Brazil: Analysis of Community Environments), STAGE (Spatial Transcoding of Artificial Geographical Environments), DigiDEM, and PURE SPACE (Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology: Spatial Analysis of Cardiovascular Environments). He teaches courses in Cultural Geography GIS/Critical Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing, Digital Geographies, Cultural Geography seminars on globalization and socioeconomics, Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology and applied (spatial) statistics, and Field Seminars on Space and Identities.
Jessica Pranger is a researcher in the Faculty of Arts, specializing in interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of digital humanities and cultural heritage. Her work spans topics such as social media archiving, digital policy, and medieval manuscript analysis. She earned her doctorate in Art and Art Sciences from the Faculty of Arts in 2016. Research Focus: Digital preservation, legal aspects of technology, and social media analytics. Collaborations: Active in international projects, including co-authorship with experts in digital humanities and technology.
Professor Paul Enzlin is a distinguished academic at KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, where he serves as Program Director of the Master in Human Sexuality program and coordinates the Centre for Clinical Sexology and Sex Therapy (CeKSS). His career spans over two decades of pioneering research in clinical sexology and sex education. Education: Post-graduate Course in Marital and Family Therapy (KU Leuven, 2003-2010) PhD-training (KU Leuven, 1998-2001) Post-graduate Course in Contextual Therapy (1994-1996) Master of Science in Sexology (KU Leuven, 1993-1996) Master of Science in Educational Sciences (KU Leuven, 1989-1992) Bachelor of Science in Educational Sciences (KU Leuven, 1986-1989) Enzlin's research focuses on sexual dysfunction in chronic illness contexts (diabetes, spinal cord injury, cancer), asexuality , dyspareunia , and sexual development . His early work established foundational frameworks for understanding sexuality in diabetes, later expanding to Parkinson's, amputation, and colorectal cancer. Current investigations examine gender identity in autistic adults, microbiome impacts on menopause, and sexual wellbeing post-cancer surgery through daily diary methodologies and qualitative approaches. His recent publications reveal three dominant trends : (1) neurodiversity-sexuality intersections using phenomenological methods, (2) surgical impacts on sexual function through RCTs, and (3) dyadic desire dynamics in relationships. This reflects his evolution from clinical pathology studies toward holistic biopsychosocial models. As Program Director of KU Leuven's Master in Human Sexuality, Enzlin teaches Introduction to Sexology, Clinical Sexology, and Sex Counseling. He clinically directs CeKSS, providing therapy for sexual dysfunction and relationship issues. His work bridges academic research with clinical practice, emphasizing scientific rigor in sexuality discourse while challenging cultural taboos through evidence-based frameworks.
Rielke Bogaert is a researcher and language test developer affiliated with Ghent University and the Steunpunt Centrale Toetsen in Onderwijs . Their work focuses on reading comprehension , educational psychology , and response-to-intervention research in late elementary education . Education: PhD in Educational Sciences (2023), Ghent University Current Role: Language test developer at Steunpunt Centrale Toetsen in Onderwijs (2021–2025) Rielke’s research explores the development of instruments like the Reading Comprehension Strategies Questionnaire (RCSQ) and RC-PM tool , emphasizing quantitative surveys and factor analyses . Their studies investigate monitoring strategies , motivation promotion , and home language use in bilingual learners. Recent publications (2025–2020) span journal articles , conference papers , and book chapters , focusing on peer-mediated instruction , differentiated interventions , and progress monitoring . Collaborative work with colleagues like Hilde Van Keer and Emmelien Merchie highlights cross-disciplinary efforts in literacy education and educational equity .
