Find Academic Supervisors

• Polymer Processing
• Complex Fluids
• Flow-Induced Crystallization
• +3 more

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)

• Numerical Analysis
• Applied Mathematics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +5 more

Stefan Vandewalle is a full professor at the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, KU Leuven. His research focuses on numerical analysis, applied mathematics, and computational methods for stochastic differential equations, wind energy modeling, and uncertainty quantification. Department Chair, KU Leuven Member, Subdivision Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics Member, iSi Health Institute Observer, Faculty Council of Sciences Chair, Department Council for Computer Science His recent work explores multiscale modeling, Monte Carlo methods, and data assimilation techniques. Projects include micro-macro Parareal algorithms, wind turbine aeroelasticity, and turbulent flow reconstruction for wind farms. He supervises PhD candidates and collaborates on interdisciplinary studies involving structural mechanics and renewable energy systems. Publications highlight advancements in parallel-in-time methods, stochastic optimization for tokamak reactors, and DNS-based control of turbulent flows. Key keywords: Multiscale numerical methods Uncertainty quantification Wind energy simulation Monte Carlo algorithms PDE-constrained optimization Stochastic differential equations He contributes to academic governance as a member of extended faculty boards and evaluation committees.

Johan MeyersView profile

Professor

• Wind Energy
• Turbulent Flow Simulation
• Flow Control & Optimization
• +5 more

Johan Meyers is a full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he heads the Applied Mechanics and Energy conversion (TME) research unit. He serves as a contact person for TME and is an active member of the KIES – KU Leuven Institute for Energy and Society. His administrative roles include membership on the Council of the Faculty of Engineering Science, the Mechanical Engineering Department Council and Board, and chairing the HPC Steering Committee. Professor Meyers' research focuses on turbulent flow simulation and optimization, with particular emphasis on wind energy applications, atmospheric pollutant dispersion, and computational methods. His work spans Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS), Large-Eddy Simulation (LES), and model reduction techniques for applications in energy engineering. Current research categories include flow control & optimization, wind farm engineering, and atmospheric pollutant dispersion modeling, with specific applications in radioactive release scenarios and wind turbine system optimization. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward wind energy applications, particularly in optimizing wind farm layouts and operations through advanced computational methods. The research shows significant emphasis on Large-Eddy Simulation techniques to study atmospheric boundary layer interactions with wind farms, with growing interest in hybrid wind-solar energy systems and the effects of surface temperature heterogeneity on flow patterns. His work increasingly integrates machine learning approaches to enhance computational efficiency in wind farm modeling. Professor Meyers actively supervises numerous PhD students including Bon, T., Janssens, N., Jamaer, S., and ALREWENY, A., among others. His research is supported by multiple ongoing projects through 2028, including 'Wind-farm co-design in the North-Sea basin given climate and market uncertainty' and 'Reconstruction of turbulence from partial observations,' primarily funded by research councils and industry partnerships. He leads the Turbulent Flow Simulation and Optimization (TFSO) research group, which develops efficient supercomputing simulation tools for turbulent flow applications in energy engineering. The group specializes in wind farm optimization, atmospheric pollutant dispersion modeling, and airborne wind energy systems, with a particular focus on LES studies of wind farm interactions with the atmospheric boundary layer.

Nico BulsView profile

Researcher

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Dosimetry
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• +4 more

Nico Buls is a Researcher in the Department of Radiology at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel). His work focuses on translational projects in medical imaging physics, radiation dosimetry, and engineering, with an emphasis on advanced imaging technologies for diagnostic and interventional radiology. Key research areas include imaging physics, spectral CT techniques, iterative reconstruction in CT, radiation dosimetry, neuro MRI applications, and applied statistics in medical imaging. He leads projects such as the PAD flow study (quantitative blood flow assessment via 4D CT) and the evaluation of lung ventilation using Xenon gas-enhanced CT. Buls collaborates internationally, with active research in Belgium and beyond. Affiliations: UZ Brussel, Research Centre for Digital Medicine. Grants/Projects: 12 active projects including OZR4357 (PhD stipend), PAD flow, and Xenon gas imaging studies. Scientific Awards: Editor's Recognition Award (2014, 2016) Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Fellowship (2011) Young Physicist Grant (2001) Advising/Grants: Supervises 20+ research projects and students, with notable contributions to 4D CT applications and radiation safety protocols. His lab, the Research Centre for Digital Medicine, drives innovation in clinical imaging technologies.

Tom Van GervenView profile

Professor

• Process Intensification
• Chemical Engineering
• Sustainable Metallurgy
• +3 more

Prof. Tom Van Gerven is a chemical engineering specialist at KU Leuven's Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS) group. His research focuses on process intensification using alternative energy forms (ultrasound, microwaves, light) for sustainable metallurgy, mineral carbonation, and solvent extraction applications. He leads innovations in low-grade ore processing and carbon capture technologies. Key Research Areas: Process intensification, green metallurgy, CO₂ utilization, and advanced crystallization techniques Recent Work: 2025 publications highlight reactor optimization, mineral carbonation of industrial residues, and acoustic/microwave-assisted separations Technical Expertise: CFD modeling, sonochemical reactors, ionic liquid extraction, and environmental impact analysis

• Micromanufacturing
• Non-conventional Machining
• Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
• +7 more

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).

Evy RombautView profile

Researcher

• Autonomous Vehicles
• Logistics
• Electric Vehicles
• +5 more

Evy Rombaut serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the MOBI Electromobility Research Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, specializing in Business Technology and Operations Management. Her research focuses on autonomous vehicle systems, sustainable transportation, and urban mobility optimization within the Flemish Institute for Technological Research ecosystem. Her primary research interests include autonomous vehicles (100% fingerprint match), logistics systems (24-28% focus), electric vehicle integration (22-31% emphasis), and vehicle-to-grid technology (28% focus). Her work bridges engineering and social sciences, particularly examining user acceptance (21% focus), traffic simulation modeling (22% focus), and job creation metrics (21% focus) in electromobility transitions. Rombaut actively supervises graduate research, with notable contributions to master's theses on autonomous vehicle environmental impacts and EU regulatory frameworks. Her current projects include AccelerationMOBI (2025-2029), DESTINY carbon reduction initiatives (2024-2029), and AUGMENTED CCAM infrastructure development (2022-2025), reflecting her leadership in European sustainable transport research consortia. She maintains active roles in PhD committees and conference organization, including the ACCAM Project Review Meeting (2024) and doctoral defenses on shared autonomous vehicle implementation. Her research output demonstrates consistent productivity with 43 publications since 2015, including 17 journal articles and 10 conference papers, achieving an h-index of 8 with 341 Scopus citations. Rombaut's work is centered at the MOBI Electromobility Research Centre, where she contributes to the Autonomous Mobility & Logistics research focus area. Her current projects involve multi-institutional collaborations across 8 active research initiatives examining vehicle-to-grid integration, urban mobility transitions, and carbon-neutral transport solutions through both fundamental and applied research frameworks.

• Chromatography
• Separation Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• +3 more

Ken Broeckhoven holds a prominent academic position at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) as a Professor in the Department of Bio-engineering Sciences, within the Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry school. His roles include leadership in research groups and administrative positions such as Dean and Department Chair. Specializing in chromatography and separation science, his work focuses on advancing techniques like liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography for applications in protein analysis and biotherapeutics. He has authored over 236 research outputs and secured 13 major projects, including ones on column performance and sustainable chemical technologies. His contributions have earned 20 scientific awards, including top poster prizes and innovation recognitions. Broeckhoven actively participates in PhD committees and international conferences, emphasizing collaborative research and cutting-edge instrumentation development. Education: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text. Research Interests: Chromatography systems optimization, diffusion dynamics, column design, and analytical method development for complex biological samples. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in separation science. Recent Research Trends: Recent articles emphasize overcoming extracolumn band broadening, advancing HIC methods, and leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to enhance column efficiency. His studies often integrate experimental and numerical approaches to dissect separation mechanics. Awards: Includes 1st Prize Poster Award (HPLC 2008), Analytical Science Advances Best Poster (2020), and recognition for master’s thesis supervision (2012). Grants & Activities: Leads projects like the OZR Basisfinanciering voor Grote Onderzoeksgroepen (2024–2029) and participates in over 105 professional activities, including talks at global conferences. Supervises 12 students, including Timothy Januarius (2024) and T. Swier (2015).

• Mental Fatigue
• Human Physiology
• Sports Physiotherapy
• +6 more

Kevin De Pauw is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). He actively contributes to 12 research projects with a focus on robotics, mental fatigue, brain physiology, and sports physiotherapy. Current projects include Brubotics, APEX, and TBrainBoost Collaboration network spans Belgium, Germany, and Netherlands Key research themes: Mental Fatigue (100%), Robotics (100%), and Prosthetics (52%) Research Interests: His work explores the intersection of brain physiology, fatigue mechanisms, and robotics applications in rehabilitation. He develops predictive musculoskeletal simulations and investigates inter-limb asymmetry in athletes. Article Trends: Recent publications show increasing focus on robot-assisted rehabilitation , brain neuroplasticity , and mental fatigue quantification . Research combines AI-driven wearable robotics with neurophysiological monitoring . Student Supervision: He mentors Master's students in topics related to Lower limb asymmetry analysis Adolescent cognition-fitness relationships Exoskeleton interface design Laboratory Affiliation: Member of Brubotics and TBrainBoost teams at VUB, working on sustainable human-centered robotics and neurocirculation enhancement technologies.

• Power Systems Engineering
• HVDC Grid Technology
• Renewable Energy Integration
• +2 more

Hakan Ergun serves as an Associate Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Science within the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT). He leads the Subdivisie EnergyVille Electa - Ergun and holds key roles in EnergyVille initiatives, including membership in the Division EnergyVille and the Council of the Faculty of Engineering Science. His research focuses on power systems engineering with specialization in HVDC grid technology, renewable energy integration, and stochastic optimization. Current projects include predictive maintenance for wind farms, congestion management for offshore HVDC grids, and development of hybrid AC/DC grid software tools. His work addresses critical challenges in grid resilience, uncertainty modeling, and multi-national offshore grid coordination. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in hybrid AC/DC grid optimization under uncertainty, with emphasis on stochastic programming, polynomial chaos expansion, and risk-based operational models. Key themes include offshore grid protection, frequency stability with energy storage, and spatio-temporal variability in power system planning. Ergun actively supervises doctoral candidates including K. Phillips and C.K. Jat. His research portfolio includes significant EU-funded projects such as CROCODILE (Cross-border Coordination of Offshore Grids) and advanced HVDC grid development initiatives with multi-year funding through 2028-2029. He directs the EnergyVille Electa subdivision focused on electrical energy systems applications, collaborating with industry partners on real-world grid implementation challenges. Current work emphasizes practical solutions for multi-GW offshore energy hubs and resilient power systems leveraging HVDC transmission flexibility.

Dieter ClaeysView profile

Associate Professor

• Stochastic Modelling
• Optimization
• Simulation
• +6 more

Dieter Claeys serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering at Ghent University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. His core affiliations include: Industrial Systems Engineering (ISyE) research group Flanders Make (strategic research center for Flemish manufacturing) Board member for Ghent University in the beta research school for operations management and logistics His research centers on performance analysis and control of manufacturing systems under uncertainty, leveraging: Stochastic Modelling for system unpredictability Optimization techniques for resource allocation Simulation methodologies for scenario testing Reinforcement Learning for adaptive control Applications span condition-based maintenance, inventory management, warehouse operations, and assembly systems to enhance industrial resilience. Publication trends (2010-2024) reveal consistent focus on stochastic optimization in industrial contexts. Key themes include maintenance policy design, spare parts logistics, warehouse flow dynamics, and quality screening systems, frequently employing queueing theory and stochastic bounds to address real-world manufacturing uncertainties. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. Student advising and grant information remain unspecified in the provided text. Claeys actively contributes to the ISyE research group and Flanders Make collaborations, driving projects that advance manufacturing technologies and operational frameworks within Flanders' industrial ecosystem.

Malaika BrengmanView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Retail Consumer Behavior
• Virtual Retail Environments
• Consumer Trust
• +4 more

Malaika Brengman serves as a Senior Lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at the Free University of Brussels, specializing in consumer behavior within retail contexts. Her academic work bridges Communication Sciences, Business Studies, and Media Innovation through interdisciplinary research on digital retail environments. Her research focuses on consumer decision-making processes in physical and virtual retail spaces, with particular expertise in trust formation, digital signage effectiveness, and the psychological impact of emerging technologies. Key interests include: How virtual worlds influence retail appeal and consumer threat perception The relationship between store environment design and initial trust development Implicit measurement techniques for assessing service experiences Consumer responses to AI-driven personalization in retail settings Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on augmented reality applications, vaccine attitude segmentation, and social media addiction pathways, demonstrating methodological diversity across behavioral experiments and large-scale consumer surveys. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple awards including the Best Conference Paper Award (2010), Best Extended Abstract Award (2020), and a Highly Commended Paper distinction (2016). These accolades highlight her impact in retail technology and consumer psychology research. Brengman actively supervises doctoral candidates and serves on PhD committees, with documented supervision of at least 153 academic works. She frequently engages with media as an expert on consumer finance topics, particularly regarding energy pricing impacts and savings behaviors during economic uncertainty. Her current projects include Brubotics (human-centered robotics) and SHALGO (algorithmic systems research). She maintains significant external engagement through advisory roles in consumer protection initiatives and regular media commentary on retail trends and consumer behavior patterns.

Dirk Van HertemView profile

Professor

• Decision Support for Grid Operators
• Power System Operation and Control
• HVDC Grids
• +4 more

Professor Dirk Van Hertem is a faculty member at KU Leuven, Belgium, where he leads the Energy Transmission Competence Hub (ETCH) within the ELECTA division. He earned his M.Eng. (2001) from KHK Geel, M.Sc. (2003) and PhD (2009) from KU Leuven, and held a postdoctoral position at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2010). His research focuses on power system planning, operation, and control, particularly for future transmission systems involving HVDC grids, offshore energy infrastructure, and supergrid concepts. Key research areas include: HVDC grid protection Underground power systems Cost-effective resilient energy supply Renewable energy integration Hybrid AC/DC system optimization He co-edited the seminal book HVDC GRIDS: For Offshore and Supergrid of the Future with researchers from UPC Barcelona and Cardiff University. His team includes 12 postdoctoral researchers and 24 PhD students working on topics ranging from grid restoration algorithms to cable fault localization and digital twin applications. Scientific distinctions: Fellow of the IEEE (PES, IAS) Active member of Cigré Principal investigator in multiple EU-funded projects Teaching responsibilities include advanced power system courses co-taught with senior professors. Regular PhD and postdoc vacancies are available through KU Leuven's job portal and the ETCH website.

• Energy Systems
• Electrical Power Systems
• Power Quality
• +6 more

Emmanuel De Jaeger is a Professor of Electrical Energy and Power Systems at the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) , Belgium, since 2012. He serves as Director of Studies for Electro-mechanical and Energy Engineering programs. Previously, he held leadership roles at Laborelec (ENGIE Lab) from 1991-2012, including Scientific Director and Technical Director of Electricity Grids. Education : 1991: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, UCLouvain 1985: M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, UCLouvain His research focuses on energy systems , electrical power systems , power quality , and power electronics , with a strong emphasis on microgrids , smart grids , and renewable energy integration . Recent work includes dynamic modeling of power converters, harmonic disturbances in low-voltage grids, and optimization of energy storage systems. He actively contributes to IEC standardization committees and has published extensively on topics such as pumped storage hydropower , DC microgrid analysis , and voltage control strategies . His teaching portfolio includes courses on electrical power systems , smart grids , and dynamic modeling .

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biocatalysis
• +3 more

Sophie Demoustier-Champagne is a Full Professor at the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) in the School of Engineering (EPL), affiliated with the Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN) and the Bio and Soft Matter (BSMA) research group. Her work focuses on nanotechnology, biomaterials, and polymer science, particularly on layer-by-layer assembly techniques and nanostructured materials for biomedical and catalytic applications. Research Interests: She specializes in developing bioactive nanotubes, stimuli-responsive materials, and hybrid polymer-metal structures. Her research spans biocatalysis, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and plasmonic catalysis, with a strong emphasis on environmental and biomedical applications. Publications: Recent studies highlight her work on laccase-coated membranes for biocatalytic flow reactors, 3D-printed porous materials, and gold/silica nanotubes for catalysis, demonstrating her interdisciplinary approach. Labs & Collaborations: She collaborates with teams like the Jonas Group and Dupont-Gillain Group, utilizing advanced templating methods and nanofabrication techniques at BSMA and UCLouvain.