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Karoline FaustView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial community dynamics
• Microbial systems biology
• Bioinformatics
• +6 more

Karoline Faust is an Associate Professor at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology (Rega Institute) and the Faculty of Medicine . She contributes to the iSi Health and Leuven One Health institutes, and serves on senior academic councils. Her research spans microbial systems biology, focusing on community dynamics and network analysis. Education: PhD in bioinformatics (2010, KU Leuven) Affiliations: KU Leuven, ISME Journal editorial board, Belgian Society for Microbiology Her research investigates microbial community dynamics , systems biology approaches to microbiomes, and bioinformatics tool development . She specializes in modeling human gut microbiota , synthetic microbial communities , and environmental microbiomes (e.g., microplastic impacts on Daphnia microbiomes). Her work integrates metabolic modeling , network analysis , and experimental systems to understand microbial interactions. Recent publications highlight her contributions to microbial network inference , 16S rRNA sequencing protocols , microfluidics , and ecological modeling of microbiomes. She develops tools like manta , miaSim , and CoNet to analyze community structures. Teaching: Karoline co-teaches courses in microbiology, bioinformatics, and network analysis at KU Leuven, and has contributed to international workshops on microbial network inference. Scientific Engagement: She serves as Senior Editor at ISME Journal and Secretary of the Belgian Society for Microbiology .

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

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.

Kris BaetensView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• +3 more

Kris Baetens is a Professor in the Department of Psychology Brain, Body and Cognition at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition, mentalization, and inhibitory control, particularly exploring the role of the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex in these processes. He employs techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), EEG, and fMRI to investigate cognitive and clinical phenomena. Leading projects like ANI423 (neural correlates of inhibitory control in adolescents) and FWOAL1160 (cerebellum's role in social cognition). Recipient of the EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy fellowship (2024-2026). Active collaborations in the PRISM network for mental health research. Key research interests include: - Cerebellar contributions to cognitive and social functions - Neurostimulation techniques for mental health interventions - Mentalizing processes in social action prediction - Personality and learning mechanisms His articles consistently analyze the interplay between neural structures like the cerebellum and behavioral outcomes in clinical and cognitive contexts. Recent work emphasizes applications of tDCS in treating alcohol use disorders and disordered eating, highlighting translational research in non-invasive brain stimulation. Advising/Grants: Supervises student research projects and manages grants from FWO and OZR agencies. Labs/Teams: Core member of the PRISM network and involved in the EUTOPIA fellowship initiative.

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.

• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Anomaly Detection
• +5 more

Peter Karsmakers serves as Associate Professor at KU Leuven's Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Engineering Technology, based at the Geel Campus. He coordinates the Declarative Languages and Artificial Intelligence (DTAI) research group and holds leadership roles including coordinator of Research and Education for Computer Science across Geel and Diepenbeek Campuses. Karsmakers earned his PhD in Engineering Science in May 2010, focusing on kernel-based learning algorithms for sparse modeling and efficient predictions from large datasets. His doctoral work established foundations for his current research trajectory in resource-constrained machine learning systems. His research integrates machine learning with signal processing for real-time sensor data interpretation, specializing in anomaly detection from acoustic, radar, and accelerometer signals on embedded devices. Current projects address industrial condition monitoring, elderly care systems, and livestock facility monitoring through three main tracks: acoustic monitoring (e.g., SINS, WATCHDOG), radar-based systems (e.g., FARADAY, NextPerception), and smart electronics for power converters. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in constraint-guided deep learning architectures for industrial applications, cross-environment robustness in sensor systems, and domain-knowledge integration to reduce data requirements. His work consistently bridges theoretical machine learning with practical implementations in resource-constrained environments. No scientific awards or fellowships were mentioned in the provided materials. Karsmakers supervises over 10 master's theses annually and coordinates a research team of 10 PhD students and a post-doc within DTAI-ADVISE. He has secured approximately 2.3 million euros in funding through VLAIO, EU-ECSEL, and bilateral industry contracts, including 10 active projects such as AutoEdgeML (2024-2028) and Fault Tolerant Neural Networks for Space Applications (2024-2027). He leads the DTAI-ADVISE research group focused on developing software that attaches semantics to sensor data on resource-constrained devices. The team operates across multiple campuses with specialized labs for acoustic monitoring (Geel), radar-based systems (in collaboration with ESAT-TELEMIC), and smart electronics (with Electrical Engineering department), maintaining strong industry partnerships with companies in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Gait Analysis
• +10 more

Friedl De Groote is a Senior Lecturer at KU Leuven's Faculty of Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Human Movement Sciences, specializing in the biomechanics of human movement. She leads the Biomechanics of Human Movement Research Group and is a member of the iSi Health - KU Leuven Institute for Physics-based Modeling for In Silico Health. Her research focuses on understanding neuromusculoskeletal control of human movement, particularly through computational modeling approaches. She investigates gait disorders in children with cerebral palsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, examining how muscle impairments, contractures, and neural control mechanisms contribute to altered movement patterns. Her work combines experimental biomechanics with predictive computer simulations to uncover the underlying mechanisms of movement disorders and develop new rehabilitation approaches. She also studies fundamental aspects of human locomotion, balance control, and energy expenditure during walking. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on predictive simulations to understand the relationship between neuromusculoskeletal impairments and movement pathology. Her research spans multiple domains including cerebral palsy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, gait analysis, balance control, and musculoskeletal modeling. She frequently collaborates with clinical researchers to bridge the gap between computational models and clinical applications. Dr. De Groote is actively involved in various academic councils including the Faculty Council FaBeR, POC Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, POC Physical Education and Movement Sciences, and multiple departmental councils within Human Movement Sciences. Her ORCID identifier is 0000-0002-4255-8673 . She currently leads or co-leads numerous research projects funded through KU Leuven and external grants, with a focus on understanding walking control mechanisms, energy expenditure during locomotion, and developing computational models to inform rehabilitation strategies for children with movement disorders. Her research portfolio demonstrates a commitment to translating biomechanical insights into clinically relevant applications.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Process Monitoring
• Control Systems
• +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).

Tom WenseleersView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioural Ecology
• +7 more

Tom Wenseleers is a Professor at KU Leuven's Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science, where he leads the Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution. His research spans theoretical and experimental approaches to evolutionary biology, with particular focus on social insect systems. Research spans social insects (ants, bees, wasps), microbes, viruses, and human systems Primary model organisms: social insects studying major evolutionary transitions Current projects examine caste determination, chemical communication, and evolutionary conflicts His research integrates theoretical modeling with experimental, behavioral, and comparative studies. Recent work combines genomic techniques and high-throughput GC/MS analysis to decipher chemical communication systems. Current trends show increasing interdisciplinary work spanning virology (SARS-CoV-2 variants), microbial ecology (antibiotic resistance), and robotics (pollinator behavior monitoring). The research demonstrates consistent application of evolutionary theory to diverse biological systems while maintaining social insects as the core model. Wenseleers actively mentors PhD students and postdocs, with recent graduates including Kamiel Debeuckelaere and Viviana Di Pietro. His lab receives substantial funding through multiple concurrent research projects, including Promotor roles on grants examining caste development in bee societies and microbial metabolite screening. The laboratory maintains strong international collaborations across Europe and South America. The lab operates within the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation unit at KU Leuven, with physical location at Naamsestraat 59, box 2466, 3000 Leuven. The research group maintains active outreach programs including science workshops for schools and public engagement events focused on insect conservation.

• Noise Abatement in Machines and Vehicles
• Numerical Modeling in Mechanics
• Automotive Structures and Dynamics
• +12 more

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

Ruben SnellingsView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Metals and Minerals
• Cementitious Materials
• Mineral Carbonation
• +7 more

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

Omar HegazyView profile

Professor

• Power Electronics Systems
• Electric Vehicles
• Battery Management Systems
• +7 more

Omar Hegazy is a Professor in Electrical Engineering and Power Electronics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), affiliated with the MOBI - Electromobility Research Centre. He leads research in power electronics systems, electric vehicle drivetrains, and energy management. His work focuses on reliability, WBG semiconductors, and sustainable transportation systems. Education details are not explicitly provided, but his extensive publication record and project leadership imply advanced academic qualifications. Research interests include power electronics, battery management systems, hybrid/fuel cell vehicles, and V2X technologies. His projects address challenges in electric vehicle infrastructure, grid integration, and renewable energy systems. Key trends in his articles include digital twin development for electric trucks, advanced thermal management of SiC devices, and optimization of DC charging systems. His work emphasizes practical applications like modular converters, fault-tolerant drives, and interoperable charging solutions. Awarded Best Master Thesis (2019), Best Paper (2024), and Optimal Design Recognition (2016) Supervised over 49 theses, including master's and doctoral studies in power electronics and EV systems Secured funding for projects like HiPower 5.0, HARPOONERS, and FLEXMCS Labs/Teams: Active in MOBI's Electromobility Research Centre, collaborating on advanced power electronics and e-mobility solutions. Involved in interdisciplinary teams for microgrid design and DC charging infrastructure.

• Survival Analysis
• Nonparametric Regression
• Semiparametric Regression
• +4 more

Ingrid Van Keilegom is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at KU Leuven. She is a member of the LISS – KU Leuven Institute of Sports Science and serves as a program director for the POC Master in Statistics. Senior academic staff member of FEB Council and Campus Council Observer in Faculty of Science Council Member of LStat General Assembly Her research focuses on Survival Analysis and Nonparametric Regression , with expertise in: Dependent Censoring Cure Models Measurement Error Correction Quantile Regression Multivariate Statistical Inference Causal Surrogacy Metrics Recent publications emphasize copula-based methods, quantile regression for censored data, and applications to biomedical and economic forecasting. Key projects include instrumental variable approaches for endogeneity in cure models, bankruptcy prediction via machine learning, and measurement error modeling in multivariate settings. Notable affiliations: Centre for Efficiency and Productivity Analysis Collaborations in pharmaceutical statistics and actuarial science

• Wireless Networks
• Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
• WiFi and UWB Integration
• +7 more

Jetmir Haxhibeqiri is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Ghent University 's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture , Department of Information Technology. His work focuses on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over wireless systems, WiFi optimization, and Industrial IoT solutions. Key projects: IMEC Postdoctoral Fellowship Collaborations: Jeroen Hoebeke (UGent), Ingrid Moerman (UGent), Xianjun Jiao (UGent) Research Interests : Wireless network coordination, SDN integration for heterogeneous networks, low-latency communication, and machine learning applications in network optimization. Specialized in WiFi-LPWAN coexistence , In-Band Network Telemetry , and Cross-Technology Synchronization . Recent Publications : 2025 work on Wi-Fi-UWB synchronization, 2024 studies on coordinated spatial reuse in WiFi 7, and 2022 research on hardware-efficient PTP clock synchronization. Contributions span from theoretical models to practical implementations in industrial environments. Technical Expertise : Network densification strategies, interference management, and performance evaluation of large-scale wireless deployments. Developed simulation frameworks for LoRaWAN and WiFi TSN, with a focus on ns-3 validation. Education : PhD in Industrial Wireless Communication (2019, Ghent University).

• Edge Computing
• Distributed Systems
• Container Networking
• +9 more

Tom Goethals is an FWO Junior Postdoctoral Fellow affiliated with the Department of Information Technology at Ghent University , where he conducts research in edge computing, container networking, and decentralized systems. Current role: IMEC Postdoctoral Researcher Research focus: Secure and intelligent edge service management for decentralized IoT applications His work explores edge intelligence , orchestration frameworks , and AI-driven network optimization , with trends in lightweight virtualization (e.g., Feather), Kubernetes adaptation for edge environments, and intent-based decentralized orchestration. Publications emphasize scalability, security, and energy efficiency in fog-native workflows. Scientific Awards : FWO Junior Postdoctoral Fellowship He collaborates with researchers like Bruno Volckaert and Filip De Turck on projects funded by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO) , including grants for edge container networking and decentralized learning frameworks. His projects align with Ghent University’s focus on smart city infrastructure and edge-to-cloud systems.

Frank Van OverwalleView profile

Professor

• Social Neuroscience
• Cerebellum Research
• Social Cognition
• +3 more

Frank Van Overwalle is a Professor of Psychology at Brussels University, affiliated with the Consultation Center Brain, Body and Cognition. His research focuses on Social Connectionism and Social Neuroscience, particularly the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition, mentalizing, and cerebellar contributions to social and cognitive processes. He has led over 40 research projects and published 214 peer-reviewed articles, including works on cerebellar sequencing, mentalizing, and neuroimaging techniques. His research highlights the cerebellum's role in social action prediction, implicit learning, and emotional processing. Notable projects include investigations into cerebellar tDCS effects on social cognition and collaborations on the neural basis of group stereotypes and Theory of Mind. Van Overwalle received the Tobie Jonckheere Award in 1989 for his doctoral work on educational psychology. He has participated in numerous conferences and serves on the boards of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society and Organization for Human Brain Mapping. His work bridges cognitive models with empirical neuroimaging data, emphasizing cerebellar contributions to higher-order social functions.