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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)

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

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

Yves Wautelet serves as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, where he conducts research in conceptual modeling, business process management, and digital transformation. His work addresses critical challenges at the intersection of information systems engineering and business strategy, with particular focus on sustainability-driven modeling approaches and IT governance frameworks. His primary research interests include: Conceptual modeling methodologies and frameworks Business process management and information systems design Digital transformation strategies and implementation IT governance and business-IT alignment Sustainability-driven modeling for circular economy Agile software development practices and methods Requirements engineering with user stories Wautelet's recent publication record demonstrates significant scholarly productivity with numerous 2024-2025 publications spanning conceptual modeling frameworks for sustainability (Circulise), tools for identifying ambiguity in user stories (AmbiTRUS), and approaches to align strategic and operational agility. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications across diverse domains including healthcare, circular economy, software development, and organizational transformation. His research consistently applies model-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems, often integrating sustainability considerations into information systems engineering. As a promotor and co-promotor, Wautelet currently supervises multiple doctoral research projects including: Automatic generation of conceptual models from textual descriptions (2024-2028) Sustainability-Driven Modeling Assistant for Twin Transition in Vietnam (2024-2028) Home Care Business Process Management using Distributed Ledger Technologies (2024-2028) Teaching Modeling Skills in BPMN formalism (2021-2025) His research is conducted through the Information Systems Engineering Research Group (LIRIS) at KU Leuven's Brussels campus, where he contributes to advancing model-driven approaches for addressing contemporary business and technological challenges.

• Conceptual Modeling
• Business Process Management
• Digital Transformation
• +5 more

Hans Steenackers is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, where he leads the MICA Lab within the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. His research focuses on innovative antimicrobial strategies targeting microbial communities, including socio-active, anti-resistance, and observation-guided approaches. Key research areas include biofilm dynamics antimicrobial resistance evolution in situ microbial monitoring Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenesis anti-virulence therapies His recent publications highlight advancements in biofilm inhibition, triggered antimicrobial release systems, and evolutionary robustness of probiotics. The majority of his work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in projects like TARDIS, ULTiMatE-MS, and MICROTUNe, with a focus on translating fundamental research into clinical applications. As an educator, he teaches advanced courses in microbial physiology, biofilm research, and applied biotechnology. The MICA Lab actively partners with academic and industrial stakeholders in initiatives such as the Flemish Scientific Research Network on Biofilms and the Bioclean H2020 project.

• Antimicrobial Development
• Microbial Community Behavior
• Biofilm Research
• +5 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.

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• +3 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.

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

Koenraad Muylaert is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, and head of the Biology department at KU Leuven Kulak. His research focuses on microalgae ecology and phytoplankton physiology , with applications in eutrophication studies , wastewater treatment , and biofuel production . Based in Kortrijk, Belgium, he works with international teams in Ecuador, Qatar, and Belgium. Current projects on mountain lake eutrophication and urban aquatic systems Specializes in nano-material flocculation and omega-3 fatty acid production from microalgae Research Trends from his recent articles show emphasis on: Microalgae harvesting innovations (cellulose nanocrystals, PDMAEMA polymers) Comparative processing techniques (DAF vs sedimentation, drying methods) Biotechnological applications in flavor chemistry and microbiome interactions Laboratory operates at KU Leuven's Kortrijk campus, with strong collaborations in environmental engineering and food science . His work bridges fundamental ecological research with industrial biotechnology for sustainable solutions.

• Microalgae Ecology
• Phytoplankton Physiology
• Eutrophication
• +7 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.

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

Joachim Cohen serves as Professor of Public Health and Palliative Care at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), where he co-chairs the End-of-Life Care Research Group alongside Professor Lieve Van den Block. He holds positions within the Family Medicine and Chronic Care school and leads the specialized End-of-Life Care Research Group department. With an h-index of 53 and over 9,824 citations, Cohen maintains a prominent position in international palliative care research. Dr. Cohen earned his Master's degree in Sociology in 2001 and completed his PhD in Social Health Sciences in 2007. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in social sciences applied to healthcare contexts, particularly end-of-life decision making. Cohen's research focuses on critical aspects of end-of-life care including euthanasia practices, place of death patterns, public health approaches to palliative care, big data applications in healthcare, family caregiving dynamics, health services research, and quality indicators for healthcare assessment. His work bridges sociological perspectives with clinical practice to improve end-of-life experiences across healthcare systems. Analysis of Cohen's recent publications reveals a growing emphasis on digital health solutions for palliative care, compassionate community development, and cross-national comparative studies. His research increasingly incorporates mixed-methods approaches, combining large-scale population data with qualitative insights from patients, families, and healthcare providers. The trajectory shows expanding focus from individual end-of-life decisions toward systemic public health approaches that address community-level support structures. Kubler Ross Award for Young Researchers Young Investigator Award from the European Association of Palliative Care (2010) Prix Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (2007) Professor Cohen directs numerous research projects including IRP24 studying Compassionate Communities, FWOSBO61 on social connection in serious illness, and ANI387 adapting end-of-life aid skills training. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong funding support from multiple national and international sources. While specific student mentoring isn't detailed in available sources, his leadership of large research teams suggests significant supervisory responsibilities. The End-of-Life Care Research Group under Cohen's co-leadership functions as a multidisciplinary hub connecting sociology, public health, clinical medicine, and policy research. The group maintains strong international collaborations and contributes significantly to evidence-based policymaking in end-of-life care across Europe.

• Palliative Care
• End-of-Life Care
• Public Health
• +6 more

Philip Dutré is a full professor at the Department of Computer Science , Faculty of Engineering Science , KU Leuven. He leads the Computer Graphics Research Group and chairs the Human-Computer Interaction division . His teaching portfolio includes courses on algorithms, data structures, and computer graphics fundamentals. Research Focus : Rendering algorithms, photo-realistic and image-based rendering, perceptual-based rendering, material models, and intuitive controls for computer animation. He explores deep learning applications in global illumination and uses quantum field theory for efficient light transport in participating media. Publications : Recent work includes advancements in temporal coherence for light transport (2017–2023), functional integrals for scattering models (2025), and optimization of spatial data structures (2019). Teaching Innovations : Advocate for ungrading (feedback-only assignments), flipped classroom techniques, and interactive learning. His approach emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization, with structured, self-contained lessons and active student engagement. Leadership : Serves on multiple academic councils and committees including the Commission on Research Integrity and Student Services Council .

• Computer Graphics
• Rendering Algorithms
• Photo-realistic Rendering
• +9 more

Lorenz Demey is a Research Professor in Philosophical Logic at KU Leuven's Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science (CLPS), affiliated with the Institute of Philosophy. His work focuses on logical geometry, history of logic, epistemic logic, and modal logic. He holds advanced degrees in philosophy, logic, mathematics, and artificial intelligence from KU Leuven and Universiteit van Amsterdam. Demey's research explores Aristotelian diagrams, their cognitive and mathematical properties, and their historical applications. He has secured grants including an ERC Starting Grant, and his projects investigate topics like Kantian ethics modeling, Dutch vernacular logic, and the development of formal semantics. He actively collaborates internationally, delivering invited lectures at institutions like Xiamen University and Sun Yat-sen University. His teaching emphasizes logical theory and science communication. Notable publications include studies on dynamic epistemic logic, medieval logic diagrams, and the philosophical foundations of logical geometry. Key contributions include the Leonardi.DB ontology for Aristotelian diagrams and work on bitstring semantics for logical structures. Demey co-supervised PhD student Bart Nys and collaborates on projects like STUDIUM.AI, analyzing knowledge networks around Leuven's historical university. His work bridges historical scholarship with formal methods, contributing to both theoretical and applied research in logic and philosophy.

• Logical Geometry
• History of Logic
• Epistemic Logic
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Wouter Van Gompel is an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at Hasselt University's Faculty of Sciences, leading the Hybrid Materials Design (HyMaD) research group. His work focuses on designing hybrid materials for optoelectronics, particularly low-dimensional hybrid perovskites. He holds a PhD from Hasselt University (2019) and completed postdoctoral research at EPFL and the University of Cambridge, supported by FWO and BOF grants. Education: Master in Chemistry, Ghent University (2015) PhD in Chemistry, Hasselt University (2019) Research Interests: Hybrid perovskite design and synthesis Optoelectronic applications (solar cells, photovoltaics) Charge transfer dynamics and energy funnelling Material stability and structural engineering Organic-inorganic interfaces Grants & Projects: FWO-SB PhD grant (2015–2019) FWO-SBO project collaboration with imec and Belgian universities (postdoc) BOF postdoctoral mandate (2022) Current projects include optoelectronic materials for neuromorphic computing and solar cells Teaching & Supervision: Coordinating lecturer for courses like Fundamentals of Materials Chemistry and Hybrid Materials and Functional Interfaces Supervising PhD students in areas like perovskite stability, chirality, and neuromorphic applications Labs & Groups: Head of HyMaD expertise group at Hasselt University Collaborates with IMOMEC institute and international labs

• Hybrid Perovskites
• Optoelectronics
• Material Synthesis and Characterization
• +5 more

María Sol Sansiñena Pascual serves as Assistant Professor (tenure track) at KU Leuven across Leuven, Kortrijk, and Brussels campuses while also holding a guest professorship at Ghent University. Her primary academic affiliation lies within the Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven where she actively contributes to the Functional and Cognitive Linguistics: Grammar and Typology (FunC) research group. Education PhD in Spanish Linguistics, KU Leuven (2015) Research Focus Her scholarly work centers on semantic-pragmatic interpretation mechanisms, with special emphasis on modality and TAM (Tense, Aspect, Mood) categories, discourse phenomena including insubordination, language variation/change dynamics, and translation pattern analysis. She employs interactional-constructional frameworks to examine Spanish grammatical structures across synchronic and diachronic dimensions, particularly investigating evolutionary pathways from Latin to contemporary Spanish varieties. Publication Trends Analysis of her recent scholarly output reveals concentrated research trajectories in diachronic syntax (especially insubordinate clause evolution), modal-evidential semantics in Spanish conditional/future forms, grammaticalization processes of verbal periphrases, and indexicality mechanisms. Her methodological approach consistently integrates functional, cognitive, and construction grammar perspectives to address complex language change phenomena. Research Leadership Current promotor of "Pathways to insubordination: diachronic evolution of non-subordinate structures" (2025-2026) Principal investigator for "Speech-act orientation and intersubjective alignment" project (2020-2025) Academic Contributions She actively participates in the FunC research collective while teaching specialized courses including Spanish Linguistics I/III, Discourse Analysis, and Master's thesis support seminars. Her scholarly service includes editorial contributions such as co-editing the 2024 volume "Indexicality: The Role of Indexing in Language Structure and Language Change".

• Semantics and Pragmatics
• Discourse Analysis
• Spanish Linguistics
• +3 more

Okechukwu Vincent Nwokorie is affiliated with the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at KU Leuven. His research focuses on disability studies, empowerment discourses, and cultural practices in Southeast Nigeria. He completed his PhD in 2020 under the supervision of Prof. Patrick Devlieger, examining the intersections of disability support, local elites, and global frameworks. His work critiques how 'empowerment' programs often reinforce social hierarchies while exposing gaps in accountability among NGOs. Key research themes include the socio-cultural implications of disability, neoliberal influences on social welfare, and the transformative potential of ethnographic methodologies. His findings challenge conventional assumptions about empowerment's outcomes and highlight the agency of disabled communities amid structural inequities.

• Disability Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Development Studies
• +3 more

Professor Mieke Van Houtte, affiliated with the University of Ghent, is a leading scholar in educational sociology with a focus on gender dynamics , tracking systems , and student diversity . Her research spans secondary education , grade retention , and inclusive practices , often employing multilevel analysis to address Belgian educational challenges. PhD Promotions: Lennart Van Eycken (2024), Lorenz Dekeyser (2022), Timo Van Canegem (2022), Emma Degroote (2021) Key Collaborators: Jannick Demanet, Peter Stevens, Alexis Dewaele Her work explores gender role attitudes , school misconduct , and teachability perceptions , linking them to structural factors like school social composition and multilingualism . Recent articles emphasize mental health in gender-minority youth and preschool gender socialization . Prominent themes in her publications include academic achievement , tracking effects , and educational inequality . She has authored books like Sociologen over onderwijs and Zichtbaarheid- en discriminatiemanagement bij holebi-jongeren , and frequently contributes to journals such as American Educational Research Journal and European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry .

• Education
• Student Diversity
• Gender Studies
• +13 more