Bernard De Baets

Bernard De Baets is a Senior Full Professor and Head of the Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University. He leads the Knowledge-based Systems research unit KERMIT. With interdisciplinary expertise in mathematics, computer science, and knowledge engineering, his research bridges fundamental and applied domains in biological sciences.

His research integrates three core threads:

• Knowledge-based modelling for intelligent systems
• Predictive modelling using statistical and machine learning approaches
• Spatio-temporal modelling for dynamic systems analysis

Specific domains include Fuzzy Set Theory, Cellular Automata, and hybrid AI methods with applications in environmental science, agriculture, and computational biology.

He has authored over 550 peer-reviewed journal papers (accumulating ~25,000 citations) and earned multiple best paper awards. As Editor-in-Chief of Fuzzy Sets and Systems and editorial board member for several journals, he significantly contributes to the scientific community.

Major honors include:

• Honorary Professor at Budapest Tech
• Doctor Honoris Causa (University of Turku)
• Professor Extraordinarius (University of South Africa)
• Fellow of the International Fuzzy Systems Association
• EUSFLAT Scientific Excellence Award