معرفی
Dick Botteldooren is a full Professor of Acoustics at Ghent University, Belgium, leading the WAVES (Wireless, Acoustics, Environment & Expert Systems) research unit. He serves as I-INCE vice-president for Europe and Africa and previously held leadership roles as Editor-in-Chief of Acta Acustica (2004-2013) and president of the Belgian Acoustical Society (until 2018).
His educational background includes:
- MSc in Electronic Engineering (1986, Ghent University)
- PhD in Applied Science (1990, Ghent University)
Professor Botteldooren's research spans acoustic modeling, noise mapping, environmental sensor networks, computational intelligence, and human-inspired machine listening. His work integrates biomonitoring (particularly EEG), health impact assessment of sound, urban sound planning, and soundscape design with strong policy implications. Recent focus areas include AI-driven analysis of animal vocalizations and therapeutic soundscape design for dementia care.
Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) Machine learning applications in bioacoustics (especially broiler chicken vocalization monitoring for welfare assessment), (2) EEG-based attention detection systems using spiking neural networks and cross-modal transfer, and (3) Soundscape augmentation for dementia care through auditory processing-driven environmental interventions. His work consistently bridges computational methods with real-world acoustic challenges.
His scientific recognition includes:
- Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America
Professor Botteldooren has advised national and international health councils and noise policymakers, translating research into practice. His work has received sustained funding from the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research and other international bodies, supporting both fundamental acoustics research and applied policy development.
The WAVES research unit under his leadership conducts interdisciplinary work combining wireless sensor networks, computational intelligence, and human-centered acoustics, with active projects in urban noise monitoring, bioacoustic surveillance, and neuroacoustic applications.
