Peter Van Daele

Peter Van Daele is a Senior full professor at Ghent University, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and the Department of Information Technology (EA05). His research is centered at the Centre for Microsystems Technology and the Internet Technology and Data Science Lab, where he leads significant work in optical communications, photonics, and flexible electronics.

His research interests focus on optical sensors, polymer-based optical interconnections, and embedded photonic systems. He has pioneered techniques for embedding optical components in printed circuit boards and flexible substrates, enabling applications in artificial optical skins, biomedical sensing, and tactile sensor systems. His work bridges fundamental photonics research with practical engineering solutions for communications, sensing, and medical applications.

Professor Van Daele's publication record spans over two decades with more than 470 publications, demonstrating consistent research activity through to 2022. His recent work shows a strategic shift toward network security and next-generation internet architecture while maintaining his core expertise in optical sensing systems. The evolution of his research demonstrates a progression from fundamental optical component design toward integrated systems with practical applications.

He has led major European research initiatives including BONE (Building the future Optical Network in Europe) and has coordinated significant projects such as 'Embedding of optical and opto-electronic components in printed circuit boards' (2007-2012) and 'FAOS: Flexible Artificial Optical Skin' (2007-2010). His work has received funding from the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO) and various regional and community funding bodies.

Professor Van Daele maintains an active research profile with recent publications in 2021-2022 on optical communications and network security, indicating he continues to be a significant contributor to his field. His collaborative work spans multiple European institutions, demonstrating strong international research connections in the photonics and telecommunications domains.