Sam Van Damme

Sam Van Damme is a researcher at the Safety and Wellbeing Knowledge Center at AP University College Antwerp, focusing on developing resilient, healthy work cultures that prioritize mental well-being, meaning, and personal development. He holds a PhD in Development Studies with a specialization in social inclusion from University College Dublin.

• International experience across the United States (University of Colorado Denver), China (University of International Business and Economics, Beijing), and Belgium (VUB, VIVES University of Applied Sciences).
• Led projects like Include It (social inclusion and digital skills), POL-RECRAFT (police-citizen relations), and Cities2030 (sustainable urban food systems).
• Founded Middle Kingdom Teachers (MKT) in the UK to promote EU-China educational collaboration through cultural exchange and innovative teaching methods.

At AP University College Antwerp, he integrates global perspectives into workplace safety and well-being research, supports external funding applications, and fosters partnerships to amplify societal impact.