Tom Vanwing

Tom Vanwing is a full professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology & Educational Sciences and the Department of Educational Sciences (EDWE). He is the founder of LOCI (Localities, Ontologies, Commons, Integrated) and co-founder of the Brussels folkhighschool Citizenne and the Master in Education and Research for Sustainable Development at Anton De Kom University in Suriname. His research focuses on community development, sustainable development, and social-ecological systems, often integrating interdisciplinary approaches across engineering, biology, economics, and policy management.

Education: Vanwing holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences from VUB, specializing in professionalization and innovation in non-formal educational settings, particularly in community development contexts. He studied Marketing and Informal Educational Sciences (Andragology) earlier in his academic career.

Research Interests: Vanwing explores contemporary developmental issues through an intersectional lens, emphasizing communities as eco-systems interacting with physical, economic, and societal environments. His work addresses topics like social capital, adult education, blended learning, and resilience in resource-dependent communities. Recent projects include studies on volcanic risk preparedness in Congo, Indigenous health in Suriname, and decolonization of Belgian development cooperation.

Grants & Projects: He leads or contributes to impactful projects such as FWOTM1086 (social-ecological keystone species), VLIR400 (decolonizing Belgian development aid), and EUPOM53 (sustainable Caribbean cities initiatives). His work spans global South contexts in Bolivia, Vietnam, Uganda, and Suriname.

Labs/Teams: Vanwing is part of the Integrated EU-China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) and collaborates with institutions like the University of Suriname and IUC Bolivia. His research network includes partnerships in Cameroon, DR Congo, and Vietnam, reflecting his global focus on sustainable development and community resilience.