Claire Lobet-Maris is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science and Faculty of Law at the University of Namur. Her research focuses on the sociology of digital technologies, organizational analysis, and innovation policy, with particular interest in public administrations and social groups like youth or elderly populations. Doctorate in Labor Sciences (UCL) Academic career spanning EU-funded projects (FP5-FP7, Horizon 2020) Her methodological approach combines qualitative research with a pragmatic methodology for value-sensitive design of digital artifacts. Recent work trends show increasing specialization in: Digital health and rural healthcare systems Non-technical skills development in global health contexts Ethical frameworks for technology governance Temporal sociology of migration External engagements include: Member of Allistene Digital Sciences Alliance ethics committee Scientific committee member for E-Gov Wallon and COST 298 network Editorial roles in Technologies de l'Information et Société and TIC & Société journals
Pierre-Yves Schobbens is a Full Professor at the University of Namur, Faculty of Computer Science, specializing in software verification and formal methods. He serves as the Director of the Research Group on the Foundations of Computer Science (FOCUS) and holds leadership roles including President of the Research Center on Information Systems Engineering (PReCISE), Chair of the International Affairs Commission for the Faculty of Computer Science, and Chair of the Doctoral Commission for Exact Sciences at the university. Education: Bachelor in Philosophy, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), 1982 Master in Applied Mathematics and Economics, UCL, 1983 Master in Computer Engineering, UCL, 1984 Doctorate in Computer Science, UCL, 1992 Research Interests: Professor Schobbens specializes in software product lines, software verification, formal methods, agent-oriented software, and model checking. His research focuses on developing rigorous approaches for software development and verification, particularly in the context of variability-intensive systems. He has made significant contributions to the field of featured transition systems, which enable the verification of software product lines. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications, addressing challenges in real-time systems, adaptive software, and database performance. Recent research directions include applying artificial intelligence techniques to software quality assurance, energy-aware computing, and the development of context-aware systems. Research Trends: Professor Schobbens' recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the intersection of formal methods and emerging technologies. His work increasingly incorporates AI and machine learning techniques to address traditional software engineering challenges, particularly in software verification and testing. There's a notable emphasis on energy efficiency in computing systems, variability modeling for database performance testing, and the application of formal methods to self-adaptive systems. His research maintains a strong theoretical foundation while addressing practical concerns in software development. Scientific Awards: Most Influential Paper Award, VAMOS 2024 (ten-year award) Most Influential Paper Award, Software Product Lines Conference 2020 Most Influential Paper Award, International Requirements Engineering Conference 2016 Best Presentation Award, SAFECOMP 2012 Advising and Grants: Professor Schobbens has supervised 94 students across various levels. He leads multiple significant research projects including SQUAL.AI (Software Quality through Artificial Intelligence, 2025-2026), ERNEST (schEduler foR eNErgy autonomouS ioT, 2024-2025), and CYBEREXCELLENCE (Cyber Security Excellence project within the Walloon Region, 2022-2027). His research has been consistently funded since 1999, demonstrating sustained impact and relevance in his field. Laboratories and Research Teams: Professor Schobbens directs the Research Group on the Foundations of Computer Science (FOCUS) and is a key member of the Research Center on Information Systems Engineering (PReCISE). He also contributes to the Namur Digital Institute (NADI) and Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis). His research group focuses on formal methods for software engineering, particularly addressing challenges in software product lines, model checking, and adaptive systems.
Dr. Charles Kirschbaum is an Associate Professor at Insper Institute of Education and Research in São Paulo, Brazil. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV SP) and an MBA from the Wharton School. His research focuses on the intersection of social networks with organizational dynamics, markets, and public policies. Primary Affiliations: Insper Institute (Current Academic Role) SEMEAD (Organizational Studies Division Co-Coordinator) Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância (NCPI Affiliate Researcher) Education: PhD in Business Administration - Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV SP) MBA - The Wharton School Research Themes: Kirschbaum investigates three core dimensions of social networks: 1) their role in promoting creativity within organizations, 2) mechanisms of inclusion/exclusion for marginalized groups (women executives, Black students), and 3) the relationship between networks and cultural meaning through computational text analysis. His work bridges sociology with strategic management and organizational theory. Academic Contributions: He co-leads the Hub.i9 research initiative at Insper and participates in the Technical Committee of the Interdisciplinarity and Evidence in Educational Debate Portal (IEDE). His expertise spans business economics, administration, and computational approaches to organizational studies.
Delphine Nicolay is a researcher at the Faculty of Science, University of Namur , affiliated with the Namur Institute for Complex Systems . Her work spans quantum computing, neural networks, and optimization techniques. Doctorate in Science (2018) Master in Mathematical Sciences (2012) Research Focus: She specializes in quantum neural networks , genetic algorithms , and their applications to robotics and renewable energy optimization . Her publications highlight advancements in quantum algorithm design, modular network training, and solar thermal collector efficiency. Scientific Contributions: Key conference participations include WIVACE 2017 and Complex Networks workshops. Her work on multi-objective optimization (2014) demonstrated significant improvements in solar technology.
Laurence Claeys is a visiting professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel , affiliated with the Department of Communication Sciences and active within the Centre of Expertise on Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality . Their research focuses on privacy , Internet of Things (IoT) , and citizen science , particularly in the context of blockchain technology , air pollution monitoring , and digital empowerment . Education: PhD in Communication Sciences (2007), Postgraduate in Gender Studies (2001), and degrees in NGO Management, Educational Sciences, and Sociology Research interests span data privacy , location-based services , social computing , and gamification , with a focus on public sector innovation Recent work includes blockchain impact analysis for public institutions and sensor-based smart agriculture solutions Collaborations include projects like hackAIR (air pollution monitoring) and IMINDS (IoT platform markets) External role as Product Manager at Sensolus since 2013 Their publications reflect trends in digital governance (blockchain), environmental technology (air pollution, IoT), and social computing (digital empowerment). No formal scientific awards are listed in the provided data.
Flavio Abreu Araujo is a Professor at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium, affiliated with the School of Engineering (EPL) and the Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN) under the Bio and Soft Matter (BSMA) unit. His research focuses on spintronics , neuromorphic computing , and magnetic nanowire networks , contributing to thermoelectric devices, vortex oscillators, and reservoir computing. Education : Doctorate in Engineering Sciences (2015) Civil Physics Engineer (2010) His research interests span spintronic devices , neuromorphic hardware , and flexible thermoelectric systems , with significant work on 3D interconnected nanowire networks and magnetic potential energy modeling . Recent publications highlight machine learning integration in spintronic simulations and nonlinear dynamics in coupled oscillator systems. Scientific awards and students are not explicitly listed in the provided data. His lab at BSMA explores magnetic nanostructures and nanotechnology-ready computing , emphasizing micromagnetic studies and experimental spintronic applications .
Tom Barbette is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Engineering Center (INGI) department at the Louvain Polytechnic School (EPL) of Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium. He leads the Efficiency of Networked Systems Group , focusing on programmable networks, SmartNICs, NFV, data-centers, and high-speed packet processing. PhD (2018) from Université de Liège (advisor: Laurent Mathy) Post-doctoral research at KTH, Sweden (2018-2021) and UCLouvain (2021-2022) His research explores redefining internet communication paradigms through programmable infrastructure like SmartNICs and P4. Key themes include: High-speed networking and load-balancing Sub-atomic communication models for disaggregated systems KERNEL bypass techniques for performance optimization He has contributed to major conferences like SIGCOMM, NSDI, and CoNEXT, with patents on network interface optimization. His group collaborates on projects such as: ASNI (SmartNICs programming interface) HIRT (High-speed Forward Erasure Correction) Reframer (Network stream optimization)
David Bol is a Lecturer at Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), affiliated with the Louvain Polytechnic School (EPL) and the Electrical Engineering Center (ELEN) within the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics (ICTEAM). His academic work spans both teaching and research in electrical engineering, with a particular focus on low-power circuit design and sustainable electronics. Dr. Bol's research interests center around low-power electronics , integrated circuit design , and sustainable approaches to electronic systems . His work bridges traditional electrical engineering with environmental considerations, particularly through life cycle assessment of electronic devices and IoT systems. He has developed expertise in ultra-low-power circuit design, analog and mixed-signal circuits, energy harvesting techniques, and the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing and wireless technologies. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on energy efficiency in electronic systems, with significant contributions to current reference design, biomedical amplifiers, and near-sensor computing architectures. A notable trend in his work is the integration of environmental sustainability considerations into traditional circuit design, particularly through life cycle assessment methodologies applied to IoT devices and communication infrastructure. Dr. Bol teaches multiple electrical engineering courses including Analog Electronic Systems (LELEC2532), Synthesis of Digital Integrated Circuits (LELEC2570), and Sustainable Development and Transition (LEPL1804), reflecting his dual expertise in circuit design and sustainability.
Eric Deleersnijder is a Lecturer at the Université catholique de Louvain, affiliated with the Louvain Polytechnic School (EPL) and the Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (iMMC). He conducts research within the Applied Mechanics and Mathematics (MEMA) unit of iMMC and collaborates with the Earth and Life Institute (ELI). His teaching responsibilities include courses such as General Mechanics, Marine Hydrodynamics, Fundamentals of Geographic and Environmental Modelling, Mathematical Ecology, Fluid Mechanics II, and Physics of Fluids. Deleersnijder's research focuses on hydrodynamic modeling , coastal and estuarine dynamics , and numerical methods for environmental systems. Key areas include: multi-scale ocean modeling, water renewal timescales, sediment transport, and contaminant dispersion in aquatic systems. His work emphasizes practical applications in ecosystems like the Scheldt Estuary, Nador Lagoon (Morocco), and Meuse River, alongside theoretical advances in finite volume/discontinuous Galerkin methods. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on: Development of advanced numerical schemes (IMEX Runge-Kutta, DG-FEM) for 3D hydrodynamic systems Environmental risk modeling of radionuclide dispersion in river networks Hydrodynamic diagnostics (water age, residence time) for coastal management Transdisciplinary applications from Titan's subsurface oceans to North African lagoons He actively collaborates on continental-scale hydrological projects (e.g., Scheldt and Meuse river systems) and leads developments in the SLIM (Second-generation Louvain-la-Neuve Ice-ocean Model) platform. His team addresses climate impacts on water renewal and sediment dynamics through high-performance computing approaches.
Hans Op de Beeck is a full professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. He chairs the Brain and Cognition research unit within the Laboratory for Biological Psychology and is a member of the KU Leuven Brain Institute. His work bridges cognitive neuroscience, visual perception, and computational modeling approaches to understand human visual cognition. Professor Op de Beeck's research focuses on visual cognition, particularly object recognition, category selectivity, and the neural organization of the visual system. His work combines multiple methodologies including fMRI, computational modeling, and behavioral experiments to investigate how the brain processes visual information. His research spans basic visual neuroscience to applied domains like aesthetic appreciation and social scene processing. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating computational approaches with human neuroscience. The research spans visual category representation, social cognition, aesthetic processing, and cross-modal plasticity. A notable pattern is the increasing use of artificial neural networks to model and understand human visual processing, as well as the exploration of visual expertise in various domains including Braille reading and chess expertise. Professor Op de Beeck is actively involved in numerous research projects as both promotor and co-promotor, with ongoing work spanning from 2022 to 2030. His laboratory, the Brain and Cognition unit, investigates the fundamental principles of visual processing and their applications in understanding both typical and atypical cognitive functioning.
Bram Vervliet is a Professor at the Laboratory for Biological Psychology , Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven. He serves as Programme Director for the POC Master Psychology (Theory and Research) and is affiliated with the Leuven Centre for Health Humanities and KU Leuven Brain Institute . His research bridges associative learning theory, clinical psychology, and translational neuroscience. Education : PhD in Psychology (KU Leuven, 2004) Positions : Assistant Professor at University of Amsterdam (2006–2010), Senior Postdoc at KU Leuven (2010–2015), Marie-Curie Fellow at Harvard Medical School (2015–2017) His research investigates the psychobiological processes underlying fear acquisition, generalization, extinction, and avoidance. Current projects focus on: Relief dynamics during threat omission Gut-brain axis in fear modulation Stress effects on avoidance learning Neural basis of relief in OCD and anxiety Computational modeling of prediction errors Recent publications highlight studies on dopamine receptor blockade in rodent avoidance, stress reactivity in humans, and epigenetic modulation of fear memories via gut metabolites. He received a Poster Prize Award at the 4th European Stress Conference (2025). Notable grants include the VENI grant (University of Amsterdam), Marie-Curie fellowship, and KU Leuven Special Research Fund (BOF) support. He supervises PhD students like Lu Leng (2024 dissertation on anhedonia and learned helplessness).
Markus Wöhr is a Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, leading the Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group. His work focuses on neurobiological mechanisms of social behavior, ultrasonic vocalizations in rodents, and social-affective processing, with applications to neuropsychiatric disorders. Laboratory for Biological Psychology KU Leuven Brain Institute member Research interests span translational models of affective and neurodevelopmental disorders, pharmacological targeting of dopamine/serotonin systems, genetic rescue models for autism (Nlgn3, Reelin), and microglia-neuron interactions. Recent projects include GeluidGoed! platform for rodent vocalization studies and Cacna1c haploinsufficiency research. 2025-2029: Dopamine/Serotonin System Targeting 2025: Ultrasound Monitoring Platform 2023-2027: Autism Gene Studies Publications emphasize ultrasonic vocalizations as biomarkers for emotional states, genetic underpinnings of social behavior, and pharmacological modulation of affective communication. Collaborative networks include UC Davis, Stanford University, and Philipps-Universität Marburg mentors.
Prof. Pieter Vansteenwegen is a full professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Science, leading the Centre for Industrial Management/Traffic and Infrastructure (CIB) and chairing the KU Leuven Institute for Mobility (LIM). With a PhD in Operations Research (2008), he works on robust public transport systems, metaheuristics for logistics, and demand-responsive mobility solutions. Chair, KU Leuven Institute for Mobility Program Director, Master of Mobility and Supply Chain Engineering Board member, International Association of Railway Operations Research His research integrates transportation engineering , logistics optimization , and smart mobility systems , focusing on: Demand-responsive public transportation Metaheuristic algorithm development Inventory routing problems Smart waste collection strategies Multi-robot scheduling Recent publications demonstrate expertise in variable neighborhood search , Benders decomposition , and genetic algorithms applied to public transport, satellite scheduling, and circular economy logistics. His work has been cited over 9,400 times (Google Scholar H-index 51). Scientific recognition includes: Multiple IAROR best paper awards Best Reviewer European Journal of Operational Research BIVEC-GIBET PhD awards (2009, 2021, 2023) RASIG-INFORMS Student Paper Prizes He directs KU Leuven's Planning and Operational Research subdivision , serves on faculty councils, and founded spin-off dyNAVic for electronic tourist guides. His teaching portfolio includes courses in Public Transportation Design , Distribution Logistics , and Operational Management .
Dr. Alexander Badri-Spröwitz is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering , KU Leuven . He leads research in legged robotics, biomechanics, and bio-inspired actuation systems. Promotor: Simulation and control of legged robots (2025-2029) Promotor: Legged robot locomotion on natural soft terrain (2025-2027) Promotor: Modular legged robots in human-made/natural environments (2024-2028) Co-promotor: Symbol Synchronous Networking for Robotics (2024-2028) His research focuses on dynamic locomotion control , passive actuation systems , and neuromechanical coupling , with applications in terrain adaptation and human-robot interaction. Recent work explores muscle reflexes, compliant mechanisms, and bio-inspired diaphragm actuators. Publications analyze trade-offs in legged locomotion efficiency, passive spring-tendon systems for walking robots, and neuromorphic control strategies in Nature Machine Intelligence , Scientific Reports , and IEEE conferences. He teaches courses in Embedded Control Systems and Advanced Robot Control Systems at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Science.
Johan Joubert is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering , Faculty of Engineering Science , KU Leuven. His academic roles include leadership as Head of the Subdivision Logistics and Optimization. He actively contributes to research and teaching in logistics, urban freight modelling, and agent-based simulation. Academic Affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven Leadership: Head of Subdivision Logistics and Optimization Research Collaborations: Member of LIM - KU Leuven Institute for Mobility His research focuses on logistics sprawl , urban freight dynamics , and agent-based simulation for travel behavior. Recent projects include Waste logistics in urban freight (2024-2028) and STRUAAS (2024-2026), emphasizing sustainable urban supply chains and operations research. Key publications span transport geography , network analysis , and driver risk evaluation . Examples include Logistics sprawl and freight activity dynamics (2022) and Accessibility in Post-Apartheid Cities (2018). His work integrates geospatial data, behavioral models, and sustainability metrics. Teaching involves courses like Supply Chain Engineering (H08J0A) and Multi-Agent Systems (H02H4A), supported by DataCamp for data science integration. Engagement includes mentoring students and industry collaborations through KU Leuven’s mobility research networks.
