Prof. Dr. Wouter Van Gompel is an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at Hasselt University's Faculty of Sciences, leading the Hybrid Materials Design (HyMaD) research group. His work focuses on designing hybrid materials for optoelectronics, particularly low-dimensional hybrid perovskites. He holds a PhD from Hasselt University (2019) and completed postdoctoral research at EPFL and the University of Cambridge, supported by FWO and BOF grants. Education: Master in Chemistry, Ghent University (2015) PhD in Chemistry, Hasselt University (2019) Research Interests: Hybrid perovskite design and synthesis Optoelectronic applications (solar cells, photovoltaics) Charge transfer dynamics and energy funnelling Material stability and structural engineering Organic-inorganic interfaces Grants & Projects: FWO-SB PhD grant (2015–2019) FWO-SBO project collaboration with imec and Belgian universities (postdoc) BOF postdoctoral mandate (2022) Current projects include optoelectronic materials for neuromorphic computing and solar cells Teaching & Supervision: Coordinating lecturer for courses like Fundamentals of Materials Chemistry and Hybrid Materials and Functional Interfaces Supervising PhD students in areas like perovskite stability, chirality, and neuromorphic applications Labs & Groups: Head of HyMaD expertise group at Hasselt University Collaborates with IMOMEC institute and international labs
Dr. Freija De Vleeschouwer is a postdoctoral researcher and teaching faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Brussels, Belgium. With an ORCID identifier 0000-0003-0563-1509, she has established herself as a prominent researcher in computational chemistry with 927 citations and a 15 h-index. Her academic journey includes multiple FWO postdoctoral fellowships and a Research Professor appointment in Basic, Nature & Applied Sciences (2020). Dr. De Vleeschouwer's research focuses on the application of computational quantum chemical methods to solve complex problems in molecular design and materials science. Her work spans several key areas including density functional theory, molecular reactivity, self-healing polymers, and nonlinear optical materials. She employs a multidisciplinary approach combining computational predictions, molecular dynamics simulations, and experimental validation to advance understanding in these fields. Her recent research output demonstrates a strong trend toward computational-experimental integration, particularly in the development of self-healing polymer networks through Diels-Alder chemistry. She has also made significant contributions to understanding hexaphyrin compounds and their optical properties using explainable machine learning approaches. This work bridges traditional computational chemistry with modern data science techniques. Scientific Awards: FWO postdoctoral fellowship (2010) for molecular design using conceptual DFT FWO postdoctoral fellowship (2013) for inverse molecular design in radical chemistry Poster prize at the 15th International Congress of Quantum Chemistry (2015) Research Professor in Basic, Nature & Applied Sciences (0.1 ZAP) (2020) Dr. De Vleeschouwer actively supervises graduate students and has served on PhD committees. Her research is supported by multiple competitive grants including FWOTM and SRP projects. She organizes international conferences, including the 19th International Conference on Density Functional Theory and its Applications (2022), and participates in international collaborations such as research stays at Palacky University Olomouc. She leads several active research projects through 2026-2027, including FWOTM1148 on accelerating Diels-Alder kinetics in self-healing polymers and SRP73 on molecular and material property prediction using combined quantum chemical approaches.
Lucca Geurts is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences at KU Leuven, where he is affiliated with the Department of Computer Science. He serves as chairman of the Leuven Centre for Accessible Health Technology, subdivision head of Subdivision 3, Campus Group T Leuven, and Head of Education of the OC Innovative Health Technology. Additionally, he is an active member of DigiSoc – KU Leuven Institute for Digital Society. His research focuses on Technology for Tangible and Playful Interactions, particularly in healthcare applications. Dr. Geurts leads numerous research projects including therapeutic games for children with visual disorders, flexible activity measurement systems, intimate interactive systems, and early-stage glaucoma screening platforms. His work bridges human-computer interaction with accessible health technology, emphasizing user-centered design principles and practical healthcare solutions. Dr. Geurts' publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental interaction techniques to applied healthcare contexts. His recent work shows increasing sophistication in squeeze interactions, emotion regulation through tangible interfaces, and medical applications of interactive technology. The research trends indicate a growing focus on accessible medical diagnostics, therapeutic applications, and user experience in healthcare technology. As an educator, Dr. Geurts teaches across multiple domains including Electronics, Computer Architectures, Health Entrepreneurship, Sensors and Circuits for Healthcare Applications, and Extended Reality. His educational leadership extends to Master's theses and internships in health engineering, reflecting his commitment to training the next generation of healthcare technologists. Committee for Culture, Art and Heritage Faculty Council of Industrial Engineering Sciences Evaluation Committee of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences POC Advanced Education Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences Secretary of the OC Innovative Health Technology Departmental Council for Computer Science Interfaculty Council for Global Development (as substitute member) Dr. Geurts maintains an active research profile with numerous publications in top-tier human-computer interaction conferences and journals. His work shows a clear progression toward increasingly impactful healthcare applications, with strong emphasis on accessibility and user experience in medical technology development.
Heidi Ottevaere is a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) since October 1, 2009. She serves as the head of the Instrumentation and Metrology platform at the Photonics Innovation Center and leads the 'biophotonics' research unit of the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT), which is chaired by Prof. Hugo Thienpont. Her work focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterization of photonic components and systems for diverse applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes. Dr. Ottevaere earned her Electrotechnical Engineering degree with majors in Photonics from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 1997 and completed her PhD in Applied Sciences at the same institution in 2003. Her doctoral research focused on 'Refractive microlenses and micro-optical structures for multi-parameter sensing: a touch of micro-photonics.' Professor Ottevaere's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas of photonics with particular emphasis on biophotonics, micro-optics, and optical metrology . Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, developing novel photonic components and systems that address real-world challenges. She has pioneered research in miniaturized optical systems for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. Her current research focuses on advancing lab-on-a-chip technologies, microfluidic optical sensors, and novel optical fiber systems for biomedical applications. She has developed microminiaturized, integrated plastic detection units for absorbance and laser-induced fluorescence measurements in microfluidic channels, enabling portable, robust, and disposable diagnostic systems. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrated optical sensing systems with applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. There's a clear progression from fundamental optical component design to complete system integration, with increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence for data analysis and computational imaging techniques. Her work bridges photonics with biomedical engineering, materials science, and data science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern photonics research. Dr. Ottevaere has been recognized with several prestigious awards: Best Application award (2008) Educational award - Bronze (2019) MOC09 Contribution Award Winners (2009) As an educator and mentor, Professor Ottevaere has promoted 9 PhD students and supervised numerous master's theses. She has secured substantial research funding from diverse sources including the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT), and multiple European Framework Programs. Her current portfolio includes projects on miniaturized biosensors for drinking water screening, precision manufacturing, and photonics education initiatives in Uzbekistan. She has coordinated multiple strategic research and networking projects with regional, national, and international funding bodies. Professor Ottevaere leads the biophotonics research unit within the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT), one of Europe's leading photonics research groups. Her team includes researchers working on optical metrology, micro-optics fabrication, and biophotonic applications. She collaborates extensively with industry partners including Melexis, Umicore, and Anteryon, as well as academic institutions across Europe through various EU-funded projects. She has been instrumental in developing the interuniversity engineering curriculum 'Master in Photonics' which received the EC Erasmus Mundus quality label in 2006, and continues to be the driving force behind photonics education at VUB.
Prof. Wim Desmet is a full professor at the Faculty of Engineering Science and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven . His research focuses on advanced modeling techniques for mechanical systems, including: noise and vibration control in automotive and industrial systems computational acoustics and interval field uncertainty modeling metamaterials for broadband vibroacoustic performance AI-driven diagnostic systems in renewable energy and manufacturing Current research projects address challenges in electric vehicle drivetrains, wind turbine monitoring, and multi-physical digital twin development. He actively contributes to academic governance as: Managing Director of KU Leuven Head of Subdivision HIST Chair of multiple executive committees Member of 15+ academic and administrative councils
Wout Joseph is a Professor in the domain of Experimental Characterization of wireless communication systems at Ghent University (Belgium), where he has been working since October 2009. He is also an IMEC Principal Investigator since 2017. His research is conducted within the wireless, acoustics, environment & expert systems (WAVES) research unit at the Department of Information Technology (INTEC). Dr. Joseph was born in Ostend, Belgium on October 21, 1977. He received his M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from Ghent University in July 2000. From September 2000 to March 2005 he was a research assistant at the Department of Information Technology (INTEC), where his scientific work focused on electromagnetic exposure assessment around base stations for mobile communications related to health effects. This work led to his Ph.D. degree in March 2005. Professor Joseph's research expertise spans multiple domains within wireless communications and bioelectromagnetics. His primary research interests include electromagnetic field exposure assessment, in-body electromagnetic field modeling, electromagnetic medical applications, propagation for wireless communication systems, IoT, antennas and calibration. He also specializes in wireless performance analysis, industry 4.0 applications, wireless localization, and Quality of Experience metrics. His work is particularly notable for its focus on dosimetric studies in the radiofrequency range, where his research is ranked first in number of peer-reviewed studies. His research has practical applications in wireless network planning, occupational safety, and public health policy related to electromagnetic fields. His extensive publication record (over 886 publications with an h-index of 45 in ISI Web of Science and 66 in Google Scholar) demonstrates a clear trajectory from fundamental electromagnetic field measurements to applied research in industrial wireless networks and bioelectromagnetic applications. Recent work shows a strong emphasis on 5G exposure assessment across multiple European countries, millimeter-wave channel modeling, and the application of machine learning techniques to exposure assessment and wireless localization. EBEA council board member (2015-2018) EBEA board member at large (2019) Bioelectromagnetics Society board member (2022) Bioelectromagnetics Society board member (2024) 24 research awards Professor Joseph leads significant research efforts in electromagnetic field exposure assessment, with particular emphasis on developing measurement methodologies and computational models for real-world exposure scenarios. His work bridges theoretical electromagnetic modeling with practical applications in wireless communications and bioelectromagnetics. His research group within the WAVES unit is highly active in both theoretical and experimental aspects of wireless communications and bioelectromagnetics, with current projects focusing on 5G exposure assessment across Europe, millimeter-wave channel modeling for data centers and industrial environments, and the development of novel exposure assessment methodologies using advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques.
Jef Vandemeulebroucke is a researcher at the Department of Electronics and Informatics , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , specializing in medical imaging, computer vision, and augmented reality applications in healthcare. His work bridges artificial intelligence with radiology and biomechanics , focusing on automated segmentation, predictive modeling, and real-time surgical navigation systems. Research interests include: Medical image analysis for disease prognosis (e.g., COVID-19 severity , neurosurgical drains ) Development of MedShapeNet , a 3D medical shape dataset for computer vision Augmented reality systems in orthopedic and neurosurgical interventions AI-driven fluorescence endoscopy and dynamic CT for joint kinematics Key trends in his 140+ publications emphasize deep learning , image registration , and 4D-CT applications . Supervised theses include brain age prediction and chest radiography automation. Active in 38 projects (e.g., AI-NIMO , TumorScope ), he collaborates with institutions like the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB) and FWO (Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders).
Ingrid Moerman is a part-time Professor at Ghent University and a staff member at the Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab), a core research group of imec embedded within Ghent University and the University of Antwerp. She coordinates mobile and wireless networking research and leads a team of over 30 researchers at Ghent University, with extensive involvement in European and national funding initiatives. She received her Electrical Engineering degree (1987) and Ph.D. (1992) from Ghent University. Her research spans collaborative networks, cognitive radio, software-defined radio, IoT, LPWAN, and high-density wireless access, emphasizing experimentally-supported development of next-generation wireless systems with practical implementations in spectrum management and real-time control. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong pivot toward AI-integrated wireless networking, featuring OFDMA scheduling innovations, Wi-Fi 6/7 interference mitigation, and time-sensitive networking for industrial applications. Key trends include 5G/6G convergence, vehicular communication enhancements, and digital twin frameworks for network observability, reflecting her focus on mission-critical industrial use cases. Her accolades include: 9 Best Paper Awards 2 FWO Prizes (Research Foundation - Flanders) IMEC Prize of Excellence 2001 MSc Thesis Award (as promoter) Best Demo/Exhibit Award at ICT 2013 DARPA Spectrum Collaboration Challenge Prize ($750,000) She has coordinated major EU projects (FP7/H2020: CREW, WiSHFUL, eWINE, ORCA) with industry partners, securing substantial funding for experimental wireless research. Her grant portfolio emphasizes collaborative innovation in spectrum sharing and neutral-host architectures for multi-operator environments. At IDLab, she directs advanced wireless testbeds supporting real-world validation of technologies like openwifi and White Rabbit, with active experimentation in time-sensitive networking and spectrum collaboration for industrial IoT deployments.
Wout Weijtjens is a Research Fellow at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, affiliated with the Acoustics & Vibration Research Group in Applied Mechanics. His research focuses on structural health monitoring (SHM) of offshore wind turbines, fatigue analysis, and vibration-based damage detection using advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques. Current projects include FIRMEST (fatigue assessment of offshore wind turbine substructures) and FOOS (Forced Oscillations in turbines). His research interests span: Operational modal analysis for offshore structures Machine learning applications in SHM Fatigue life prediction under environmental variability Sensor networks for infrastructure monitoring Wind turbine dynamics under harsh conditions Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on developing predictive maintenance frameworks through multivariate sensor data analysis, uncertainty quantification in SHM systems, and validation of computational models against full-scale field measurements. Article trends emphasize machine learning integration with physical models for improved fatigue life assessment. Awards and recognitions include: Best Paper Award (2nd place, 2022) Poster Award (2017) Solvay Award (2015) As principal investigator on multiple grants including VLADBC7 and VLADBC9 projects, he supervises PhD candidates in vibration-based SHM and leads experimental validation at OWI-Lab's Large Climate Chamber. His team develops IoT monitoring solutions for civil infrastructure through the SMART TOWERS initiative.
Peter Bienstman is a full professor at Ghent University, working in the Department of Information Technology (INTEC) where he has been since 1997. He is affiliated with the Photonics Research Group and also collaborates with imec. His research spans nanophotonics, neuromorphic computing, and biosensing applications. Bienstman received his electrical engineering degree from Ghent University in 1997 and completed his Ph.D. at the same institution in 2001. His doctoral work focused on "Rigorous and efficient modelling of wavelength scale photonic components." His research interests primarily revolve around nanophotonics and its applications, with specific focus areas including: Photonic Reservoir Computing for neuromorphic information processing Optical label-free biosensors based on ring resonators TE/TM biosensors for measuring conformational changes SiN biosensors operating in the visible spectrum Optical spiking neurons and neuromorphic architectures Nanophotonic information processing systems Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing photonic reservoir computing for practical applications, particularly in communications signal processing and biomedical sensing. His work demonstrates how photonic systems can implement neuromorphic computing paradigms with energy efficiency advantages over traditional electronics. Recent trends show increasing integration of phase-change materials and exploration of quantum-inspired photonic computing approaches. Bienstman has received significant recognition for his work, most notably an ERC Starting Grant for the Naresco-project: "Novel paradigms for massively parallel nanophotonic information processing." This prestigious European grant supports his innovative research at the intersection of photonics and computing. As an advisor, Bienstman has supervised numerous doctoral students to completion and currently mentors a large research group with nine active PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers. His research is supported by multiple grants that enable the development of novel photonic computing architectures and biosensing platforms. The group's work bridges fundamental photonics research with practical applications in communications, healthcare, and computing. The Photonics Research Group at Ghent University, where Bienstman works, maintains state-of-the-art facilities for nanophotonic device design, fabrication, and characterization. The group collaborates extensively with imec and other international research institutions, creating a vibrant ecosystem for advancing photonic technologies from fundamental research to potential commercial applications.
Benoit Delhaye is a Professor at Universite catholique de Louvain , affiliated with the Louvain Polytechnic School (EPL) and Mathematical Engineering Center (INMA) . His research bridges tactile neuroscience and biomechanics to understand how tactile receptors encode object information and how the brain uses these signals for dexterous manipulation. He also contributes to Institute Of NeuroScience (IoNS) . Email: benoit.delhaye@uclouvain.be Email: delhayeben@gmail.com His research focuses on three main areas: Tactile Signal Processing : Analyzing skin deformation patterns during object interactions using advanced imaging and computational models Neuroprosthetic Applications : Developing biomimetic afferent response simulations for bionic hand feedback systems Haptic Perception : Investigating how tactile receptors encode friction, slip, and edge orientation The articles demonstrate his contributions to understanding: tactile mechanics (6 papers), grip force adaptation (4 papers), skin strain patterns (5 papers), and neuroprosthetic simulations (3 papers). Key 2024 publications include collagen-induced anisotropy analysis and 3D fingertip deformation modeling. Benoit's technical innovations include: TouchSim - A MATLAB package for simulating tactile afferent responses Open-source instrumented objects for manipulation studies Advanced skin deformation measurement systems His collaborative network spans institutions in Belgium, the USA, and Germany, working with researchers in Philippe Lefevre 's and Jean-Louis Thonnard 's labs. Current teaching includes LEPL1506 Project and LGBIO2110 Clinical Engineering courses.
Bénédicte Dubois is a full professor at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven , leading the Experimental Neurology Research Group and the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology . She is also a member of the KU Leuven Brain Institute and KU Leuven Cancer Institute , focusing on neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Researcher - Experimental Neurology Research Group, KU Leuven Chair - Academic Consultants for Medicine, KU Leuven Research Interests : Her work spans neuroimmunology , multiple sclerosis , and neuroinflammation , with expertise in single-cell transcriptomics , microglial activation , and Epstein-Barr virus interactions in MS. Key projects include: Exploring exosomal miRNA and Epstein-Barr virus mechanisms in MS Decoding pathogenetic pathways in MS using multimodal single-cell analysis Investigating natural killer cell subsets in MS brain pathology Validating MRI-based brain atrophy measurements for MS patients Publications : Recent studies highlight her contributions to MS prognosis via biomarkers like CHIT1, optical coherence tomography as a predictive tool, and genetic mosaicism in immune cells. Her work is frequently presented at major conferences like the Joint ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS meeting. Academic Contributions : She supervises numerous PhD students, serves on institutional councils (including the Faculty Council of Medicine ), and leads multidisciplinary collaborations. Her research integrates clinical neurology , genomics , and immunology to advance MS understanding.
Dr. Vincent Ginis is a prominent academic at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), associated with the Applied Physics Department and the Data Analytics Lab. His roles include doctoral scholarship supervision and research leadership in interdisciplinary projects. He holds a strong background in applied physics, metamaterials, and AI-driven solutions for societal challenges. Current affiliations include: Principal Investigator in 19 funded projects (2010–2029), focusing on AI ethics, sustainable transitions, and historical data analysis Supervisor of 60+ student theses across master's and doctoral levels Recipient of 15+ prestigious awards including the Agathon De Potter Award and FWO/Barco Prize Research interests span: Applied Physics: Metamaterials, optics, and photonics AI Applications: Ethics, bias mitigation, and historical data digitization Social Sciences: Wealth inequality, intergenerational mobility, and policy impact analysis Recent work highlights include groundbreaking studies on: Large Language Models' performance in OCR tasks Bias patterns in AI citation practices Ethical frameworks for human-centered AI systems Notable collaborations span institutions in Europe and beyond, with 1295 citations across 120+ publications. His work is amplified through platforms like Strava data for urban planning and historical datasets from 19th-century archives.
Prof. Jan De Beenhouwer is a faculty member at the University of Antwerp, affiliated with the Department of Physics and the imec Vision Lab. His research focuses on advanced computational imaging techniques, particularly in X-ray tomography, phase contrast imaging, and reconstruction algorithms for medical and industrial applications. His primary research interests include: Development of novel X-ray imaging methodologies like edge illumination phase contrast Advanced CT reconstruction algorithms for sparse-view and dynamic systems Integration of deep learning with tomographic reconstruction Industrial applications including defect detection and material characterization Biomedical imaging such as bone structure analysis and tissue modeling Analysis of recent publications (2024-2025) reveals strong emphasis on: Innovations in phase contrast imaging hardware and simulation tools Advanced reconstruction techniques for motion compensation and sparse data AI-powered approaches for industrial inspection and biomedical research Development of open-source tools (CAD-ASTRA) for the tomography community He leads research at imec Vision Lab, focusing on both fundamental imaging physics and practical applications. The lab collaborates extensively with industrial partners on non-destructive testing solutions.
Abied Alsulaiman is an Associate Professor at KU Leuven 's Faculty of Arts , specializing in Arabic Studies . He co-founded the Arabic Translators International (ATI) and co-edits its publication series. His teaching focuses on history of Arabic culture, legal translation, business translation, and interpreting. Research Interests : Translation studies, legal terminology (Arab states, Belgium, Netherlands), Arabic linguistics, Islamic studies, Judeo-Arabic literature, and Semitic languages. Projects : Functional equivalence in legal terminology, translation's role in Saudi students' historical awareness, OCR solutions for Arabic/Persian scripts, and diplomatic terms in Saudi Arabia. Publications : Recent works include co-edited handbooks on terminology, legal translation analysis of the US Constitution, and studies on Qur'anic lexicography and Islamic traditions.
