ConnectING 29 - October 2025

Quarterly • October-November-December 2025 • Delivery Office 3000 Leuven 1

Magazine of the Faculty of Engineering Technology KU Leuven

NR. 29 - October 2025

INTERNATIONAL

• A warm welcome to our 400 new international students • ‘The Pursuit of Knowledge’, expo 600 years KU Leuven • Our student teams (again) at the top of international competitions • Student and alumni entrepreneurs (from) abroad • Prof. Sabine Vercruysse: 40 years of worldwide engineering education • And much more news from our 6 innovative campuses

FAR BEYOND BORDERS MEET TOMORROW’S TECH ENGINEERS

HYDRO TEAM ENGINEERING STUDENTS FUELING THE FUTURE The Hydro Team, a dynamic group of students from KU Leuven, is taking motorsports into a new era. United by a passion for hydrogen technology, eight full-time students and over 70 part-time volunteers from diverse engineering fields have spent the past year designing and building their very first hydrogen-powered racing car. In September 2025, they finally unveiled their racing car with a hydrogen combustion engine, the first ever built by students. Their ambition? To compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2030 with their groundbreaking car.

This is just the beginning of their journey. We are already looking forward to 2030!

 www.hydroteam.be

CONTENT • • • • • • • • • •

Editorial Faculty News Educational Development Professor in focus Student in focus Student Team in focus Researcher in focus Alumnus in focus Alumni News Faculty Worldwide

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ConnectING is the magazine of the Faculty of Engineering Technology of KU Leuven. It is published three times a year and is intended for all student and staff of the faculty and its 6 campuses, alumni, external relations and the broad social field with which the faculty maintains a network.

Responsible publisher: Prof. Wim Dewulf, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Technology | Editorial board: Dorine Bruneel, Sofie Craps (chairwoman), Jeroen De Smet, Wim Dewulf, Kris Henrioulle, Hilde Lauwereys, Yves Persoons, Patrick Vandewalle | Editor-in-chief: Peter Van Gorp | Editor: Pauline Van Springel | Editorial Secretariat: Inge Van Cauter Editorial Adress: ConnectING - Faculty of Engineering Technology Willem de Croylaan 56, building E bus 2203, 3001 Heverlee (Belgium) 053 72 71 86 (Secretariat) - connecting@kuleuven.be  www.iiw.kuleuven.be Photos: Willem Blancke, Joren De Weerdt, Tine Desodt, Julie Feyaerts, Michel Melotte, Rob Stevens, Tom Talloen, Filip Van Loock, Hans Wouters Layout:  www.altera.be Printing Office: Drukkerij Van der Poorten 100% klimaatneutrale drukkerij  www.vanderpoorten.be

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EDITORIAL

WHAT’S IN A WORLD!

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oday, our KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering Technology is more dynamic and globally connected than ever. Hence, this special, international edition of ConnectING.

At the start of the academic year, our 6 campuses were delighted to welcome students from 80 different countries in our bachelor’s, master’s, advanced master’s and Erasmus Mundus programmes.

And almost 400 international first year bachelor’s students enrolled for our English programme in Leuven. At the same time, we encourage our local students to go abroad and experience new learning and socio-cultural environments through Erasmus+ programmes.

Next to our intense efforts to give our international students a long and warm welcome and make them feel at home in their sometimes completely new world, we try to continue to help them in their further academic and professional lives. That’s why we set up mentoring programmes and provide coaching by our alumni in Belgian and international companies. As an academic institution, we are happy to join forces with the industry, supported by Agoria, the Belgian federation that represents over 2,000 technologyfocused companies.

We don’t just educate our students in modern engineering technology, we want to guide them towards a future in which they will feel respected, be able to take their necessary ownership and make a positive impact on society.

We don’t want our students to just listen and absorb information, we invite them for dialogue.

As such, our faculty feels strongly connected to our new rector, Séverine Vermeire, the first female rector of KU Leuven in 600 years!

Her focus on trust, connection and freedom in all university layers has been ours as well for a long time, and we all work hard to keep this spirit for the days, years and generations to come.

In each article in this magazine, you will feel this spirit, be it about our exploring students, inspiring professors and staff, passionate researchers, pioneering alumni and partners in the industry.

However, the world today and our (international) students in particular are in great need of a fourth important human value, next to trust, connection and freedom. That value is hope. I am confident that you as a new or loyal connection of our faculty, will also find an abundance of hope in the next pages and that you will join us not only in spreading these hopeful words, but also in fulfilling them and living up to them in your own positive way.

Prof. Wim Dewulf, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Technology

We don’t wish to just create experts, we try to inspire them to become creative entrepreneurs and see the entire world as their playground.

CONNECTING

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FACULTY NEWS

‘THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE’: FROM MEDIEVAL POLYPHONY TO VIRTUAL SOUNDSCAPES HOW KU LEUVEN ENGINEERS AND THE ALAMIRE FOUNDATION BRING 600 YEARS OF HISTORY TO LIFE What happens when centuries-old musical heritage meets contemporary technology?

You can find out in Leuven, where the Alamire Foundation and ESAT set up a unique project.

One of our engineers, Professor Toon van Waterschoot, Chair of the Group T and De Nayer campuses, and Bart Demuyt, General Director of the Alamire Foundation, KU Leuven’s centre for excellence for music in the Low Countries, are the supervisors of the research project teams of both institutions. Their project does not only just look back at the past, but also catapults music into the present. We meet in the “Library of Voices”, based in the beautifully restored St Norbert Gate in the Leuven Park Abbey, where a precious lab has been built through an interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers and human sciences. ‘

ur collaboration really took off when we were able to open this lab thanks to Hercules funding in 2018,’ says Bart Demuyt. ‘That was our first success: applying for funding together.’ He emphasises how special that is, as Hercules funding and heavy equipment is certainly not a given in a human sciences environment. The interdisciplinary approach between engineers and humanities scholars creates a strong connection for unique research and valorisation. Toon van Waterschoot also underlines the importance of shared infrastructure: ‘You literally work together in one lab. That is incredibly valuable, for musicologists, musicians and engineers.’ Demuyt agrees: ‘Also within the musical world, we often work in the tension between musicology and music practice. Thanks to this approach, a real symbiosis is created: one feeds the other.’

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Official premiere of the Leuven Chansonnier Both teams were asked to collaborate in the exhibition ‘Kennis in Zicht’ (The Pursuit of Knowledge). The expo at Museum M opened in October 2025, as closing part of KU Leuven's 600th anniversary celebrations. At the centre of one of the halls is a very small but exceptional book: the Leuven Chansonnier, which surfaced ten years ago and is now on long-term loan to the Alamire Foundation. This 15th-century manuscript contains twelve unique chansons, polyphonic songs for 3 voices, which were sung in courtrooms and salons at the time. Although it has already been on display in Tokyo and New York, the manuscript is only now receiving its real premiere for a broad audience in Leuven. ‘It was the impetus for countless research projects,’ says Bart Demuyt.

‘We have never officially exhibited the Leuven chansonnier before.

This was the moment.’

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Music in its original space But how do you really bring 15th and 16th century music to life today? That's where the collaboration with the KU Leuven-ESAT engineers comes in. Toon van Waterschoot: ‘We are investigating how sound behaves in spaces. Together with the Alamire Foundation, we are digitising historical halls.’

One of the cases: the Monastère royal de Brou in Bourg-enBresse, built by Margaret of Austria. ‘We measured the rooms in Margaret’s apartment that were probably designed for performing music,’ says van Waterschoot. ‘Based on those measurements, we created mathematical models, which allow us here in Leuven to make the music sound as if you were there.’

Layering in image and sound Visitors to the exhibition step into a black box where image and sound come together. Five musicians - three instrumentalists and two singers - perform one of the Leuven Chansonnier's Franco-Flemish polyphonic chansons. Through 3D screens and multi-layered audio, you hear the voices intertwining around you.

Closer to the manuscript, you hear and see differently: you yourself become part of the artwork.

‘Polyphony is layering,’ explains Demuyt. ‘Not only in voices, but now also in image and sound. We wanted to make that experience tangible.’

To demonstrate the quality of their reconstructions, curators Bart Demuyt, Rudi Knoops and Toon van Waterschoot and their teams work with contrasts. First, visitors hear music without acoustics

“Kennis in Zicht” / “The Pursuit of Knowledge” at Museum M (Leuven), until 22 February 2026

 www.mleuven.be/en/programme/the-pursuit-ofknowledge

and see images in pure raster form without colour. This is followed by the fuller experience, with increasingly rich sounds and colours.

‘That contrast allows you to feel how special the original context was,’ says van Waterschoot.

Towards a polyphonic dome This project is not an end point, but an intermediate step. Their next ambition? The expansion of the Alamire XR studio in the Predikheren church in Leuven, as part of “LOV2030”, the project that earned Leuven the honour of becoming the “European Capital of Culture” in 2030. A “polyphonic dome” is to be created in this church: a space where performances are captured in image and sound, archived and made “experiencable” again.

‘This is how we are building an archive of the future by doing research,’ says Demuyt. ‘In a hundred years' time, people will not only have the notes, but also today's experience.’

What makes their project so unique is the interaction between science, heritage and culture. It is not just about abstract research, but also about valorisation: bringing music to life, both live and virtually. Demuyt concludes: ‘We want our work to set something in motion, both in science and in art. Dynamics is what we stand for.’

Peter Van Gorp

Bart Demuyt and Toon van Waterschoot © Julie Feyaerts

CONNECTING

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FACULTY NEWS

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SMART CITIES: E-TEMS LANDS IN BRUGES This spring, the annual E-TEMS conference took place at KU Leuven Bruges Campus. Around 70 participants travelled to the capital of West Flanders to be inspired by research on project management, applied to the use cases of Smart Cities and Regions. Professor Hans Hallez, former Dean Bert Lauwers, and Professor Peter Arras joined forces within our faculty to set up a compelling and successful conference.

services. ‘Engineers often focus on placing sensors or establishing networks, but in a Smart City it goes further: data must also be securely shared with city authorities, water management, waste collection, public transport… so that it can be actively used to respond flexibly to changes. It’s a complex system,’ explains Professor Hallez.

he idea of hosting an E-TEMS conference within the Faculty of Engineering Technology had been on the table for several years. ‘Professor Arras was a regular attendee of the conference series and had good contacts with colleagues at Fachhochschule Dortmund, an important partner that had hosted the conference twice before,’ explains Professor Lauwers. ‘When he suggested bringing it to Flanders, I fully supported the idea as Dean. Even after my tenure, I remained involved in the organisation.’

Smart Cities

Challenges

At KU Leuven Bruges Campus, Professor Hallez conducts research on the Internet of Things and considers Smart Cities a particularly relevant use case. ‘To collect and share data reliably, systems are required, ranging from the technical layer – sensors, electronics, and wireless communication – to large databases and protocols that determine how information is exchanged between actors,’ says Professor Hallez. With the rise of artificial intelligence in data processing, another factor comes into play. ‘The volume of data collected in a Smart City is enormous.

This data must be processed efficiently, sometimes partially at the source, so that only the relevant information remains. The filtered information must then reach the right actors in the right way at the right time,’ he adds.

One of the main challenges in Smart Cities is collaboration. Professor Hallez explains: ‘Artificial intelligence and electronics create an enormous number of possibilities on a technical level. What remains difficult is bringing all the relevant actors together.

Project management, a major pillar of the conference, is crucial in this regard.

You need the right people around the table to agree on how data is shared and used.’

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When E-TEMS finally came to Flanders, Professors Arras and Lauwers sought a third colleague with expertise in the conference theme of project management and Smart Cities. ‘That’s how Professor Hans Hallez became involved; the topic aligns perfectly with his research. KU Leuven Bruges Campus also proved to be an ideal venue: a campus close to the train station with plenty of nearby hotels. Research group M-group, of which Professor Hallez is a member, took care of most of the organisation,’ explains Professor Arras.

The University of Utrecht was involved as the conference series’ licence holder, while Fachhochschule Dortmund assisted with managing and reviewing the submitted papers.

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‘By definition, a Smart City is a city that uses technology to improve the quality of life of its citizens,’ says Professor Arras.

‘A good example is the digitalisation of public transport,’ adds Professor Lauwers.

‘Today, Google Maps can integrate real-time bus and train arrival times.

That’s clearly smart, as the data has an immediate impact on the user.’ A Smart City goes beyond simply digitalising city

The social aspect is also a key consideration. ‘It is important not to leave anyone behind. The goal of a Smart City should be to benefit everyone, not just the highly educated. We need to develop inclusive solutions,’ says Professor Arras.

How Smart is Bruges?

Does UNESCO World Heritage city and conference location Bruges fit the Smart City picture? ‘Bruges already uses sensors to monitor air quality and traffic. The city also organises hackathons, in which our students participate, to explore which applications can be developed to make urban life more comfortable based on the available data. Bruges is definitely on the right track, though there are still steps to take,’ explains Professor Hallez.

© Guillaume Mertens

Nevertheless, the region around Bruges already qualifies as a Smart Region. ‘West Flanders is a major logistics hub in Flanders, with Ostend airport and the ports of Ostend and Zeebrugge. There is also an important transit route to France. Many smart solutions are deployed there. This was also the rationale for extending the Smart City concept to a Smart Region for the conference,’ adds Professor Arras.

‘This topic also aligns well with the content of the Smart Logistics postgraduate programme, which our faculty has been successfully offering for several years,’ concludes Professor Lauwers.

Success With approximately 60 papers presented and around 100 participants, the Flemish edition of E-TEMS was a success, including a range of interesting keynotes.

Professor Tony Wauters (Combinatorial Optimisation and Decision Support (CODeS) Research Group, KU Leuven, Rabot Campus (Ghent)) discussed the challenges in logistic planning, Dirk Staelens (Flemish Institute of Logistics) talked about shaping the future of logistics and Serge Gregoir (CEO of Eutraco) reflected on how his company prepares itself to the future of logistics.

‘The participants came from a wide range of disciplines. Of course, there were engineers and project managers, but sociologists and anthropologists are also interested in the social aspects of Smart Cities,’ says Professor Arras. ‘That’s what’s so rewarding about the conference: the different aspects of Smart Cities provide a broader perspective, beyond purely the technical,’ concludes Professor Hallez.

Pauline Van Springel More information:  etems.digital/2025

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FACULTY NEWS

RADECS 2025: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF RELIABLE ELECTRONICS From 29 September to 3 October 2025, Antwerp, renowned as the city of diamonds, shone even brighter as it transformed into a global hub for experts exploring how radiation affects electronic systems and components. The RADECS 2025 conference (RADiation and its Effects on Components and Systems) brought together over 500 scientists and engineers from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in understanding and mitigating radiation effects on electronics. his year’s conference was chaired by Prof. Paul Leroux, founding member of the ADVISE research group (Geel) and campus chair for the Geel and Diepenbeek campuses, and Prof. Sylvain Girard from Université Jean Monnet Saint-Étienne.

Reflecting on the journey, Paul shared: ‘It’s a real honour and privilege to stand here today as your RADECS 2025 General Chair.

Over the past twelve months, our entire conference committee has poured tremendous effort into creating an inspiring and engaging conference programme, and we truly hope you will enjoy it!’

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The Tools of Our Trade The conference kicked off with the one-day short course “The Tools of Our Trade: From Space Environment to Systems and Validation”. Hosted by Prof. Guy Meynants (KU Leuven Geel Campus, ADVISE) and Ken LaBel (NASA, retired), the interactive course featured top speakers from organisations such as NASA, ESA and imec and offered participants a clear overview of the complete radiation hardness assurance (RHA) process.

Inside the Technical Sessions The technical sessions, chaired by Prof. Jeffrey Prinzie (KU Leuven Geel Campus, ADVISE) and Frédéric Wrobel (Université de Montpellier) featured presentations showcasing the latest advancements in the field. The sessions were complemented by strong poster presentations, which offered young researchers a vibrant platform to present and discuss their work.

Invited talks by Jonny Pellish (IEEE Senior Member), Thomas Hertog (KU Leuven), Sarah Baatout (SCK CEN) and Maarten Weyn (Antwerp University) further enriched the conference programme.

On Friday afternoon, attendees also had the opportunity to take part in a technical visit to imec or the UCLouvain cyclotron.

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Breaking barriers: Women in Engineering One of the highlights of RADECS 2025 was the Women in Engineering panel on The Leaky Pipeline: Stories of Navigating Success. Two trailblazing leaders spoke candidly about the obstacles they faced in male-dominated industries and how those challenges ultimately became catalysts for leadership and innovation. The session dug into the realities of the so-called “leaky pipeline”: the persistent loss of women at each stage of the engineering and technology career ladder.

Networking in style RADECS 2025 did not only offer a great technical programme but also plenty of opportunities to connect and share experiences, supported by local arrangements chair Prof. Valentijn De Smedt (KU Leuven Geel Campus, ADVISE). On Monday, attendees were warmly welcomed at the Welcome Reception by Cathy Berx, Governor of the Province of Antwerp, and Robert Ecoffet, RADECS Association President.

During the entire week, the Industrial Exhibit was the beating heart of RADECS 2025, where exhibitors such as ESA, Texas Instruments, imec and Magics Technologies (a KU Leuven spinoff) showcased their latest products and services. On Wednesday, sports enthusiasts took part in an exciting soccer tournament and Young Minds@RADECS provided a great platform for young professionals to connect and engage with experienced experts.

But the real standout was the gala dinner on Thursday at Antwerp’s historic Handelsbeurs. Beneath soaring ceilings and chandeliers, participants enjoyed great food and even better company. Laughter echoed through the grand hall and new collaborations began with a toast. The night concluded with a stunning aerialist performance that left the audience in awe.

A week to remember As RADECS 2025 drew to a close, General Chair Paul Leroux reflected on the conference with some heartfelt words: ‘It’s been a great honour to be your RADECS 2025 General Chair. A huge thank you to the entire conference committee for your dedication and enthusiasm. Without your support, none of this would have been possible.’

‘We may be a relatively small community but our values are all the greater. I encourage you all to ignite the spark of interest in radiation and electronics in others, like students and young people, and welcome them to our precious RADECS community.

Let’s radiate the spirit, energy and curiosity of RADECS 2025 into the year ahead and see you all next year in Prague!’

Hanne Stas

In his closing remarks, Leroux captured the essence of the RADECS spirit: a unique blend of scientific excellence, warm amiability, inclusion and mutual respect.

Paul Leroux © Michel Melotte

CONNECTING

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FACULTY NEWS

IF YOU HAVE A SPARK OF ENTHUSIASM FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP, WE WILL ADD FUEL TO YOUR FIRE ABOUT PRACTICE-ORIENTED POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES AND THE ROLE OF TECHNOVATION HUB

The Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven is the main driving force behind two postgraduate programmes on entrepreneurship and innovation. The programmes focus strongly on practical experience as a driver for personal and professional growth.

Céline Aerts coordinates the programmes together with Katleen Lodewyckx, and Sam Biermans provides operational support to the startups and student teams at Technovation Hub. he postgraduate programmes are aimed at graduates who want to spend another year focusing on practical learning after completing their bachelor’s or master's degree.

Céline explains: ‘The Postgraduate Programme in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (PION) combines innovation projects in companies with elective courses. In the Postgraduate in Technovation: Teams & Startups, students take elective courses and work on their own projects, supported by workshops and coaching from experts from the industry.'

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Technovation Hub as a lever The non-profit organisation Technovation Hub provides operational support for these programmes. Sam: ‘Student teams, often multidisciplinary, are provided with work space, coaching and financial and legal advice. This allows them to focus on their idea in a safe, professional environment. Our startups are able to test a complete go-to-market strategy in one year and learn what it is to be an entrepreneur in a safe environment.’

This approach combines theory, practice and entrepreneurship, which is unique. Students learn to deal with responsibility, deadlines and collaboration. ‘Companies consider these students as professionals with three years of experience: ready to grow quickly to important positions within the organisation,’ says Sam. Sustainability, impact and growth In addition to entrepreneurship and innovation, social relevance and sustainability are central. Each team tackles contemporary challenges, free from the pressure of financial gain. This approach stimulates three pillars: personal growth, ownership and impact.

‘Students not only learn about the subject matter, but also discover who they are, where their strengths lie and what direction they want to take,’ says Céline. Through collaboration with companies, they also build a valuable network.

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Although some projects receive a lot of visibility - from racing cars to satellites - the real added value lies in the learning process.

The technical component is challenging, but above all, it is a catalyst for growth.

Students as initiators New teams always originate from the passion and motivation of the students themselves. Technovation Hub removes practical barriers and assists with recruitment and logistical support.

This allows ideas to effectively develop into projects. Sam: ‘CORE, a team focused on circularity, was formed fifteen years ago. Today, you see the same enthusiasm around space travel, hydrogen cars, neuroscience technology and other themes. It is always the students who fuel the fire - we provide the oxygen.’

Challenge-based learning Within the teams, students are responsible for recruitment and leadership. ‘New leaders grow from within the team, not through appointments,’ says Sam. Coaches provide guidance, often in collaboration with HR partners or companies.

It is crucial that students learn to think independently. At the start, they identify problems and ask for help, but soon they change their mindset and come up with solutions. That is the power of challenge-based learning: learning through real obstacles and responsibilities.

Alumni and knowledge transfer Teams are largely renewed each year, but thanks to Technovation Hub and the postgraduate programmes, knowledge is not lost.

Alumni remain involved as mentors. This continuity ensures teams don’t have to reinvent the wheel each year and strengthens their ambition.

Céline Aerts and Sam Biermans © Julie Feyaerts

This also explains the success of KU Leuven teams. Whereas other universities often rely on a single supervisor, KU Leuven offers a complete support structure. Students are given the freedom and guidance to grow.

Education and inclusion The postgraduate students also contribute to education themselves. Each team is committed to inspiring young people through STEM workshops, open labs, and educational activities.

In this way, they reach a broader audience than the university could reach on its own.

A striking effect is the role model impact for young women.

More and more female students are active in technical teams or take the lead in their team. Their visibility lowers barriers and makes it clear that entrepreneurship and innovation are accessible to everyone.

Looking to the future Céline and Sam share their ambitions: by 2028, they aim to have 100 postgraduate students per year, 10 sustainable student teams, 10 permanent start-ups, and structurally growing support.

International participation is also becoming more important, with more courses in English within PION and the workshops.

With the right guidance, infrastructure and community, every spark of entrepreneurship is fuelled - into a burning fire.

Peter Van Gorp

 www.innoverendondernemen.be  www.technovation.be  www.technovationhub.be

CONNECTING

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FACULTY NEWS

INFINITY LAB: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING A catalyst for the manufacturing industry in West Flanders and beyond: that is what the Infinity Lab in Kortrijk aspires to be. The lab unites both engineering faculties and the Faculty of Science of KU Leuven, along with the VIVES University of Applied Sciences, and was officially inaugurated on 2 October. Founding force IOF mandate holder Bert Pluymers and lab manager Michiel Cattebeke explain the lab’s mission and ambitions. ll roads lead to Kortrijk, at least when it comes to manufacturing. ‘West Flanders is the epicentre of the Flemish manufacturing industry,’ says Dr. Pluymers. ‘Almost half of all Flemish manufacturing companies are located here.

The proximity of the companies that need us, combined with the presence of knowledge institutions such as KU Leuven and the VIVES University of Applied Sciences, as well as other partners outside our KU Leuven Association, such as the lab’s host Flanders Make, made Kortrijk the logical choice for the Infinity Lab.'

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(Kortrijk). On the VIVES side, the Mechatronics research group is on board,’ he says.

The Infinity Lab in Kortrijk is also part of a growing network of Digital Twin Experience Centres (DTEC) within the Association.

‘Here in Kortrijk, the focus is on digitisation of the lifecycle of a product or installation. At DTEC Heverlee, we focus more on the specific product case of electromechanical transmissions, while in Diepenbeek polymer product-production digital twins are developed using our DTEC PPE pilot factory,’ Pluymers explains.

Digital twins The Infinity Lab aims to support (West) Flemish manufacturing companies in their transition to Industry 4.0. This ambition builds on around twenty years of research into digital twins at KU Leuven.

‘We digitally describe existing products or installations using computer models. Such a digital twin allows us to test various ‘what if’ scenarios in a safe and cheap way. For instance, you can virtually run a machine at double speed, without taking any risks in practice. The actionable insights from those simulations can then be applied to the real machine,’ explains Pluymers.

As research manager with an IOF mandate within the KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD) research group, Dr. Pluymers is deeply involved in this line of research and took on the role of coordinator during the lab’s establishment. ‘Thanks to the support from the Flemish Government, the Province of West Flanders and Europe, we were able to bring the Infinity Lab to life. In addition to coordinating its launch, my main role is to support and inspire,’ he adds.

Strong collaboration Lab manager Michiel Cattebeke oversees the lab’s day-to-day operations. ‘Many different strands come together at the Infinity Lab. On the KU Leuven side, several multi-disciplinary research groups from both engineering faculties and the Faculty of Science are involved, such as the M-Group (Bruges), LMSD (Heverlee and Diepenbeek) and Wave Propagation and Signal Processing 12

The Infinity Lab is hosted at the Kortrijk site of Flanders Make, the Flemish strategic research centre for the manufacturing industry.

‘Now that we share a location, our already strong collaboration will only further intensify,’ Cattebeke adds.

Within the lab, all parties work together on the same set-ups, each contributing with their own expertise. ‘That makes Infinity Lab unique”, says Pluymers. ‘The lab spans the entire spectrum: from fundamental to applied research; and thanks to the wide variety of multi-disciplinary expertise, we can offer a rich palette of knowledge and technology, a great asset to tackle companies’ challenges.’

Infinity The ‘Infinity’-loop model is a key concept in the lab’s story. ‘Today, companies collect enormous amounts of data over the lifecycle of a product – i.e. from the design, over production, to the operational phase – but these data are rarely connected together.

We aim to link data from later in the product lifecycle back to earlier phases and vice-versa. That’s why we use the symbolic term ‘infinity’: we strive for a continuous loop of improvement and connectivity,’ Cattebeke explains. This happens at the Infinity Lab via digital twins. ‘For every machine operating in a factory, a digital counterpart runs in the cloud. All data, from design to usage, is connected to it. That opens up an enormous amount of possibilities to boost performance,’ Pluymers adds.

Because the digital world is evolving so rapidly, companies often struggle to integrate these technologies effectively. Infinity Lab therefore wants to serve as an inspiring test bed. ‘Companies don’t need to find their exact product here; instead, they encounter relevant examples that demonstrate state-of-the-art technology and that trigger their imagination and inspiration. Afterwards, we work together to explore how the technology can be applied in their environment. And that’s not limited to the lab itself: thanks to Infinity’s mobile character, set-ups can also be tested directly on site,’ Pluymers and Cattebeke conclude.

Pauline Van Springel

PROFESSORS FROM THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY ON INFINITY LAB ‘The Infinity Lab strengthens our M-Group mission to develop dependable, interconnected and intelligent mechatronic systems. By linking our research on hardware-software co-design across the entire product lifecycle with the Lab’s digital twin infrastructure, we can accelerate the translation of ideas into impactful industrial and societal applications.’

Prof. Davy Pissoort, FET KU Leuven Bruges Campus ‘With the Infinity Lab, we create a unique environment where mechatronics is truly approached in a holistic way.

Mechanics, electronics, software, and AI are seamlessly integrated, allowing us to not only develop but also test new technologies in practice. By establishing a presence in Kortrijk, we strengthen the regional machine-building ecosystem and open new opportunities for collaboration with the House of Manufacturing, UGent and Flanders Make.’

Prof. Hans Hallez, FET KU Leuven Bruges Campus ‘The Infinity Lab infrastructure offers the unique opportunity to gather data across the entire product lifecycle, where currently the data is typically considered only within individual lifecycle phases. By integrating these diverse data sources, new avenues emerge for AI-based product and process optimisation in manufacturing companies.’

Prof. Mathias Verbeke, FET KU Leuven Bruges Campus

Bert Pluymers (IOF manager KU Leuven and Infinity Lab coordinator) and Michiel Cattebeke (Infinity Lab manager) © Willem Blancke

‘The Infinity Lab is unique in bringing together people and expertise from different faculties and research groups while keeping its focus on the KU Leuven Straight-throughDigitalization vision. At LMSD as well as at PPE, we are strongly committed to digitally closing the loop between product design, manufacturing, and operational performance, while developing and deploying the digital twins that support this entire value chain.’

Prof. Elke Deckers, FET KU Leuven Diepenbeek Campus

CONNECTING

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EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

RAPID PROTOTYPING INSPIRED BY IN SITU RESOURCE UTILISATION

Sometimes the best way forward is simply to get started, taking the very first steps as an exploration of the complex challenge while you are still unburdened by preconceptions. Dimitri Coppens, lecturer at KU Leuven Ghent Campus, developed a hands-on session called Rapid Prototyping

by Recuperation. This session, which is also offered as a train-the-trainer program for other lecturers, focuses on creating prototypes using components from previous projects and left-over materials. or engineering technology students, this early hands-on engagement offers a fresh perspective, contrasting with the more conventional habit of resorting to their laptop to gather inspiration, which can easily drown out their own spontaneous associations and steer them too quickly towards existing solutions.

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Lowering the threshold to creativity To stimulate a playful and creative mindset, and to prevent students from getting stuck at the outset, students are invited to immediately build a mock-up using leftover materials and remnants from other, past challenges. Since this exercise requires no additional cost, it lowers the threshold for experimentation.

Students are encouraged to think associatively: What can they discover in the collection of materials that somehow connects to their project? Are there existing solutions to sub-problems of their challenge in other contexts? For example, how might the design of a toy spinning top inspire ideas for a self-balancing robot?

This first step makes it clear that there is no need to solve all the complex aspects of the project right away. The purpose is to move quickly beyond verbal discussion of ideas by creating a tangible first iteration — a simple mock-up that stimulates more spontaneous communication within the team. Students are urged not to worry about the appearance of this very first prototype, but rather to value the fact that they already have something concrete to work with, so that the initial hurdle is overcome.

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Dimitri Coppens © Tine Desodt

Sustainability as a design mindset An important added value of this iterative step is that it helps to reveal how the overall complex problem can be decomposed into smaller sub-challenges. These sub-challenges, in turn, provide a new invitation to think associatively: Has this kind of problem been solved in other domains, and if so, how might those solutions be adapted to the current task?

In a certain sense, this principle resonates with NASA’s concept of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), which emphasizes using resources available on site rather than transporting everything from Earth.

In a similar way, students are challenged to explore what can be achieved with the leftover materials already at hand. Beyond its creative value, this practice also nurtures an essential awareness of sustainability. Today’s generation of engineering technology students is confronted with the reality that Earth Overshoot Day falls earlier each year, highlighting the urgency of rethinking how resources are used. By engaging with remnants and discarded materials as a starting point for innovation, students not only develop their creativity but also cultivate the mindset needed to design responsibly in a resource-constrained world.

Learning through iteration The overall goal of this approach is to encourage students to work iteratively, where speed takes priority over the look and feel of the prototypes, and to cultivate an awareness of the value of testing partial solutions. By not placing too much importance on the refinement of the model, students are freer to explore and test potential ideas for solutions. This also reduces the frustration that might arise from failed attempts, allowing failure to be seen instead as a stimulus — either to further develop a promising direction or, without regret over so-called wasted time, to abandon a pathway that proves unproductive. After all, discovering through testing that a certain approach does not hold promise is in itself valuable information and a significant step forward in the project’s evolution.

By selecting components from a materials library and archive of previous projects, students experience firsthand the added value of products that can be easily taken apart, enabling reuse. This exercise reinforces a mindset aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Students are encouraged to ensure that their new mock-ups are likewise easy to disassemble, with future generations in mind.

Dimitri Coppens

Finally, students are also invited to be mindful of the principle of design for disassembly when building their prototypes. What we design and make today will inevitably lose its functionality within a foreseeable timeframe and risks ending up as waste.

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EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

KU LEUVEN GEEL WELCOMES TWO PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL MASTER'S PROGRAMMES Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Erasmus Mundus programmes offered within the Faculty of Engineering Technology will be expanded. At Geel Campus, the new Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Insects as Solutions for a Sustainable Future (ISSF) will be launched alongside the existing RADMEP+ programme. Both Erasmus Mundus proposals from Geel were approved, with ISSF earning an outstanding score of 92/100 in a highly competitive round with more than 350 applications, while funding was available for only 33 projects.

RADMEP+ he European Master of Science in Radiation and its Effects on MicroElectronics and Photonics Technologies (RADMEP+) originated from an international research initiative and is jointly organised by Jean Monnet University (France), the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), the University of Montpellier (France) and KU Leuven. The programme enjoys the support of well-established research institutions such as CERN and ESA. In addition, both local companies such as Melexis and Magics Technologies and international companies such as imec, Airbus, and Intel offer students the opportunity to conduct their master's thesis in a high-tech context.

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Professor Paul Leroux, who is responsible for the programme in Geel, explains: ‘This two-year master's programme has been offered at our campus for several years, but it was recently resubmitted for EU funding and successfully approved.

Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, VUB and Ghent University will join as partner institutions, bringing a slight change to the mobility scheme. Students will now choose between two elective tracks in the second semester: Radiation

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& MicroElectronics at Geel Campus or Radiation & Photonics at VUB and Ghent University.’

The growing number of applications – from 60 candidates in 2021 to 225 in 2025 – highlights the increasing appeal of the programme. It attracts a diverse group of students from a wide range of nationalities, reflecting its international relevance and reach. The programme will be extended and will continue until September 2031.

ISSF In addition to RADMEP+, KU Leuven Geel will soon welcome the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Insects as Solutions for a Sustainable Future (ISSF). This master was developed in collaboration with the University of Tours (France), the University of Orleans (France), NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal) and KU Leuven. The programme is based on three pillars: Insects in Agroand Ecosystems, Insects in Industry and Insects and Ecohealth.

‘We were contacted by the coordinator of the programme, Professor Elisabeth Huguet (University of Tours), as our research group Insect Production & Processing (IP&P) has internationally recognised expertise in the

field of industrially farmed insects, which is the second pillar of this new master’s programme,’ explains Professor Mik Van Der Borght, who is in charge of the programme at KU Leuven. ‘Our master's programme has also established collaborative relationships with numerous international partners all over the world, including Innovafeed, one of the largest insect-rearing companies in the world.’

‘Insects play a crucial role in addressing scientific and socio-economic issues related to biodiversity, nature conservation, agriculture, industrial innovation, and public health, particularly as vectors of parasites and pathogens. These challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change, are becoming increasingly urgent. The Insect Pilot Plant, located at Geel Campus, is the heart of our research facilities. This stateof-the-art infrastructure has contributed to our research gaining worldwide recognition.

It will also play a crucial role in the Erasmus Mundus programme,’ explains Professor Van Der Borght. Twenty students will follow the programme at the participating universities. The first cohort of ISSF students is expected in the 2026-2027 academic year. The programme will run until September 2031.

These two programmes will strengthen the position of KU Leuven Geel Campus as an international hub for high-quality research and education. The arrival of the ISSF programme alongside the RADMEP+ programme will enrich the university campus and provide a significant boost to the Kempen region.

Jolien Jacobs

Mik Van Der Borght © Rob Stevens

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PROFESSOR IN FOCUS

THE INTERNATIONAL VOCATION OF PETER ARRAS At home, his name does not immediately ring a bell, but in Germany and numerous Eastern and Central European countries and even further afield, the situation is quite different. There, Peter Arras, a lecturer at KU Leuven De Nayer Campus, has developed an extensive network of partners and contacts. He is therefore the pioneer who put his campus on the international map.

A portrait.

Peter Arras © Julie Feyaerts

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hen Peter joined what was then De Nayer University College as a young assistant in 1986, the institute had already acquired a strong technical reputation in its own country, but there was little in the way of international name recognition. This changed dramatically during Peter’s richly filled career. It all started in 1989, when the then deputy director asked him to assist him on a trip to Slovakia.

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CAD/CAM Peter graduated in 1985 as an electromechanical engineer at the then brand-new campus in Sint-Katelijne-Waver near Mechelen. He had only just completed his military service, when he received a call from the general director urging him to return. For the outstanding ex-student, a job in one of the many labs was available.

In 1989, when the campus joined the European COMETT programme along with several other technical colleges in Flanders, an opportunity presented itself to Peter that would give his further career a decisive turn. ‘COMETT was one of the first partnerships that laid the foundation for the later EU initiatives in the field of education and mobility,’ Peter explains.

‘The focus was on promoting cooperation between higher education and industry.

At De Nayer Campus at the time, there was a strong emphasis on CAD/CAM and CNC machines. It was a godsend to not only acquire new equipment but also design courseware and establish contacts beyond national borders. When travel abroad was required, I was allowed to come along because of my language skills and interest in the subject.’

Employment Still, it would be some time before Peter could fully pursue his international ambitions. First, in the early 1990s, he was called upon to set up a training and employment programme for the unemployed. ‘The project was financed by the career fund of the metal and technology industry. My assignment was to prepare and coordinate a 1,600-hour course for long-term jobseekers for a job as industrial or technical draughtsman in the metal industry,’ Peter continues. ‘In practice, this meant a practically full-time job, especially in the first few years.’

Although combining this with his other duties was not always easy, Peter looks back on that period with satisfaction.

‘Over fourteen years, I managed to give an estimated 150 jobseekers a new chance.

With an employment rate of 97%, the project was even declared a best practice in Flanders.’

Honorary Professor In 2006, Peter was finally able to fully realise his international vocation. He was appointed International Relations Officer and immediately threw himself into a whole series of European programmes. He became the point of contact for students who go on Erasmus. As the driving force behind a number of Tempus projects, Peter and his European partners are committed to capacity building and modernising higher education in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Meanwhile, he participated in 12 international projects, assisted by numerous colleagues from different campuses.

At the Constantine, the Philosopher University in Slovakia, he enrolled as a PhD student and obtained his PhD in 2014 with his dissertation on distance learning, more specifically, the development and implementation of remote labs to complement or replace physical labs. What seemed virtual at the time became highly topical five years later when COVID 19 broke out. In 2017, Peter's commitment was recognised with an honorary professorship issued by Zaporizhzhya National Technical University in Ukraine 'for outstanding achievements and significant contribution to the development of educational, scientific and international cooperation'.

programme. ‘This network brings together 17 of our faculty's oldest EU partners and has set up a diverse range of projects,’ says Peter. ‘One of these is a blended intensive course involving students from various European partner universities.

Each year, they work around a different theme. In the mornings, presentations, guest lectures and company visits are arranged. In the afternoons, the participants work out a concrete assignment in mixed teams, which they present to a jury and to each other at the end of the week.

Importantly, third-year bachelor’s students from De Nayer Campus also participate.

They can contribute their work to the 'Engineer and Sustainability' course.’

Double Degree His busy international schedule has never stopped Peter from continuing to teach.

He teaches 'Strength of Materials’ and 'Thermal Machines and Installations' and is actively involved in the Engineering Experiences on campus. However, his showpiece is the Double Master’s Degree in Embedded Systems & Digital Transformation, in cooperation with the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences & Arts in Germany. ‘It is the culmination of ten years of fruitful cooperation,’ Peter says, not without pride. ‘In our faculty and on our campus, we are well versed in short- and medium-term student mobility.

With the Double Master’s Degree, we are taking the internationalisation of our core business to the next level.’

Yves Persoons

Blended Intensive Programme A special mention should be made of Peter's role in the European EUCLIDES CONNECTING

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PROFESSOR IN FOCUS

FROM ATHENS TO BRUGES: THE ACADEMIC PATH OF PROFESSOR ANOYATIS Professor Georgios Anogiatis, known as George Anoyatis, started his undergraduate studies in 2000 in his native country Greece. In the years that followed, he repeatedly crossed the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea for work and research. Today, he is based at KU Leuven Bruges Campus, where he teaches in the civil engineering technology programme and conducts research in geotechnics. We spoke with him about his international journey, his research, and the role of inspiration in his career. ith a degree in civil engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Professor Anoyatis moved to the Greek port city of Patras in 2006.

There, at the University of Patras, he obtained a Master of Science in Geotechnics, a two-year programme on top of the five-year degree at NTUA, and earned his doctoral degree in the same field. 'During my postgraduate studies, I soon came into contact with fundamental research. Today, that exposure enables me to not only carry out fundamental research, which I think forms the basis of applied research, but also to teach at both the Faculty of Engineering Technology and the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven,’ Professor Anoyatis explains.

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Opportunities abroad In 2009, Professor Anoyatis began his doctoral research at the University of Patras, part of which he carried out at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy. ‘That stay in Italy, and the research I conducted there, really made me realise that I could leave home and establish myself abroad,’ he says. After completing his PhD and fulfilling his mandatory military service in Greece, Professor Anoyatis briefly worked in Athens as a civil engineer. But in 2015 he crossed over to the land of opportunity: the United States. ‘The economic situation in Greece, especially after 2010, left very few career opportunities for researchers.

If you wanted to build an academic career, you had to look for opportunities abroad,’ he explains. Professor Anoyatis worked in the US as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Irvine. Yet the distance from home proved too great. ‘My ‘good morning’ was a ‘good evening’ for my family in Greece. That is why it never felt like a long-term option.’

Looking for a position closer to home, Professor Anoyatis ended up at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol. ‘During my PhD, I had spent a month in Bristol, so I already knew the city

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a little,’ he recalls. He stayed there for two and a half years, until the urge to conduct research grew too strong. ‘UWE was primarily a teaching-oriented institution, with a heavy teaching load.

Research was seen more as a luxury, which did not match my vision. I needed an environment where teaching and research were considered of equal importance,’ says Professor Anoyatis.

Interaction between soil and structure KU Leuven was the place where Professor Anoyatis found that balance. At the Bruges Campus, he divides his time between lecturing civil engineering technology students and conducting research in geotechnics, a subdiscipline of civil engineering focusing on foundations and earth retaining structures, and one that is highly site-specific. ‘Each region has unique soil conditions, and sometimes even different design guidelines. That complexity poses a major challenge within geotechnics, but at the same time it is academically highly stimulating,’ he believes.

His research has applications in infrastructure, residential buildings, quay walls and, very important in Belgium, offshore energy systems such as wind turbines at sea. ‘We develop models that take into account the soil itself, in particular the fact that sand is by nature unknown and unpredictable, as well as different loading conditions such as wind, waves and earthquakes,’ Professor Anoyatis explains. Even the same soil requires a different approach under different conditions. ‘For North Sea sand, the challenge lies in assessing the long-term response of the structure due to the repeated action of wind, currents and waves. A similar sand in Italy or Greece might be exposed to seismic waves, so earthquake loading. That requires a completely different approach,’ he adds.

‘Geotechnics is about the interaction between soil and structure, not simply about a soil problem or a structural problem,’ Professor Anoyatis stresses. This is why he works closely with the structural

George Anoyatis © Tom Talloen

mechanics research group at KU Leuven, and primarily with Professor Stijn François. Collaboration not only with professors from other disciplines, but also internationally, is essential for fostering innovation and generating fresh perspective, and advancing research that addresses complex global challenges.

‘In our newly built Soil Mechanics laboratory on campus Bruges, for example, we are currently testing soils from the North Sea. On the east coast of the United States you find glauconitic sand, which shows specific behaviour in offshore applications. This gives us greater insight into how soil conditions can differ worldwide.

We also have a joint doctoral project with the University of Melbourne, in which we develop models and conduct laboratory tests on the Australian coast sands where grains may break during the installation or throughout the lifetime of the foundations of the offshore wind turbines,’ he says.

Inspiration as a starting point When asked which international experience had the greatest impact on him, Professor Anoyatis answers without hesitation: KU Leuven, where he started his tenure track (Ed. note: a pathway leading to permanent appointment) in 2019. ‘For me, the tenure track at KU Leuven was a truly transformative experience.

For the first time in my life, I realised that I didn’t need to negotiate the goal I wanted to achieve, but rather reconsider my strategies in order to succeed,’ he explains. His time at KU Leuven has therefore been a key point in his life. ‘My way of thinking has really changed. I know that professorship will not be easier than the tenure track, but at least I know what it takes. With that knowledge I try to give my (doctoral) students more focused and tailored advice,’ says Professor Anoyatis.

Even if the circumstances in Greece had been better at the start of his career, Professor Anoyatis believes he would have made the same choices. For him, inspiration was the trigger to go abroad. ‘Personally, I don’t like to frame my journey in terms of motivation. I frame it in terms of inspiration. I can be inspired by a talk, an experience or a journey, a conversation. That spark set things in motion,’ he explains. After that, discipline is what counts in order to achieve your goals. ‘Motivation is like a wave; it goes up and down. Inspiration starts the journey. Discipline sustains it,’ Professor Anoyatis concludes.

Pauline Van Springel

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STUDENT IN FOCUS

FROM MAKE-UP ARTIST TO BIO BEAUTY ENGINEER Making people feel comfortable in their own skin. That is the motto and ambition of Liliya Bohdan, student, scientist, young entrepreneur and future master in Biochemical Engineering Technology. Passionate about new-gen beauty technologies, she wants to be fully committed to science, sustainability and efficiency. A portrait of an exceptional second-year student with a distinct vision and mission. iliya lives up to her name. Derived from the graceful lily flower, her name symbolises beauty and purity. While lilies may look delicate and fragile, they have the strength to flourish in almost any environment, facing life's challenges while maintaining their youthful resilience. Liliya has grown accustomed to challenges and changing circumstances. She was born in Minsk (Belarus) and went to school in the lyceum of Belarus State University. At the IB World School of Wroclaw (Poland), she obtained an International Baccalaureate Diploma that prepared her for higher studies and global citizenship.

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beauty routines. Because I see the gaps in the colour and skincare cosmetic markets, I can advise the client on what they truly need.’

Microorganisms

Engineering Experiences

Since childhood, Liliya has been fascinated by make-up and cosmetics. At barely 14 years old, she attended summer courses at ProfiLife, a partner of the Manualistic International Aesthetics School, on cosmetic chemistry and metabolic face massage.

She especially wanted to know the ins and outs of skin problems like acne. ‘Acne is a common phenomenon among youngsters between the age of 12 and 24,’ says Liliya. ‘It’s estimated that approximately 90% of men and 80% of women have experienced acne at some point in their lives. I was particularly interested in the role that micro-organisms living in the skin play. It is known that the skin of an unborn child is sterile, but soon after birth it is colonised by a wide variety of micro-organisms. I decided to explore how bacteria interact with the skin, what relationships are formed between bacteria and how genetics and the environment affect this.’ Liliya's closer look quickly took the form of real scientific research, which in turn resulted in three publications in peerreviewed journals. ‘If we can send rockets into space, why can't we solve acne?,’ the young researcher wondered at the time.

About her choice of study, Liliya did not have to think long.

‘As the most innovative university in Europe, KU Leuven was top of mind from the start. However, the single-discipline programmes did not appeal to me. I’m particularly interested in exploring multidisciplinary connections and applications. So, I almost naturally ended up at the Faculty of Engineering Technology and Group T Campus, its most international campus in Leuven.’

The versatile engineering education and the Engineering Experiences in which you carry out concrete multidisciplinary assignments as a team are right up Liliya's alley.

Since studying in Leuven, Liliya has expanded her range of services to include make-up coaching, make-up bag consultation and a test your cosmetic kit. Soon she will be launching a first-of-its-kind solution: virtual make-up. This is a personalised make-up filter designed by a professional make-up artist as a money- and time-saving alternative to traditional make-up applications for digital occasions.

Liliya wants to absorb the knowledge and skills to the maximum in the next few years to put her mission into practice step by step.

The picture she envisions in this regard is getting sharper by the day. ‘The future of skin care is personal, science-driven and powered by AI. We're living in an era where Gen Z is consciously making its own choices. They know that their skin is not generic.

Therefore, they are no longer inclined to accept one-size-fits-all beauty,’ Liliya says.

Virtual make-up Even before she came to Leuven in 2024, Liliya showed she also had entrepreneurial talent. For instance, she developed 'Test Your Cosmetics' which helps determine if the skin care you have suits you. Another initiative was the 'Beauty Party Box', which even includes a master class in make-up. ‘Unlike many influencers promoting buying new products and gadgets, I'm not affiliated with brands,’ says Liliya. ‘My goal is to enhance skills and optimise 22

‘As consumers are demanding more personalisation, sustainability and transparency, AI is becoming the bridge between science and skin care,’ concludes Liliya. ‘It is up to engineers to use science, technology and entrepreneurship to make beauty smarter, more inclusive and more interactive.’

Yves Persoons

Liliya Bohdan © Julie Feyaerts CONNECTING

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STUDENT IN FOCUS

FROM TRADITION TO CONNECTION: BUILDING A CULTURE OF ONBOARDING AT GROUP T CAMPUS OR HOW CAMPUS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE AND STUDENT ASSOCIATION INDUSTRIA JOIN FORCES

At KU Leuven Group T Campus, the corridors echo with Dutch and English, interspersed with the occasional sound of another language, a reflection of a student body now drawn from over 70 nationalities. Ten years ago, only 16.5% of bachelor’s students enrolled in the English-language engineering technology programme. Today, in September 2025, the bachelor population is nearly evenly split between Dutch-speaking and international students, with 49.4% following the English track. espite increasing restrictions on international bachelor programmes across Western Europe, KU Leuven maintains its open-access policy, offering a rigorous curriculum without strict enrolment caps. If this trend continues, international students may soon outnumber local ones. In such a context, onboarding is no longer just a welcome event, it’s about helping students find their place academically, socially, and practically.

It means guiding them through the city, the campus, and daily life, so they can transition from arrival to belonging.

And that’s easier said than done.

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A new approach to student onboarding Five years ago, new students received little more than a brief introduction and a campus tour. Today, the experience is entirely different. Nearly 400 students now arrive from diverse countries, each carrying their own expectations of what “university life” should be. While admission tests still assess maths and English, they cannot measure whether students are ready to live and study alone in a new country.

How do you prepare for a city you’ve never seen, a university you don’t yet understand, or a daily life governed by unfamiliar rules?

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What do we need to know, be and do to truly guide our international students, not just welcome them?

To kick things off, the campus organises a two-week Introductory Course before the academic year begins. On the surface, it’s about maths and chemistry, but in reality, it’s a gentle first step into a new life.

Students are brought together, introduced to the city, invited to small social events, and connected with the student association.

But this is only the beginning. These two weeks quickly roll into a first semester full of challenges: paperwork, culture shock, and countless everyday questions.

And that’s not even counting the academic workload, mandatory lab sessions, or the basics of cooking for oneself. The campus monitors student-wellbeing closely, but as the numbers grow, the task becomes heavier and demands new approaches.

If onboarding is to succeed, it must extend beyond the first fortnight, weave itself through the entire semester and touch every part of campus life.

From listening to learning The campus has already moved beyond a one-off welcome. It now systematically checks in with all first-year students.

For the past three years, over 80% of new students have taken part in small-group meetings where staff members listen to their experiences and concerns. Students often say that simply being asked gives them peace of mind, while their feedback enables the campus to adapt its support systems and improve its ways of working.

This is where Industria, the student association at Group T Campus, has a unique opportunity to play a role.

Traditionally rooted in Flemish student culture, many of Industria’s activities still reflect local customs. For Flemish students, events like cantuses or the 24-hour run are familiar highlights. But for international newcomers, they can feel mysterious, even intimidating.

Creating a space where all students belong Nele Vankevelaer, the praeses of Industria, recognises this tension: ‘You can’t expect someone new to immediately understand why a cantus matters. We try to open these traditions without losing their character.’

With the majority of Industria’s members still coming from local backgrounds — and with membership changing each year — it’s difficult for new practices to take root.

Yet this is where the potential lies. Small steps, informal meet-ups, or internationally themed events can provide students with a first bridge before they participate in more typically Flemish activities.

But making connections isn’t always easy.

Written communication is always bilingual, but face-to-face conversations often slip back into Dutch, leaving international students uncertain. ‘It’s not that different for Flemish students,’ says Ruben Schepers, Industria’s vice-international.

‘Everyone feels safer in their own language.

Real connections only emerge when different worlds meet.’

Industria aims to offer practical support and a platform when students bring forward ideas for activities, enabling newcomers to evolve from passive participants into active contributors.

The hope is that they’ll see they can help shape student life. For now, that remains more of a goal than a reality. The real challenge lies in ensuring that students can find Industria and feel welcome enough to approach it. Onboarding here isn’t just about what Industria does, but about how it opens itself up to be discovered.

From diversity to community Internationalisation on campus will only continue to grow. Industria does not view this with hesitation, but with ambition.

‘Traditions may need to be reimagined, given a new twist,’ says Nele. ‘As long as the goal of bringing students together remains the same, that’s not a loss but an opportunity.’

At its core, Industria strives to be inclusive.

‘We’re here for students, whoever they are,’ says Ruben.

‘Whether Flemish or international, our door is open. You can not only take part, you can co-create. That’s the strength of a student association.’

Onboarding is not a quick fix, it’s a culture that takes time to grow. How can staff and students transform diversity into connection and help everyone feel their ideas matter? The challenge is real, but so is the opportunity.

In five years, as international students may well outnumber locals, one can only imagine the kind of community and campus life Group T Campus will have become and what new challenges will have emerged along the way.

Arnoud Martens

© Julie Feyaerts

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STUDENT TEAM IN FOCUS

POWERTRONICS SHINES AT IFEC 2025: INNOVATION, DEDICATION AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE Last July, the student team PowerTronics from KU Leuven Diepenbeek Campus travelled to Taipei, Taiwan, for the finals of the International Future Energy Challenge (IFEC).

This prestigious competition challenges university teams worldwide to develop innovative solutions for energy conversion. The assignment for this year: an isolated DC/DC converter with exceptional performance.

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A technical challenge of scale he converter had to meet strict requirements: a programmable output voltage of 20V to 150V, a transient response within 100 microseconds, and an efficiency above 95%.

In other words: developing a device that converts electricity from one voltage to another, works under varying conditions and continues to perform reliably. The design also had to react quickly and effectively if the load (the amount of power being drawn) changed suddenly.

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A tough assignment, especially for a team with little prior experience in power electronics. Yet PowerTronics succeeded in becoming one of the eight finalists worldwide.

From concept to prototype: teamwork as the key The PowerTronics team – composed of 12 students from Diepenbeek – began preparations in September 2024. Initially, two subteams worked separately on a concept, after which the best ideas were combined. The team then continued in four technical subgroups: hardware, magnetics, control and cooling. Alongside that, everyone also took on non-technical tasks, such as sponsorship, communication and social media.

The greatest challenge? For many team members, this was their very first encounter with such complex power electronics.

'We had to build everything from scratch,’ says Karnpreet Singh. ‘That required a lot of self-study, but as a result we also learnt an incredible amount.’

The biggest technical challenge? The control strategy. Combining different topologies made the modelling complex. Thanks to intensive guidance, plenty of trial and error and strong team dynamics, the expertise grew rapidly.

Week of the finals in Taiwan: intense and inspiring After qualifying in the semi-finals during the APEC conference in the United States, PowerTronics ranked among the eight finalists. During the test days at Chroma, a global leader in measuring and testing equipment, the PowerTronics prototype was praised for its compact design. Still, they were faced with specific challenges: at high power levels, thermal issues occurred. And like many teams, mishaps happened along the way – from exploding capacitors to last-minute soldering, according to team manager Wout Vanderwegen.

‘That led to a lot of respect and exchange of ideas.’ Beyond the technical work, there was also time for culture: visits to the National Museum of Taiwan, Taipei 101, and even joint hiking trips with other teams.

For the students, the experience was priceless. ‘You don’t just learn an incredible amount technically,’ says Saravpreet Singh, ‘but also how to collaborate, communicate and plan under pressure. That gives you confidence and is a huge asset for your career. It made us realise how much value you can create as an engineer.’

With special thanks to Professor Wilmar Martinez, founder of PowerTronics, for his support (knowledge, equipment and financial backing).

Final result: fifth place and a technical award Although the victory went to the Polish team from Warsaw, PowerTronics finished in a commendable fifth place and won the award for best technical report. ‘We are proud of what we achieved,’ the team unanimously stated. ‘It was an intense but incredibly valuable experience.’

Beyond technology: personal growth and international connections Despite the pressure, the atmosphere remained collegial. ‘Everyone worked on the same assignment, but the approaches differed greatly,’ says Peter van Hoof.

Wilmar Martinez © Hans Wouters

Veerle Moons

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STUDENT TEAM IN FOCUS

FORMULA ELECTRIC BELGIUM ACHIEVING A BELGIAN FIRST This summer, Formula Electric Belgium raced across Europe, from Assen to Most to Hockenheim, taking part in three Formula Student competitions and making history along the way. The student team from KU Leuven and Thomas More pushed their electric TMC Falcon to new heights, setting a Belgian record for the longest distance ever driven by an autonomous vehicle. wo team members look back on the season with pride: Wytse Daems, former team manager and now battery engineer at Formula Electric Belgium, and Seppe Van Rossum, former chief mechanical engineer.

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‘That was a huge milestone,’ says Wytse. ‘It was the first time we managed that distance fully driverless, and only nine of the 53 teams succeeded.’

A passionate student team

Seppe adds: ‘Expectations were already high after last year, when we drove autonomously for the first time. We barely had time to rest between the competitions in the Czech Republic and Germany, but everyone knew what we were working toward.’

Formula Electric Belgium (FEB) brings together students from different programmes and nationalities. Their shared mission: design, build, and race an electric car in the prestigious Formula Student competitions, some of the largest engineering contests in the world.

That mission requires months of designing, constructing, and rigorous testing. ‘Our goal was to tackle every issue from last year’s car and push the TMC Falcon to an even higher level,’ Wytse explains. ‘We tested two to three days a week for almost six weeks, covering at least 300 kilometres. There were only thirteen of us, but everyone was highly motivated.’

Building skills for life For the students, FEB is not only about engineering but also personal growth. Wytse reflects: ‘As team manager, I learned how a company operates: finding sponsors, leading meetings, and learning to present. Those are skills I’ll carry with me.’

Seppe agrees: ‘Teamwork, communication and presentation skills are just as important as the technical side, and they’ll definitely help in my career.’

Looking ahead

Not just a race Formula Student is not simply about speed, it’s about demonstrating engineering excellence. Each competition lasts about a week and begins with strict technical inspections. eams then defend their design, cost and manufacturing choices, and their business model before industry experts. Only then can they compete in the dynamic events, from acceleration, skidpad and autocross to efficiency and endurance.

Currently ranked 25th out of 465 teams worldwide, FEB has its sights set on the top 20 for the new season. With technical upgrades like reducing battery weight, Wytse believes the team can raise its score from 500 to 550 points in each competition.

Liselotte Nyberg

 www.formulaelectric.be

Summer highlights In Assen, the Netherlands, FEB kicked off the season with an impressive sixth place overall and a third place in efficiency. ‘’It was the last time the competition took place there’, says Seppe, ‘so coming home with a cup makes it extra special.’

The absolute highlight came in Germany: FEB's autonomous car completed ten laps on the Hockenheim circuit, setting a Belgian record for the longest distance covered by a self-driving race car: 10 laps of 366 metres each, in 514 seconds.

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© Studio Morphia

STUDENT TEAM IN FOCUS

INNOPTUS SOLAR TEAM KEEPS ON PUSHING ITS LIMITS Driving 3,021 kilometres through the Australian Outback, all the way from Darwin to Adelaide, that’s what the Innoptus Solar Team has been training for all year with their newest solar car Infinite Apollo. After a nail-biting race, the engineering students from KU Leuven crossed the finish line in third place. A result that confirms their status among the world’s best. very two years, student teams from across the globe gather in Australia for what is considered the world championship of solar cars. They have to build a car powered only by the sun and drive it through the Australian Outback.

This year’s edition took place in August, during the Australian winter, which brought the participants unpredictable weather conditions and additional strategic challenges.

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To adapt, the Innoptus Solar Team equipped the Infinite Apollo with innovations never seen before in one of their cars: a solar panel 50% larger than usual, an adjustable suspension that could be lowered to reduce air resistance and raised to handle rougher terrain, and two aerodynamic fins designed to capture crosswinds and generate additional propulsion through the sail effect.

A rocky start Expectations were high, but during the qualifying round the engineering students from the Innoptus Solar Team suffered a setback. Their lap time with the Infinite Apollo was slower than hoped, which means they had to start the race in 16th position.

By the end of the first day, the Innoptus Solar Team had surged past more than a dozen competitors, climbing into third place, trailing only the Dutch teams from Delft and Twente. Over the following days, the team battled neck and neck with the Dutch teams, switching second and third position as the weather played its games.

The team relied on different tactics to handle the cloudy skies and strong winds.

© Lars Crommelinck Aerodynamic engineer Pieter De Mulder explained their strategy to save energy: ‘It was very cloudy with occasional sunny spells, so we used the ‘cloud in, cloud out’ strategy. This involves driving more slowly when we are in a ‘cloud opening’ and driving faster when we are in a cloud and not getting any sun.’

Strategist Simon De Baere further added that there were also a lot of crosswinds, which gave them an advantage. ‘Because of our aerodynamic fin, we could drive faster without having to use a lot of energy.’

Top 3 finish Due to the bad weather, the team made one last strategic gamble at the beginning of the final day: delaying their start by half an hour to save more battery power for the last push.

The two Dutch teams from Delft and Twente were faster on this final day, resulting in the Innoptus Solar Team crossing the finish line in Adelaide in third place.

Remarkably, after more than 3,000 kilometres, less than half an hour separated the top three. This is truly unprecedented in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

For our KU Leuven engineering students, this result means more than a place on the podium. It is proof that months of designing, testing, and teamwork have paid off. The Innoptus Solar Team has once again pushed the limits of what’s possible.

Liselotte Nyberg

 www.solarteam.be CONNECTING

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Filip Van Opstaele and Gert De Rouck © Tine Desodt

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RESEARCHER IN FOCUS

LOWBOIL: REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN BREWERIES

In the Enzyme, Fermentation and Brewery Technology (EFBT) research group at KU Leuven Ghent Campus, a new Vlaio TETRA project has been set in motion in November 2024 under the supervision of Gert De Rouck (Brewing Technology group) and Filip Van Opstaele (Analytical Center). The project, under the name of “LOWBOIL: Optimisation of the boiling process with the aim of energy reduction, while preserving the beer’s premium quality”, will run for two years. It is a collaboration with 30 businesses: breweries, malting plants, manufacturers of brewing equipment, and consultants active in the brewing and malting sector. ue to the energy shortage, energy prices skyrocketed in 2022. This had a tangible impact. Not only on individuals, but on businesses as well. An impact also strongly felt by the energy-intensive brewing industry. As a result, profit margins came under heavy pressure and planned investments (both in equipment and in personnel) had to be postponed or even cancelled.

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Forecasts indicate that the higher cost of energy and the uncertainty regarding energy supply will persist in the coming years. For this reason, it is crucial that breweries anticipate by making targeted efforts to reduce their overall energy consumption, which will result in significant cost reduction. With this goal in mind, the LOWBOIL project was brought to life.

Energy-efficient wort boiling The main focus of LOWBOIL is the boiling of the starter liquid wort, as this is the most energy intensive step in the brewing process. In recent decades, much attention has been given to the technological development of boiling systems with more efficient energy consumption in mind, particularly in pilsner brewing. This has already led to significant energy savings.

However, the researchers state that there is still a lot of room to save energy. By further optimizing the current boiling systems in Flemish breweries, for example. This way, the energy costs could be further reduced significantly, while still maintaining the premium flavour quality of pilsners and specialty beers.

Research within LOWBOIL is threefold. On the one hand, the researchers focus on the conventional boiling of wort. This happens by steam-heating the boiling vessel and lautering by use of a whirlpool. The majority of Belgian brewers utilise this method.

The study looks closely at this conventional method of wort boiling and the intrinsic quality of malt in relation to beer quality. In addition to seeking a balance between minimal boiling intensity (energy reduction) and maximum flavour quality, the researchers examine the impact of the lautering method on the quality of the beer in conventional boiling. This method involves using either a decanter and centrifuge, or a whirlpool.

Lastly, knowledge is gained about the impact of alternative (energy reducing) boiling methods on the quality of the final products. In order to gather data for this research, experimental beers are brewed on a pilot scale. On top of that, different kinds of wort and finished beers undergo an extensive chemical and sensory analysis. All of this serves one goal: making sure that our Belgian cultural heritage stands the test of time.

Hanne De Coene

CONNECTING

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RESEARCHER IN FOCUS

WHEN DEVICES COLLABORATE: THE POWER OF DISTRIBUTED MODELS Smart devices are everywhere, generating vast amounts of data that artificial intelligence can use to monitor or autonomously control the quality of a production process.

Yet most smart devices lack the computing power and memory to run complex AI models locally. PhD student Gregory De Ruyter therefore investigates ways to distribute AI models and harness the collective computing power of multiple devices. regory De Ruyter (24), PhD student in the M-Group at the Bruges Campus, received an FWO fellowship in November 2023 for his project on resilient, distributed deep learning models on the edge.

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Sensors are everywhere ‘The data collected by sensors in smart devices, such as smartwatches or smart factories, has the potential to automate all kinds of tasks or optimise processes,’ Gregory begins. Meanwhile, deep learning models are growing more powerful, solving ever more complex problems. ‘This creates a synergy: enormous amounts of data are being generated, and powerful models are available to use that data to make processes even smarter,’ he explains.

Today, smart devices usually send their data to the cloud, where complex deep learning models process it to make decisions or predictions, but this has some drawbacks. ‘Sending all data to the cloud can be limited by bandwidth, which sometimes leads to a loss of information, causes delays that hinder real-time decisions, and exposes sensitive information to potential attacks,’ Gregory points out.

Distributed model Local processing avoids these problems.

‘My PhD aims to bring deep learning models closer to the data source – the socalled edge – so that no cloud or data transmission is needed. But that is not easy, because with their limited computing 32

power and memory, these devices on the edge cannot simply run complex deep learning models,’ Gregory explains.

His solution? Making use of the collective computing power of the edge network.

‘Instead of one device running the entire model – taking in all the sensor data, processing it and producing a prediction – multiple devices each execute a part of the model. You can compare it to one big task that is divided into subtasks, with each device handling a piece of the work.

The network of devices then essentially forms one big computer that processes the data,’ Gregory clarifies.

Such a distributed model makes it possible to implement more complex deep learning models. ‘You are no longer limited to the computing power of a single device,’ says Gregory. During his PhD, he is developing a framework that makes it possible to create and implement such a distributed model. ‘Ultimately, I want to turn it into software in the form of a toolbox, so that companies can more easily find a suitable model for their specific configuration,’ he explains.

Robust models ‘Since multiple devices are now used to run a deep learning model, it becomes important to investigate how the distributed architecture can be made more robust,’ Gregory points out. ‘If a single device is responsible for executing (part of) the model and fails, predictions can no longer be generated. This makes the system

vulnerable to what is known as a single point of failure.’

The second part of Gregory’s research therefore focuses on how the architecture of the model can be dynamically adapted so that it continues to function even when devices within the edge network fail.

‘Most times the same information can be derived from multiple data streams. Think of a passer-by, detectable by a camera, a microphone, or both. The goal is then to adapt the model so that it continues to function and make predictions using the remaining devices and data streams,’ Gregory explains.

Research into this dynamic, modular model is still in its early stages. ‘The aim is to keep predictions reliable, even if some performance loss is unavoidable. This concept is known as graceful degradation: when one or more components in a system fail, the system can still operate, albeit with reduced performance,’ he clarifies.

Use cases Gregory wants to validate his framework for a robust distributed model through two use cases. The first takes place in the Ultimate Factory at KU Leuven Bruges Campus. ‘The Ultimate Factory is a smallscale lab setup that allows us to simulate production processes, such as the manufacturing of a workpiece. For my use case, we would place various sensors at different points along the production line to collect data on both the workpiece and the production process.

We will then use a distributed model, created with our framework, to detect certain anomalies in the workpiece and the production process,’ Gregory explains.

As a second use case, Gregory wants to use his distributed model to monitor patients and elderly people. ‘In a previous project, we developed a smart plate.

That plate can measure the weight of the food on it and detect when someone actually takes something from it. If the patient also wears a smartwatch, we can use a distributed model across the plate and the watch, which can then make reliable predictions about eating behaviour,’ he says. Privacy is particularly important in this use case. ‘Of course, you don’t want all the patient’s data to be sent to the cloud. It is better to process the data locally and provide feedback.’

Gregory adds: ‘We also aim to apply such systems in other projects, for example HEALTHYDIETS4AFRICA, a European project in which we study the food intake of residents in certain African countries, or ALCOVE, also a European project, where we use various medical devices with sensors to analyse exhaled air for the early detection of lung cancer.’

Future prospects Ultimately, Gregory hopes that his framework will find its way into industry and contribute to networks of smarter devices that function more efficiently and reliably.

‘Further research will be needed to fully translate the framework into practice, but the validation with my two use cases is already a promising start,’ Gregory concludes.

Pauline Van Springel

Gregory De Ruyter © Tom Talloen CONNECTING

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RESEARCHER IN FOCUS

PARYA KHANKEH: PASSIONATE ABOUT INCLUSIVE DESIGN

‘My mission is to design technologies that foster inclusion, participation and emotional connection, especially for neurodivergent children and young people with disabilities,’ says Parya Khankeh, PhD student at the e-Media Research Lab of KU Leuven Group T Campus since March 2025.

Who is this multi-talented and driven engineer from Iran, and what brought her to Leuven? name often speaks volumes, and this is certainly true of Parya.

In Farsi, her name means 'fairy'.

In Persian mythology, ‘Paries’ (or fairies) are depicted as beautiful, supernatural beings with magical power. They were the precursors of what we now call ‘angels’.

Based on these roots, the first name Parya is still associated with grace, generosity and a touch of magic. These qualities are clearly reflected in our international scholar from Iran, as evidenced by her work as an illustrator and developer of artistically inspired serious games, as well as her unwavering dedication to underprivileged children and brave commitment to women's rights in her home country. ‘I approach engineering through an intersectional lens, shaped by my experience as a Middle Eastern woman who has faced discrimination and restrictions on bodily autonomy,’ Parya affirms. ‘I work at the intersection of healthcare, technology and design, and I believe that inclusive innovation begins with listening to the people we design for.’

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Book club Parya was born in Arak, an important industrial city in northwestern Iran. Before moving to Leuven, she spent ten years in Isfahan, once the thriving capital of the Persian empire, now Iran's second largest city and still considered the most beautiful.

She studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Isfahan and carried out research and academic work through the third year of her PhD programme in 2024, achieving a top score of 19.57 out of 20. As a researcher, she developed a therapeutic game for children with autism using VR and eye-tracking. At the same time, she was also teaching - the youngest in the university - to 90 students, which gave her the opportunity to introduce creative teaching methods.

Alongside her academic work, Parya ran a successful book club, which she founded herself and quickly grew to 400 members.

‘I grew up in a family where reading was a core value. I read constantly, especially books about justice, equality and human rights.

That reading shaped my worldview and

Parya Khankeh © Julie Feyaerts

made me aware of the discrimination faced by women in my country. Through the book club, I worked for equality and freedom of expression, using books and critical thinking as tools to educate and empower socially disadvantaged groups,’ Parya explains.

Last year, Parya was confronted by authorities due to her activism. After this traumatic experience, she decided to seek a safe space abroad. ‘That's when I discovered the e-Media research Lab at KU Leuven, where technology, HumanComputer Interaction, education and art come together. It was exactly what I'd been looking for,’ Parya affirms.

Participation From Iran, Parya brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, starting with co-design. ‘By blurring the line between

designer and user, co-design ensures that stakeholders are actively involved from idea to prototype. This approach helps reduce power imbalances and leads to technologies that are truly innovative,’ she points out. She also brought her artistic talent. As a professional illustrator, Parya integrates storytelling and handdrawn aesthetics into game interfaces.

‘I use aesthetics and narratives not as a cosmetic layer of varnish but as intentional tools to support flow, emotional engagement, empathy and meaningful participation in play and therapy.’

At the e-Media Research Lab, Parya is involved in Professor Lucca Geurts' VIPPSTAR project. There, she is collaborating on the development of a serious game for children with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a condition caused by damage to the part of the brain

that processes vision. ‘VIPPSTAR is an EU-Horizon project focused on the development and implementation of personalised strategies, tools, approaches and resources to support the health and well-being of visually impaired youth,’ Parya explains. ‘My focus is on the ethical and aesthetic aspects of the game, aiming to increase adherence and making the game not only therapeutic but also joyful and immersive, like any game should be.’

Hope Parya speaks highly of her work and stay in Leuven. ‘I feel deeply grateful to be conducting my research in an environment where I'm free to be myself, both as a woman and as a scientist. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported by my supervisor and colleagues of the e-Media Lab.

In Leuven's open and international environment, I can concentrate on academic work that matters,’ she says.

Although physically separated from family, colleagues and book club members, Parya tries to stay in touch as much as possible.

‘We have continued meeting online, reading together and educating ourselves in the ongoing pursuit of equality. My future is uncertain. I don't know when I will be able to return to my country. But I do know what I want as a woman: to contribute to academia and to continue using engineering and design to support children with disabilities and disadvantaged groups.

That's what gives me meaning, and hope,’ Parya concludes.

Yves Persoons

CONNECTING

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ALUMNUS IN FOCUS

CHAI XIANGFEI, UNLEASHING THE POWER OF MEDICAL IMAGING Pushing boundaries and facing challenges. It runs like a thread through the studies, work and career of Chai Xiangfei, Founder & CEO of Huiying Medical Technology in Beijing, a high-tech AI company specialising in computer vision and deep learning in medical imaging.

His great international adventure began when he enrolled in the undergraduate programme in Engineering Technology in Leuven 21 years ago. hai Xiangfei is a graduate of the 2+2 double degree programme that the then Group T University College in Leuven set up in the late 1990s with a number of leading universities in China. This programme enabled promising Chinese engineering students, after a year of study at their home university, to continue their undergraduate studies in Leuven and obtain a double degree upon successful completion. Those who wished to pursue a master's degree could stay in Leuven, return home or explore opportunities elsewhere in the world. The 2+2 programme quickly gained popularity at Beijing Jiaotong University. As early as 2001, the first students from Beijing arrived at Group T Campus, and their numbers continued to grow every year. Chai Xiangfei was part of the 2004 cohort. Two years later, he obtained a double bachelor’s degree in Electronics & ICT Engineering Technology.

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From master to postdoc Chai Xiangfei pursued his master's degree at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Science. There, he was able to delve into what still drives him today: Medical Imaging. After completing his master’s studies, he embarked on a PhD in Medical Physics at the University of Amsterdam, where he developed novel techniques intended for high precision image guided radiotherapy for bladder cancer. In 2012, the newly graduated doctor joined Stanford University in Palo Alto (California) as a postdoc. There, he developed a web-based image processing and plan evaluation platform for radiotherapy applications.

This platform not only enabled medical image digitisation but also facilitated a smooth exchange of know-how and expertise between researchers and healthcare providers. While still at Stanford, Chai Xiangfei worked on automatic segmentation of pelvic organs using learning algorithms and developed a cloud-based computed tomography segmentation system. Both in Amsterdam and at Stanford, he worked not only in labs but also in university hospitals where he enriched his knowledge with clinical experience and insights into radiotherapy workflows.

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From postdoc to entrepreneur An expert in recognition, segmentation, analysis and deep learning of Medical Imaging, Chai Xiangfei returned to Beijing in 2015 and founded Huiying Medical Technology. The company's name is significant: Huiying means 'intelligent' and 'bright', as well as 'benefit and 'profit'. Or in this case: using knowledge and skills to benefit the health and wellbeing of patients. The fact that the company's products and services are now used in over 1,000 hospitals across 50 countries is testament to the founder’s success.

Huiying's main products and services include AI applications and tools for diagnosing bone and rib fractures, lung diseases, breast cancer and cardiac and vascular conditions. Another key product is the Medical Image Data Platform, which provides multi-mode data services to both healthcare providers and scientists.

Specifically for hospitals, Huiying offers cloud imaging solutions for data storage and exchange, and cross-hospital consultations.

The company’s AI products are used in nearly 80% of daily consultations, serving an average of 100,000 patients per day.

Furthermore, Huiying already holds two dozen patents, and has signed cooperation agreements with Tsinghua University, Stanford University, China Unicom and Intel, among others. The company's headquarters remain in Beijing, but branches have already opened in other Chinese cities (Suzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong) and in Silicon Valley.

From entrepreneur to role model In China, Huiying has emerged as a major player in health tech.

It leads three projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Chai Xiangfei himself serves as a member of the Standing Committee of Telemedicine & Information Technology under the China Association of Medical Equipment.

He is also a standing committee member of the Medical AI branch of the China Biomedical Engineering Association and ViceChairman of the China Association of AI & Medical Imaging.

Chai Xiangfei

Outside China, Huiying positions itself as one of the leading companies in the AI medical imaging industry - the only one in its field to have secured investment from three Fortune 500 firms simultaneously.

For the nearly 300 engineering students from Beijing Jiaotong University who transferred to Group T Campus since 2004, Chai Xiangfei was and still is a shining example of persistence

and perseverance. Meanwhile, he has also become a true role model for all international bachelor’s and master’s students in engineering at KU Leuven.

Yves Persoons

 www.huiyihuiying.com CONNECTING

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ALUMNUS IN FOCUS

FROM PRINT TO PODCAST: PRODI'S FLYING START An impressive debut: first, winning the Future 5 Competition at SuperNova 25, Belgium's leading tech & innovation festival.

Shortly afterwards, being selected for the national finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup. Then, receiving a nomination in the AI category of the Belgium Startup Ecosystem Competition.

All of this in barely six months since founding their company.

Alexandria Bohn and Patricio Castillo accomplished it with their startup Prodi. A portrait of an entrepreneurial engineering duo.

Alexandria Bohn and Patricio Castillo © Julie Feyaerts

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ell me honestly, do you always read your company or organisation's internal news updates,’ asks Alexandria. ‘It turns out that some employees even configure their inboxes to automatically filter this content into a folder they never open. Most say they don't have time to read internal communication updates. How much more efficient would it be if there was a tool that automatically transforms this information into fully branded podcasts? That was the challenge that Patricio and I took on in October 2024.’

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Mobile app Alexandria and Patricio graduated with a master's degree in Electronics & ICT Engineering Technology from KU Leuven

Group T Campus in 2023. They discovered their team dynamics while working together for the first time during a project in the 'Software Engineering & Web Technology' course. Soon after, they were part of a team that achieved a handsome victory in a hackathon of Academics for Technology (now NEXT). Their winning idea was a mobile app that kept train commuters updated on the latest news and trends of interest during their monotonous home-work commute. ‘From that moment, I knew entrepreneurship was my thing. And that Alexandria would be the first person I’d call,’ says Patricio.

‘Moreover, our profiles turned out to be very complementary. I'm primarily a technical person, while Alexandria also has strong commercial skills.’

After graduation, their professional paths separated. Alexandria joined Atlas Copco as a Functional Analyst, while Patricio became a Software Engineer at Nokia.

After a few months working, both realised how difficult it was to keep up with written internal communication in their companies.

In January 2024, they sat down together after work to brainstorm possible solutions.

‘The timing was perfect,’ Alexandria continues. ‘AI’s ability to convert text into highly human-like voices was in the spotlight at the time. Over the course of numerous conversations and interviews with entrepreneurs and professionals, the idea of a podcast using AI-powered script creation and advanced text-tospeech technology took shape.’ To prepare for entrepreneurship, the duo joined KU Leuven's KICK programme. They invested what remained of their scarce free time in developing prototypes and having customer conversations.

Streamlining

Obsession

In October 2024, Alexandria and Patricio quit their jobs to focus entirely on their startup. Soon after, they received a major boost with their admission to the Start it @KBC Accelerator programme.

The commercial breakthrough came in December, when Delaware Consulting decided to partner with the duo, opting for their concept over Google’s Notebook LM Tool. ‘That put us in what seemed like an unlikely position,’ Alexandria says.

‘We had a product and a first big customer, but no company yet. Prodi was officially founded just in time to onboard them.’

‘In retrospect, it was a good thing to focus on finding a major customer first,’ Patricio believes.

The commercial successes do not prevent Patricio from continuing to optimise Prodi's technology. ‘Whereas an episode of the podcast for Delaware initially took us 15 hours of production time, we are now cutting that down drastically. Improving the quality of our products has been and remains another obsession. For instance, we want the dialogues in our podcasts to sound as realistic as if they were real conversations,’ Patricio says.

With Delaware as a customer, Prodi gained momentum. Soon after, new key players began presenting themselves: NTT DATA, followed by Lineas, a large Belgian privately owned railway operator. A fourth milestone was Mediahuis, one of the country’s leading media groups and publisher of more than 40 news brands. For them, Prodi developed ‘The Playground’, an international podcast that showcases current and upcoming innovations in the business. Finally, Roularta Media Group, a company focused on employer branding, came on board. ‘One of their flagships is Happie Magazine, an in-house publication that comes out quarterly,’ says Patricio.

‘We turned it into ‘Happie in je oren’, a weekly podcast with stories from and conversations with inspiring employees in addition to useful updates.’ Financially, there was also a major boost through a government grant from VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship).

Cofounder Alexandria is equally ambitious.

‘Our short-term goal is to expand our client base to 20. And to be clear: these are not one-off episodes. We are talking here about contracts where we deliver a podcast on a regular basis over an extended period of time. The frequency varies from weekly to bi-weekly. By the way, we see ourselves not just as producers of automated podcasts. For our clients, we primarily want to be a reliable partner in transforming the way they engage their internal audiences to achieve their strategic goals,’ Alexandria concludes.

Yves Persoons

 www.prodipodcast.com

CONNECTING

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ALUMNUS IN FOCUS

ITERATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERFECTION ENTREPRENEUR SAMUEL AMANT EXPLORES SCANDINAVIAN WATERS WITH HIS SEAWEED COMPANY KOASTAL Seaweed as a sustainable source of food, biomaterials, biostimulants, and income may sound futuristic, but for Samuel Amant it is everyday reality. With a background in biochemistry and a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovation, Samuel is building a network in Scandinavia that supports farmers and fishermen in using the sea as a new, profitable and ecological cultivation ground. His story is one of ambition, trial and error, but above all of the conviction that seaweed can play a key role in the future.

From biochemistry to entrepreneurship amuel became an entrepreneur via an unusual route.

When studying biochemistry at KU Leuven Group T Campus, he opted for a master's degree in applied biotechnology and microbiology. An Erasmus exchange in Finland sparked his interest in international experience, and the decision to pursue an additional master's degree in Sweden – Entrepreneurship & Innovation – set him on a new path. What started as a management-oriented programme turned into a discovery of his talent for entrepreneurship: thinking on his feet, experimenting and learning from mistakes.

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While still in secondary school, Samuel had written a thesis on alternative food sources such as insects and algae. ‘That dormant idea was revived during my master's programme,’ Samuel says.

‘Initially, my focus was on microalgae, but through an internship on KU Leuven Geel Campus, I learned about its limitations in a European context. In this view, macroalgae – such as seaweed – might have more potential.’ The step towards his own project had been taken.

The first harvest and the philosophy of action After his master’s, Samuel founded KOASTAL, a Swedish company that supports fishers in adopting seaweed cultivation by providing techno-economic solutions, a strong farmer network and aggregated sales of their seaweed.

The first harvest followed in 2023. Economically, it was insignificant, but for Samuel it was proof that the step to production was possible. His philosophy is clear: don't wait until everything is perfect, but start, test and adjust. Iteration is more important than perfection.

The concept of the company goes beyond simply growing seaweed. Samuel sees the future in a network model: ‘Fishermen

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and farmers become producers, while our organisation supports them with knowledge, seeds, joint purchases and access to markets. Because seaweed must be stabilised within 24 hours of harvesting, our company also plays a crucial role in processing and distribution.’

This approach also offers a social benefit. For many fishermen, winter is a quiet period. By introducing seaweed as a new seasonal activity, they gain additional income and greater resilience to the uncertainty in their traditional sector. This additional economic activity strengthens their future.

That is also why in a few years’ time, KOASTAL has been acclaimed several times. In 2022, the company won the ‘LU Innovation Award’. Its mission: to help ideas from Lund University improve our world and the human condition. The year after, Samuel won the ‘Anglemarks Prize’ in Stockholm, which encourages young people's creative solutions and initiatives for a sustainable future.

And recently, in September 2025, Samuel and his Swedish business partner Trygve Zierul, who joined last year, won the ‘Young Founder of the Year Silver Award’, which acknowledges young global founders with the capacity to lead, inspire, and run successful companies.

Challenges of scale and growth in Scandinavia Nevertheless, the path is challenging. Seaweed production is still expensive for the time being and scaling up remains difficult.

Samuel emphasises that impact only really comes with volume: ‘Small-scale farms supply attractive niche products, but only industrial scale can ensure affordable prices and climate impact.

That is why I am investigating how our company can relate to cooperative models, which are traditionally strong in Scandinavia.’

For the time being, much is happening within his own company, but in the long term, this must grow organically towards cooperation and shared ownership.

Samuel at work © KOASTAL

Applying for permits, setting up farms and attracting partners: Samuel did a lot himself, often through trial and error. Gradually, he built up a network of insurers, investors and governments.

His approach remains pragmatic: start, learn and persevere.

Today, his network includes seven farms in Sweden and three in Denmark. There are talks in Iceland and ambitions towards Norway. This international growth is complex, because regulations are always set at the national level, but for Samuel it is a logical step. He sees his company as a kind of ‘KOASTAL EU’: a single backbone that shares knowledge, contracts and innovation, while operational activities remain organised locally.

Ambition He is certainly ambitious, but building a new food system is not a software sprint. ‘Seaweed is seasonal: learning happens in tides and harvests, not sprints. KOASTAL is built for the long term,

embedding skills, helping coastal communities make cultivation part of everyday life, and maturing markets, supply chains, and standards until the economics stand on their own. That’s why KOASTAL is built to operate lean: focus on fundamentals, seasonover-season upskilling, partnerships that align incentives from grower to buyer, and organisational structures that steadily raise efficiency. We favour organic growth over blitzscaling, so test, learn and improve each season, so that what we build endures.’

Samuel's story is one of ambition, realism and optimism. Seaweed may still be a young industry, but he sees its potential not only to build a more sustainable food chain, but also to create new opportunities for the people who live by the sea.

Peter Van Gorp

 www.koastal.se

CONNECTING

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ALUMNI NEWS

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN ENGINEERING: KU LEUVEN AND AGORIA JOIN FORCES On 30 June 2025, KU Leuven and Agoria signed a partnership agreement on the Women Engineers Mentoring Programme. This initiative was launched last year at the Group T Campus in Leuven with the aim of better preparing female engineering students to pursue a career in the traditionally male-dominated fields of engineering and technology.

The partnership with the country's largest technology federation gives the promising programme a solid boost.

Wim Dewulf, Laurence Jacobs and Gerard Govers © Filip Van Loock

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goria unites 2,200 technology companies from the manufacturing, digital and telecom sectors. Together, they account for more than 321,000 employees. ‘For an engineering faculty, Agoria is a natural partner and any kind of cooperation brings added value,’ Professor Gerard Govers, Vicerector of Science, Engineering & Technology, stressed in his welcome speech. ‘The fact that the agreement we are signing today relates specifically to women engineers makes it even more important. We are really addressing the Achilles heel of our engineering studies here: the glaring lack of female intake.

Any initiatives that can help make engineering studies attractive to female students therefore deserve our full support. By doing so, we are not only doing a service to ourselves and the tech companies but also to our economy and prosperity.’

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Additional service Professor Dewulf, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Technology, confirmed that his faculty is still a male bastion. ‘Of the 1,000 master’s graduates from our campuses every year, only 15% are female. What worries us the most is that this unequal distribution continues. We can neither accept nor believe that women have less aptitude or talent for science, engineering and technology.

It is our responsibility to remove all obstacles, starting within our own institution. This starts with creating an environment where female students – even if they are still a minority – feel at home and valued. Out of this intention, the idea arose at Group T Campus to offer an extra service in the form of a mentoring programme.’

In essence, the programme boils down to this: female third-year undergraduate students are paired with female alumni engineers with at least five years of professional experience. Over a period of one year, at least four meetings of mentors and mentees take place. In addition, there are three on-campus sessions covering topics such as career planning, self-knowledge and talent development. In April 2024, 22 third-year students and as many mentors joined the programme. Meanwhile, a second edition has already started successfully. ‘In time, we hope that today's mentees will be tomorrow's mentors and thus grow into role models for future female talent,’ Professor Dewulf said.

Career progression At Agoria, the first edition at Group T Campus did not go unnoticed. Together with Laurence Jacobs, Manager Member Relations & Women in Tech Ambassador, an agreement was drawn up that makes Agoria the official and exclusive communication partner of the programme. ‘Built on the principle that seeing is believing, we are confident that this collaboration will offer the vital role models girls and young woman need to consider STEM fields,’ said Lisa Lombardi, Business Relations Officer at Agoria, at the signing ceremony. ‘We are confident that the mentoring programme will actively support their career progressions within Belgian tech industry, contributing to a more diverse, innovative and inclusive technological sector. By empowering female engineering students, Agoria and KU Leuven are directly boosting our nation's competitive advantage in technology.’

Mentoring works On behalf of the programme participants, Laila Kazemi and Emese Kovàcs shared their experiences as mentor and mentee, respectively. Both are now working at Star Forge, specialising in technical consulting in space optical navigation. ‘At first, I was not immediately convinced of the usefulness of the programme but that quickly changed,’ testified Emese. ‘I saw and experienced possibilities and opportunities that I would have otherwise missed.’

Laila also experienced great satisfaction as a mentor. ‘For me, it was very inspiring to assist a young female engineer in finding her professional path. In addition, I found it instructive and fascinating to show her what options are available, for example to show more leadership instead of just being part of a team,’ Laila explains.

Encouraged by her mentor, Emese took part in the NATO -Women & Girls in Science 2025 Challenge and the Small Sat Utah Student Competition. It earned her an honorary place in the finals twice.

‘Mentoring works, even in ways I didn't expect it,’ concludes Emese.

Yves Persoons

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ALUMNI NEWS

BEYOND THE DEGREE: STORIES FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI For many alumni, the real value of graduation lies not just in the degree but in the lasting experiences and connections they take with them. We caught up with three international graduates who recently began their careers in Belgian companies. They look back on student life and share how their experiences shaped their first steps as young professionals.

ZEYNEP CAGLA KARA • Nationality: Turkish • Graduated from Master of Chemical Engineering Technology in 2023 • Currently employed as Junior Process Engineer R&D at Umicore

Today, I work at Umicore as a Junior Process Engineer R&D. Over the past two years, I’ve taken on a wide variety of tasks, including calculations, thermodynamics, chemistry, lab work and pilot-scale experiments. The variety of tasks really keeps my job challenging and rewarding.

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to students considering to study at our faculty?

The road can be tough, but the outcome is worth it. Of course, it can be challenging adapting to a different teaching style and being away from family. But from day one, I’ve never felt alone and really enjoyed that international atmosphere of ‘we’re all in this together’. I’ll always be grateful for joining Industria and for the friendships I made – they are really invaluable. Even now, some of my closest friends are those I made at Group T. Many of them live abroad now, but we still meet up whenever possible.

The friendships you make during this journey really last a lifetime.

 Read the full interview with Zeynep on iiw.kuleuven.be/alumni/stories

Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your favourite memories from your time here?

I’m Zeynep Cagla Kara and I’m originally from Turkey. At 17 years old, I decided to leave home and continue my studies at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Engineering Technology. Moving abroad at such a young age was a big change, but I felt ready to take on that challenge and I really wanted to educate myself in the best way possible.

One of the highlights from my time at Group T was joining the student organisation Industria. It wasn’t only about the social events – it also taught me about teamwork, volunteering, leadership and taking responsibility. The experience also helped me to connect with Belgian students and feel part of the community.

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Make the most of your time here. Of course, enjoy Leuven’s vibrant social life, but don’t miss out on the incredible learning opportunities the professors provide.

PASAVUT LEELAHAPINIJ

BRENO VILLA

• Nationality: Thai • Graduated from Master of Electromechanical Engineering Technology in 2024 • Currently employed at Lotus Bakeries’ new manufacturing plant in Chonburi, Thailand

• Nationality: Brazilian • Graduated from Master of Biochemical Engineering Technology in 2022

Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your favourite memories from your time here?

My name is Pasavut. Last year, I graduated from Group T Leuven Campus and now work at Lotus Bakeries in Thailand as a project engineer for the new plant in Chonburi. My responsibilities are broad, ranging from the design and installation of automated and manual packaging lines to setting up utility systems such as nitrogen gas and solar panels. For me, my time in Leuven was incredible. Having lived in big cities like Bangkok, London and Montreal, I loved how compact, youthful and vibrant Leuven felt.

Both the city and the campus had a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

What made my experience at Group T especially memorable was the focus on hands-on learning, the diverse international community and the supportive atmosphere.

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to students considering to study at our faculty?

The Faculty of Engineering Technology is the place to be if you’re serious about both engineering and personal development. Be ready though – the first semester is the hardest. For me, the biggest challenge was adapting to the different learning style, with more independence and more responsibility than I was used to in Thailand. But it will prepare you very well for the real world! Sure, you will need the mentality of not giving up but in the end, it's worth it. I am also still in touch with some of my classmates who turned into great friends. Altogether, it will be the experience of a lifetime!

Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your favourite memories from your time here?

My name is Breno. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in Brazil in 2011 and worked there as an engineer before moving to Belgium in 2016. In Belgium, I worked in the electromechanical industry at Donaldson until 2020. But I wanted to make a career switch into the food and beverage industry and in 2020, with COVID, it felt like the perfect time to do so.

So, I started with the prep programme for the Master in Biochemical Engineering Technology. I did not have the typical student experience: I already had children, so it was sometimes quite challenging to combine my studies with family duties.

Even so, I really enjoyed the atmosphere at the faculty.

The infrastructure, the kindness of people, the flexibility of professors and the international environment made me feel welcome and included. I may have been a 'different' type of student, but I still have very positive memories.

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to students considering to study at our faculty?

Make the most of your time here. Of course, enjoy Leuven’s vibrant social life, but don’t miss out on the incredible learning opportunities the professors provide. They are true experts in their fields, and you can gain so much from them. Also, take advantage of networking opportunities, both formal and informal.

The connections you make during your studies can be invaluable later in your career.

 Read the full interview with Pasavut on

 Read the full interview with Breno on

iiw.kuleuven.be/alumni/stories

iiw.kuleuven.be/alumni/stories

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FACULTY WORLDWIDE

“SHARING KNOWLEDGE, CHANGING MINDS” PUT INTO PRACTICE IN THE KILIMANJARO REGION OF TANZANIA

Prof. Didas Kimaro (Vice-chancellor, Mwenge Catholic University in Tanzania) and KU Leuven have a long pedigree of collaboration. Ever since he arrived at KU Leuven to do his PhD under the supervision of prof. Seppe Deckers in 1999, the connection has only grown stronger. Together with Karen Vancampenhout, he has been working on agroforestry systems and more resilient soils in Tanzania for many years.

Bega kwa Bega he preceding project, the “Life Lab Link Project” (VLIR-UOS South Project) zoomed in on living labs on agroforestry systems in North-Eastern Tanzania. These systems are rapidly undergoing changes despite having been classified as UNESCO World Heritage ecosystems.

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Karen Vancampenhout explains: ‘We felt compelled to contribute, so the VLIR-UOS Project Bega kwa bega - Swahili for shoulder to shoulder - was launched (Ed. Note: Prof.

Ellen Desie and Prof. Ben Aernouts act as co-supervisors in the Bega Kwa Bega Project). This project focuses on getting in-depth data on the transitions and effects of changes in eco-systems in this region, both caused by climate change and human interventions.’

Prof. Kimaro confirms: ‘The agricultural systems and the natural forests have started to degrade due to a variety of factors, and gradually the mountains were changed from natural forests to agroforestry regions, mainly due to human interventions. To complicate things, these interventions frequently originated from 46

vulnerable groups such as people with a disability or single-headed households.

So, it is a key issue to involve the local population in all you do.’

Changing landscapes on Kilimanjaro The logical follow-up project, Mtu Ni Watu, was more concerned with the cattle component of the agroforestry systems.

Karen Vancampenhout: ‘Most scientists see agroforestry systems as a layer of forestry over a layer of crops, but there is more to it than that: the soils are often very mixed soils and leached soils. So, more than anything, you need the cattle for fertilization of the soils. Recently, the population density has been increasing, and many people cannot afford to keep cattle. This population growth is also an important driver on the soil degradation because crops like banana, coffee and others are difficult to cultivate without manure, and many switch to crops like avocado, beans, maize. In this way the landscape is changed dramatically.’

‘The shift in the agricultural crops needed extra research, and the situation was further aggravated by a shift towards planting trees grown for timber and firewood. If you

remove the big trees from the landscape, this is not without risks. Recently we have seen a major landslide for the first time on a deforested slope of Kilimanjaro,’ Karen adds. ‘The agroforests act as a buffer zone to the national parks, but now we see that the buffer is becoming very slim.

Biodiversity is under pressure and a balance needs to be found for the farmers active in the region,’ Karen adds.

Long-term impact Prof. Kimaro’s role in the local university cannot be underestimated: training the people who can guide this transition well is an important societal task. ‘This demonstrates the lasting importance of these VLIR-UOS projects,’ emphasizes Karen Vancampenhout, ‘which include creating opportunities for students and staff, building research capacity to inform policy, and collecting data on agricultural systems.’

‘First, we need to understand the transition and then quantify it with better data.

Secondly, we need to create an incentive to the communities affected and integrate people with special needs into the plans.

It is essential that they understand the effects of monocultures and the great importance of trees in the landscape, because now farmers face low incomes and struggle with market mechanisms.

On the other hand, also policy makers will need to understand that we need to preserve the landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro, for one the mountain is a source of drinking water for thousands of people,’ Karen points out.

Prof. Didas Kimaro and Karen Vancampenhout

Karen Vancampenhout is firm: ‘I am more than ever convinced that working in the tropics is a good idea, also for an academic career: we need the patience to work over the long term. This is one of the most impactful and rewarding types of research to do. These projects need to be evaluated as such.’

Prof. Kimaro adds: ‘For us the outreach to reach out to academics is a priority: building academic capacity locally will benefit all actors in the Global South. The first joint PhD as a result of these projects with KU Leuven is a fact, and we are quite proud of this. The impact of a VLIR-UOS project on a young university and the local community in the region is considerable.’

From one project to the next Prof. Kimaro is the South supervisor of the Bega kwa Bega and Mtu Ni Watu projects and came to Leuven following up on the steering committee meeting of February 2025. His legacy of VLIR-UOS projects extends over 25 years, and his philosophy on projects is that ‘the first step in one project is the beginning of the next’.

‘One project naturally leads to the next, and so this week we have had two Master’s students of the Geel Campus who presented their Master’s thesis research in the Kilimanjaro Region. I participated in the jury, a very interesting experience,’ Prof. Kimaro concludes.

Mtu Ni Watu: Enhancing nutrition of vulnerable groups in agroforest systems in Northern Mountains of Tanzania via collaboration for better dairy cattle management (South Initiative, 2023) supported by VLIR-UOS Bega Kwa Bega: building climatesmart, biodiverse, resilient and inclusive agroforestry systems in Tanzania’s mountain environments (TEAM project 2022) supported by VLIR-UOS

Hilde Lauwereys CONNECTING

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FACULTY WORLDWIDE

SABINE VERCRUYSSE…

PAVING THE WAY FOR WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING EDUCATION FOR 40 YEARS ‘I am leaving with a blank slate, open to whatever comes my way. I will not start planning everything for my post-retirement, I have done this for all my career,’ Sabine Vercruysse opens with these words. fter fourty years dedicated to Group T international engineering school and from 2013 onwards, the Faculty of Engineering Technology, Sabine Vercruysse is one of the main pillars of the study programmes in engineering technology at KU Leuven. Looking back on her long career, the work-life balance was never a problem for Sabine, as she puts it: ‘Life is everything, and work is an important part of this.’

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How did a young Sabine Vercruysse decide to study bioscience engineering?

‘It was a simple decision: I chose bioscience engineering because it was the most general scientific programme available. All aspects except languages were represented in the study programme.

I have never regretted my choice, even though Leuven was far from my hometown Kortrijk. I also combined my studies with playing volleyball at national level and I even competed in the European Championships,’ Sabine explains. ‘Today’s recognition of elite student-athletes is important, but it is equally vital that students first choose the right study programme.’

And in 1985 came a very rapid switch to Group T University College.

‘Indeed, within a week I had decided to start an academic career instead of diving into industry, and I started off at Group T University College,’ Sabine says.

‘The then president, Prof. Johan De Graeve, was visionary in his plans for the engineering school he was leading. Very soon, Jeroen Buys and I were responsible for implementing this vision as part of the management team supporting our ambitious president.

Fourty years ago, a starting academic still had enough room to grow into the job, in pre-Internet times the speed was a bit slower, and there was room to explore and develop new laboratory techniques.

And let’s not forget, fourty years ago there was no continuous stream of emails filling our inboxes, shaping our schedules.

Personal contacts were the most dominant way of communication.’

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So, over the years the study programmes of engineering technology have changed significantly?

‘The then president of Group T University College already had a very clear vision on how he wanted engineering to be taught, and even in the 80s the curriculum already included management and communication courses. Students were already prepared for a career in international industry among others via the engineering experiences projects.

Of course, students have evolved enormously in those fourty years, just like our society has adopted new ways of communication. One of the important issues nowadays is to what extent students’ background knowledge still holds up in the age of google and AI… how much prior knowledge do they need to have to be able to critically assess the materials and courses they encounter?

Together with the explosion of scientific knowledge, a sound scientific basis is essential for students to be able to evaluate the streams of information reaching them in many different channels,’ Sabine notes.

From 2001 on, Group T University College became the international engineering school with the arrival of the first international students?

‘With the arrival of the first international students in 2003, I became the co-dean of the campus, successively with Lucca Geurts, Patrick De Ryck, Koen Eneman, and Wim Dewulf, so I have seen quite some generations of management teams. I was responsible for student and academic affairs,’ Sabine recalls.

‘Throughout the years, my focus was always on educational aspects of the engineering technology study programme, also quality control was in my task package for several years.

The vision of the management level had to find a way into implementation, and I was happy that I could take the lead towards the execution of the strategic choices. Safeguarding the quality of our engineering programme was essential to me, especially regarding international students.

One of my first strategic actions was regarding admissions requirements: international students can only be admitted if they are also eligible for university study in their home country.

Consistency in the admissions requirements became one of the points of attention of my years as a co-dean.

Sabine Vercruysse © Julie Feyaerts

I became very familiar with SAP and all the educational platforms of KU Leuven and quickly learned all the ins and outs … but always having this general guideline in mind: in all decisions I have tried to take all stakeholders into consideration, both students and colleagues.

I also knew the educational and examination regulations inside out, and many people turned to me for advice, and I joined several work groups.’

When the brand-new Faculty of Engineering Technology became the 14th Faculty of KU Leuven in 2013, you very quickly were appointed vice-dean for international affairs. You have also set some milestones there.

‘In 2014 and 2015 we have worked hard on an international vision and strategy, linked to strategic and operational goals. My view that internationalisation is a cross-cutting action which is present in education, research and services is still our main strategy today.

In a university, everyone is active in international activities.

International activities must be integrated into all educational activities in our faculty. A good example of this is the introduction of the system of an extended master’s programme since 2018 as a mobility option for our master’s students.

Apart from being a vice-dean, I also took several other responsibilities, for example in the BECO and several working groups, like the one on examination regulations. All these actions were inspired by the idea of integration between education and internationalisation,’ Sabine notes.

We can easily conclude that Sabine Vercruysse is the perfect blend of vision and execution?

‘Indeed, I do think that a certain level of problem-solving capacity is typical for me, I often put forward one or two solutions and then discuss them with colleagues,’ says Sabine.

How do you see the future of our Faculty of Engineering Technology?

‘I do think that every student, domestic or international, who comes to our faculty should be welcomed in such a way so that they can feel at home. Another important element is that we need to continue the work for an even better selection of international students,’ states Sabine.

‘In addition, we continue to reach out to other engineering programmes, and other international programmes to create synergies with our unique Bachelor of Engineering Technology,’ she adds. … and looking back?

‘I am very happy to have had the opportunity to start my career in the stimulating environment of higher education where I had the chance to work on the implementation of the Group T philosophy. Above all, I feel gratitude,’ Sabine concludes.

Hilde Lauwereys

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FACULTY WORLDWIDE

COOPERATION WITH THAILAND IN HIGHER GEAR

For more than 20 years, KU Leuven-Group T Campus has had a firm foothold in Asia. Together with China and India, Thailand is among the preferential countries for cooperation and exchange in the form of twinning and dual degree programmes with renowned universities. Even if everything is running smoothly, after some time a refresh or a new boost is not a luxury, thinks H.E. Kanchana Patarachoke, Thailand's dynamic ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU. hat lured Group T Campus to the land of smiles at the time was certainly not just its warm hospitality, refined cuisine, beautiful temples or white beaches. Thailand's position as the second-largest economy in South-east Asia and its role as an anchor for neighbouring developing countries were the deciding factors. After all, a newly industrialised economy needs engineers and highly skilled technicians and managers. With its English-language undergraduate and graduate programmes in Engineering Technology, the Leuven campus could respond to this demand.

Moreover, the presence of Thai students would also lead to more diversification of the international student population.

With Kantima Thongkhao, an alumna of Group T Campus, KU Leuven has an excellent liaison officer in the Thai capital Bangkok since 2018.

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Community The Thai community in Belgium comprises about 5,000 people, 100 of whom are students. Seventeen of them study at KU Leuven.

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The young people are particularly close to the ambassador's heart. The Thai Student Association in Belgium can therefore count on her active support and encouragement to promote mutual solidarity while presenting itself as an open and hospitable group. Mrs. Patarachoke can serve as an example and role model in that regard.

She built a rich and varied career as an ambassador to several countries and as a top diplomat at Thailand’s mission to the UN in New York and Geneva. For a long time, she was in charge of relations with North America at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She herself studied in the US which makes her understand the experiences of Thai students far from home.

Reputation ‘For Thai youth who want to study abroad, Belgium is not the first choice,’ says Mrs. Patarachoke. ‘They primarily have the US and the UK in mind. Nevertheless, Belgium has important assets such as its central location as a gateway to Europe, its multicultural society and -not to mention- its low tuition fees compared to Anglo-Saxon countries.’

Specifically in KU Leuven's favour are its reputation and high place in international rankings. ‘Of great importance are also good reception and first-line care.

The opportunity to combine studies with a part-time job is a plus as well.

Scholarships are not always sufficient, so students hope to earn some extra income.

Naturally, career opportunities are also considered carefully. Is there a job service to help with that? What is the added value of a KU Leuven degree when you enter the job market? You need to actively anticipate these questions in your recruitment communication.’

Partner universities The main partner university of Group T Campus and the Faculty of Engineering Technology is Thammasat University in Bangkok, one of the oldest and most venerable institutes of higher education in Thailand. The engineering programme at Thammasat has two tracks, one of which is taught in English, geared towards international mobility during the undergraduate study phase. After two years at their home university, students continue their undergraduate studies in Leuven and receive degrees from both universities after two years. Most Thai bachelors also pursue their masters at KU Leuven.

Meanwhile, talks are under way with other universities in Thailand to set up an international dual degree programme.

Scoring in Thailand Mrs. Patarachoke is already looking forward to a good outcome of these talks.

The expansion of the network in Thailand should be an extra trigger to go the extra mile in recruitment policy, she believes.

Immediately, she adds some useful tips.

‘You no longer reach young people in Thailand with traditional channels but you do find them with digital ones. Why not

engage an influencer with tens of thousands of followers among Thai youth?

And if Thai students and graduates are performing well at KU Leuven, their experiences should be channeled on social media. Send not only recruitment missions to partner universities but also professors and researchers to tell their stories. And one last tip: did you know that since 2017, OH Leuven football club has been owned

by Thai travel King Power Group, and several Belgian companies have also been operating in Thailand. We should engage Thai and Belgian business to support our people-to-people contacts, especially our students.’

Yves Persoons

Kanchana Patarachoke © Joren De Weerdt

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International Programmes at KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering Technology BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN (BIO)ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY English-taught programmes • Chemical Engineering Technology • Electromechanical Engineering Technology • Electronics-ICT Engineering Technology

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN (BIO)ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY English-taught programmes • MSc in Civil Engineering Technology • MSc in Biochemical Engineering Technology • MSc in Chemical Engineering Technology • MSc in Electromechanical Engineering Technology • MSc in Electronics-ICT Engineering Technology • MSc in Energy Engineering Technology • Erasmus Mundus – European MSc in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (BiFTec-FOOD4S) • Erasmus Mundus – MSc in Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (IMLEX) • Erasmus Mundus – European MSc in Radiation and its Effects on Microelectronics and Photonics Technologies (RADMEP) • Erasmus Mundus – Insects for a Sustainable Future (ISSF)

ADVANCED MASTER’S PROGRAMMES English-taught programmes • Master in Welding Engineering • Master in Innovative Health Engineering • Master in AI in Business and Industry