My Innovation Journey
With a passion for innovation and a proven track record in transforming cutting-edge research into real-world solutions, I have built a career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and leadership. From pioneering sustainable energy projects to advancing health AI, my journey is driven by a commitment to pushing boundaries and creating impactful change.
With a PhD in Physics, my early research track laid a strong foundation for bridging theoretical research with practical applications. This expertise in computational modeling and simulations paved the way for innovative projects at the Port of Antwerp, where I led the successful POA Hydroturbine initiative, transforming intense water streams into sustainable energy.
Transitioning to a Big4 Consulting Firm, I refined my ability to evaluate the innovation strategies of companies ranging from start-ups to multinationals. I developed strategic R&D tax incentives, secured funding, and managed intellectual property, which significantly deepened my understanding of innovation strategy.
At EBRAINS, the largest Digital Research Infrastructure in Europe for Neuroscience, I orchestrated strategic initiatives and aligned projects with European funding, leading groundbreaking efforts on Digital Neuroscience and health AI advancements. My journey is united by a continuous drive to turn cutting-edge research into transformative, real-world solutions, consistently pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and sustainability.
My diverse experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive strategic view, enabling me to identify and capitalize on innovative opportunities across various sectors. This unique perspective positions me as a leader in driving technological advancements and strategic growth, with a proven ability to integrate research with market applications. My leadership is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that consistently aims to deliver impactful, sustainable solutions, making me a valuable asset in any innovative endeavor.
Projects
EBRAINS
EBRAINS is a digital research infrastructure that integrates neuroscience data and technology to enhance brain research and develop innovative health solutions.
Acting as Senior Manager reporting to the CEO, I led the alignment of EBRAINS' strategy with European funding, handling the full project lifecycle from identifying opportunities to overseeing execution and reporting.
- The Human Brain Project (HBP) SGA3. Focusing on integrating neuroscience data and knowledge, creating a unified understanding of the brain and its diseases. Funding: 150 Million EUR.
- Testing and Experimentation Facility for Health. Creating a facility for testing and experimenting with health AI and Robotics, advancing the field of digital health technologies. Funding: 60 Million EUR.
- Interactive Computing E-Infrastructure for the HBP. Aimed at enhancing the HBP's computing infrastructure, focused on providing interactive computing services, including high-performance computing capabilities, to support brain research. Funding: 25 Million EUR.
- eBRAIN-Health. Focusing on creating actionable multilevel health data through the development of virtual twin models. Aiming to study dementia and related conditions using advanced digital and clinical tools. Funding: 12.5 Million EUR.
- Integrating AI in Stroke Neurorehabilitation. Aiming to develop AI-based health platforms for enhancing post-stroke rehabilitation processes and outcomes. Funding: 5.3 Million EUR.
- Greener Future Digital Research Infrastructures. Aiming to make digital research infrastructures more sustainable and environmentally friendly, focusing on green technology solutions. Funding: 4.9 Million EUR.
- HealthData@EU Pilot. Setting up a pilot version of the European Health Data Space for secondary use of health data, facilitating health data exchange across Europe. Funding: 4.6 Million EUR.
- EBRAINS Preparatory Phase. Focusing on setting up the operational and strategic frameworks for the infrastructure. Funding: 3 Million EUR.
- Concept development for a research infrastructure to manage, integrate and sustain large medical cohort studies. Funding: 3 Million EUR.
- Personalised Health cognitive assistance for RehAbilitation SystEm. Aiming to advance stroke rehabilitation through personalized health and AI technologies, developing tools and systems for patient assistance. Funding: 2.5 Million EUR.
Port of Antwerp
The Port of Antwerp is a major international port in Belgium, known for its innovative projects aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in maritime operations.
I led the scientific advice for key innovative internal projects, handling them from ideation to completion.
- POA Hydroturbine: Aimed to harness electrical energy from intense water streams in the port's culverts. The turbine, installed in December 2018, exceeded expectations during tests, achieving a potential output of 150 kW, surpassing the initial 100 kW goal.