VUB supervisors – InterACT [Skip to content](#main) [ ![InterACT](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/interact-Bz2nHYWk.svg)](https://interact-programme.be) Menu - [About](https://interact-programme.be) - [Non-academic organizations](https://interact-programme.be/non-academic-organizations) - [People](https://interact-programme.be/people) - [About](https://interact-programme.be) - [Non-academic organizations](https://interact-programme.be/non-academic-organizations) - [People](https://interact-programme.be/people) Search VUB supervisors ================= The VUB supervisors listed below have expressed interest in supervising a postdoctoral researcher under the InterACT programme. Feel free to reach out to them to check their availability. (Please note that other VUB supervisors who are not listed here might be interested in supervising your project. Check the [VUB website](https://www.vub.be/en/about-vub/faculties-institutes-and-campuses/our-faculties) to look for supervisors in your research area). **IMPORTANT:** Supervisors are not allowed to assist the applicants with the writing of the application. Applications that have been fully or partly co-authored by the supervisors will be deemed ineligible and excluded from the evaluation process. By signing the Letter of Support, the supervisors must confirm that they have not been involved in the preparation of the proposals in any capacity. PanelAll panelsSocial Sciences and HumanitiesLife SciencesPhysical Sciences and Engineering Submit Showing 93 of 93 supervisors *from all panels.* - Mats Meeusen ------------ Postdoctoral researcher Department of Materials and Chemistry [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Research will focus on digital twins, surrogate modelling, and hybrid physics–data-driven approaches with a clear emphasis on high technology readiness levels (TRLs). The core objective is to move advanced modelling methodologies beyond academic proof-of-concept and into large-scale, industry-relevant applications in the field of electrochemistry, corrosion, batteries, additive manufacturing etc. Therefore physics-based, multiscale modeling frameworks that are tightly integrated with experimental research and oriented toward real-world applications need to be developed. A strong emphasis is placed on the interplay between modeling and experiments, as the challenge remains to develop relevant, parameterized and validated (surrogate) models and digital twins for industrial implementation. Read more ↓ Read less - Isabelle Houbracken ------------------- Program Manager, Translational Oncology Research Centre Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy / Translational Oncology Research Centre (TORC) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) hold major promise for oncology but remain challenging to develop, manufacture and implement in academic and hospital settings. This project will map the key bottlenecks faced by academia-led ATMP initiatives, including GMP-compliant manufacturing, quality and regulatory requirements, scalability, cost, clinical trial readiness, reimbursement and patient access. It will also explore how different actors such as universities, university hospitals, GMP facilities, industry, regulators, technology-transfer offices and patient representatives, can collaborate through effective partnership models to facilitate sustainable clinical translation of ATMPs. Read more ↓ Read less - Lieve Van den Block ------------------- Director / Chair of End-of-Life Care Research Group End-of-Life Care Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) The End-of-Life Care Research Group aspires to be a global leader for excellence in end-of-life care and its adjacent fields. By combining stringent research, societal engagement and scientific quality we aim to contribute to improving the life and experiences of people facing serious illness, dying and loss. Our research is uniquely positioned at the intersection of medical, health, and social sciences, within the international palliative care landscape. Our team functions within a highly collaborative environment that promotes knowledge exchange and cross-fertilization. This collaboration extends beyond institutional and country boundaries. What distinguishes our group within the global research field is a unique identity and capacity to study the multifaceted nature of serious and advanced illness, care, dying, and loss, through distinctive transdisciplinary approaches and a commitment to methodological innovation. Please visit www.endoflifecare.be for more information. Read more ↓ Read less - Kevin De Moortel ---------------- Assistant Professor Business Technology and Operations (BUTO) Department / Business for Society (B4S) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) The evaluation of high-tech projects and ventures is a contemporary concern of universities, policy-makers, and investors. These projects require substantial time and resources to yield socio-economic impact. Recent evidence points to “framing” practices by the PIs behind these projects which may bias the evaluation by regional ecosystem stakeholders. Additional research could help exploring such framing practices (e.g., on websites, news articles, pitching, annual reports…) and their impact on entrepreneurial success or support (e.g., funding, sales, internal university support…). Read more ↓ Read less - Joke Bauwens ------------ Professor Faculty of Social Sciences / Department for Communication Sciences (SCOM) / ECHO: Media, Culture & Politics Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) You study how audiences interpret popular media culture, which is viewed as a key space where social issues, political struggles, cultural representation, and societal change take shape. Your research will contribute to the ECHO research group, which examines meaning-making across media, culture, and politics, with a focus on how meanings are reproduced, challenged, and transformed. Your research draws on interdisciplinary traditions such as media psychology, cognitive sociology, and cultural studies, and you engage with contemporary debates in audience research, including the affective turn and the role of AI and algorithms. You have experience with qualitative and quantitative audience research methods and an interest in developing digital research skills, including web scraping, data mining, NLP-based text analysis, social media analysis, AI-powered tools, digital surveys, crowdsourcing, and statistical analysis. Read more ↓ Read less - Christof Devriendt ------------------ Professor Faculty of Engineering / Department of Mechanical Engineering / Acoustics & Vibration Research Group (AVRG) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Join the Acoustics & Vibration Research Group (AVRG) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) under the InterACT postdoctoral programme to advance the structural integrity and sustainability of offshore wind energy. Working under the supervision of Professor Christof Devriendt, you will bridge the gap between structural dynamics and physics-informed Artificial Intelligence to develop cutting-edge digital twins and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) strategies for large-scale offshore structures. This position provides unique access to Europe’s largest wind research database and involves close collaboration with the Offshore Wind Infrastructure Lab (OWI-Lab), ensuring your research translates into high-impact, industry-driven solutions for lifetime assessment and reliability of offshore assets. We invite motivated researchers to contribute to this interdisciplinary effort to optimize renewable energy infrastructure for a more resilient and sustainable future. Read more ↓ Read less - Ilse Smolders ------------- Full Professor Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy / Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Research Group Experimental Pharmacology [Life Sciences](?panel=5) In our preclinical disease models, we apply state-of-the-art technologies to modulate brain activity, including chemogenetic modulation of glial cells, photopharmacology for precise spatiotemporal drug control, and gene therapy approaches targeting underlying disease mechanisms to achieve true disease modification and symptomatic seizure suppression. We are seeking interdisciplinary collaborations to further expand and translate this work. Interesting partnerships could be with industrial partners, engineers and data scientists to support big data integration across EEG and transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets, or enabling AI-driven biomarker discovery, innovative drug discovery and more personalized therapeutic strategies. There might be potential in collaborations with bioengineers, rehabilitation specialists and basic scientists, as well as other complementary domains, to drive innovation in neurotechnology, deepen mechanistic molecular insights, and explore novel intervention strategies for disorders of brain hyperexcitability. Read more ↓ Read less - Kevin Smets ----------- Associate Professor ECHO: Media, Culture & Politics Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I supervise research in the area of film culture in relation to social and cultural issues. Your research will contribute to the ECHO research group, which examines meaning-making across media, culture, and politics, with a focus on how meanings are reproduced, challenged, and transformed. Topics can address migration and mobility, identity and heritage. My preferred approaches include ethnographic and creative methods, film analysis, practice-based and participatory research. Read more ↓ Read less - Lieselot Vanhaverbeke --------------------- Postdoctoral Researcher Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School / MOBI Electromobility Research Group [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Theme: Equitable and Accessible Shared Autonomics and Electric Vehicle Fleet Deployment - Research topics include: fair charging infrastructure location optimisation, inclusive trust & acceptance assessment and distributional techno-economic business case analysis. We look for applicants with a strong quantitative background and a keen interest in the evolution of electric and autonomous mobility. Our group has solid experience in transferring results of fundamental research towards policy-making - with a good network of actors and impactful results - and we aim to broaden the scope of this activity with this position. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information. Read more ↓ Read less - Jan Helsen ---------- Professor Faculty of Engineering / Acoustics & Vibration Research Group (AVRG) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Our research group focusses on hybrid AI-signal processing methods for early detection of failures in machines as well as predicting their remaining useful life. Digital twin models form the basis. Both AI-based and physical modeling is done. Monitoring signals are processed using advanced signal processing methods. Validations are done offshore. The VUB team instrumented 40 offshore turbines of 7MW+ range. Data is continuously coming in and used to train and validate. Read more ↓ Read less - Wim Vranken ----------- Associate Professor Department of Bio-engineering Sciences / Artificial Intelligence Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Our lab (https://bio2byte.be/) investigates how the dynamics, conformational states and available experimental data of proteins relates to their amino acid sequence. Underlying physical and chemical principles are computationally unravelled through data integration, analysis and AI, so connecting them to biological events and improving our understanding of the way proteins work. In relation to this call, we are interested in postdoctoral applications focussing on using AI to detect proteins (or mutations in proteins) that have global health consequences (e.g. human or plant pathogens), so connecting to EU policies to control such agents. Read more ↓ Read less - Chris Baeken ------------ 20% Associate Professor Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy / Psychiatry / Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation (NEUR) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) The project aims to advance personalized treatment for major depressive disorder by identifying how different brain stimulation targets engage symptom-specific neural circuits. The postdoctoral fellow will study dorsomedial and dorsolateral prefrontal rTMS targets associated with anxiosomatic and dysphoric depression profiles, using computational electric-field modelling, interleaved TMS–fMRI, ultra-high-field 7T MRI, and clinical neuroimaging. Applicants should have a strong background in neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines, and an interest in neuromodulation, brain imaging, and translational research with potential impact on mental healthcare. Read more ↓ Read less - Ivan Bautmans ------------- Full Professor, Head Vitality Research Group, Head FRIA Unit, Head Gerontology Department Faculty Medicine & Pharmacy / Gerontology Department (GERO) / Vitality research group - Frailty & Resilience in Ageing research unit (FRIA) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) The Frailty & Resilience in Ageing (FRIA) research unit of the VUB Vitality Research Group investigates the biological and functional mechanisms that underlie frailty, resilience, and healthy ageing. A central research line focuses on inflammation as a key driver of age-related decline and fatigue, with particular attention to the interplay between immune activation, muscle function, and vitality. FRIA has pioneered research on muscle fatigability as both a clinical outcome and mechanistic biomarker of frailty, contributing widely cited evidence on its predictive value for adverse health outcomes (see https://tinyurl.com/4df2b9w5). The unit also explores the potential of physical exercise as a modulator of inflammatory processes, with several clinical and molecular studies demonstrating its capacity to counteract immunosenescence and restore resilience (see https://tinyurl.com/3nv46sy8). In parallel, FRIA develops and validates innovative tools for the assessment and monitoring of frailty and fatigue, including the Eforto® eHealth system (https://eforto.com/). Translational by nature, FRIA bridges fundamental immunology with applied gerontology to design interventions aimed at sustaining vitality and independence in older persons. Its international collaborations, including leadership in the WHO framework on vitality capacity, position FRIA as a leading center in research on inflammation, fatigue, and resilience in ageing populations. Read more ↓ Read less - Timo De Groof ------------- Professor Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) My team focuses on the development, preclinical testing and clinical translation of diagnostic tracers and targeted therapeutics with the overall goal to improve immunotherapy outcome. Specifically, my team employs camelid derived antibody fragments, also called nanobodies, as targeting moieties to develop these tracers and therapeutics. One research line focuses on using nuclear diagnostic nanobody-tracers to image different immune cell populations or markers (e.g. T cells, macrophages, immune checkpoints, immune activation markers) to allow better visualization of immune responses and better immunotherapy patient stratification. A second research line focuses on the development of therapeutic nanobodies (i.e. blocking or inhibiting nanobodies, nanobody-based CAR-T cell therapy) that can serve as novel immunotherapeutic approaches. A specific focus here is put on employing nanobodies targeting viral receptors as tools to study and target viral-induced cancer immune evasion. My research incorporates different research fields including nanobody development and engineering, nuclear imaging, cancer immunology, virology and receptor signaling resulting also in a diverse research team of with expertise in these different fields. Read more ↓ Read less - Jeroen Van Schependom --------------------- Research Professor Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO) / AI Supported Modelling in Clinical Sciences (AIMS) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Prof. Jeroen Van Schependom’s research focuses on understanding cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis using advanced neurophysiological and neuroimaging methods. His group combines MEG/EEG, MRI, cognitive testing, and computational modelling to study how altered brain dynamics, excitation–inhibition balance, demyelination, and network dysfunction contribute to symptoms such as slowed information processing. Applicants interested in clinical neuroscience, biomedical signal analysis, multimodal imaging, and translational biomarker development are encouraged to get in touch. Read more ↓ Read less - Sajib Chakraborty ----------------- 10% Assistant Professor Faculty of Engineering / Elektrotechniek en Energietechniek Research Group (ETEC) / Mobility, Logistics & Automotive Technology (MOBI) Research Centre [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Prof. Sajib Chakraborty’s research group, EPOWERS RG, offers motivated applicants the opportunity to shape the future of electrified energy and mobility systems through cutting-edge research in advanced power electronics, digital twins, edge intelligence, and cyber-secure monitoring. The group develops next-generation solutions such as edge-AI-based condition and health monitoring, cloud-enabled predictive maintenance, lifetime and reliability modelling of wide-bandgap power converters, intelligent charging, and service-oriented fleet-level digital twins. Applicants will join a dynamic research environment closely connected to European innovation projects, industrial partners, and real-world validation platforms, contributing to technologies that address critical global challenges in clean energy, transport electrification, and system resilience. Read more ↓ Read less - Koen Lombaerts -------------- Full Professor Department of Education Science (EDWE) / Brussels Research Centre on Innovation in Learning and Diversity (BILD) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Ongoing research strands focus on self-regulated learning (SRL) and the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education. Current work examines how learners and teachers navigate increasingly AI-mediated learning environments, with particular attention to learner agency, metacognitive engagement, teacher scaffolding, and the balance between human and technological regulation of learning. Emerging technologies such as adaptive learning platforms, learning analytics dashboards, and AI-supported tutoring systems create new opportunities for personalised support, while also raising important questions about cognitive offloading, overreliance on AI, and ethical AI use in education. A complementary research strand focuses on teacher self-regulated learning (TSRL) and how educators support SRL through pedagogical strategies and technology integration. Read more ↓ Read less - Nel de Mûelenaere ----------------- Associate Professor Faculty of Arts and Humanities / Department of History, Archeology, Art History an Philosophy / Social History of Capitalism [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I am interested in supervising a Fellow working on the public history of resistance during the Second World War. I hold the “Traces of the Resistance” chair (2024–2028), in collaboration with the non-profit organization Heroes of the Resistance, and recently co-founded the Brussels Center for Interdisciplinary Resistance Studies. A postdoctoral position would focus on the history of resistance movements and could involve public engagement through a citizen science project, similar to our Last Words project on the farewell letters of executed resistance members, or collaboration with stakeholders on how resistance against authoritarian regimes emerges and is organized. Read more ↓ Read less - Walter Ysebaert --------------- Coordinator Data Office and ECOOM Impact / Associate Professor Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences and Solvay Business School [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Our work focuses on translating and structuring knowledge from universities, policy contexts and diverse textual sources to make it actionable for policymakers, businesses and societal stakeholders. We are particularly interested in text mining, structuring unstructured text, and combining LLMs, classical NLP and symbolic AI to extract, model and evaluate knowledge from sources such as grey literature, research outputs and policy documents. Qualitative evaluation is central to our approach, alongside measuring how different domains create societal impact through diverse output types. We also explore modular knowledge storage systems, such as knowledge graphs, and study how knowledge is transferred or translated to business and society, how these processes occur, and how they can be assessed or stimulated in research projects and broader societal uptake. Read more ↓ Read less - Kevin De Pauw ------------- Professor Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy / Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy (MFYS) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) As a human movement scientist and vice-president of the Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (Brubotics) I closely collaborate with (mechanical, biomedical, computer) engineers in the field of occupational exoskeletons, lower-extremity prosthetics and human-in-the-loop optimization strategies (physical and digital). Read more ↓ Read less - Aida Abiad ---------- Associate Professor Department of Mathematics & Data Science (MaDS) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) I am interested in discrete mathematics, especially combinatorics, graph theory, and linear algebra, spectral graph theory, as well as the interplay and application of these topics with network science, computer science, quantum information, mathematical physics, and error-correction. Read more ↓ Read less - Kenny De Commer --------------- Professor Department of Mathematics and Data Science (MaDS) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) My research concerns higher representation theory, specifically representations of tensor categories, from the analytic perspective, involving tools and techniques from the theory of operator algebras and of quantum groups. I would be happy to look into applications and interactions with e.g. quantum information theory. Supervision would be jointly with J. Plavnik (Indiana University, US). Read more ↓ Read less - Bart Roelands ------------- Head of Research Group / Professor Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy (LK) / Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group (MFYS) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) I am looking to host motivated postdoctoral researchers interested in human performance (physical and cognitive), brain function, and exercise-related brain health. I welcome interdisciplinary projects, including collaborations with non-academic partners, particularly those aiming to translate fundamental insights from fatigue research into real-world impact in health, sport, industry and policy. Read more ↓ Read less - Philipp Krämer -------------- Professor Faculty of Languages and Humanities (LW) / Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Applications can be situated in the area of sociolinguistics and multilingualism, specializing in e.g. language policy, minority languages, multilingual border regions, or postcolonial settings. Projects focusing on Creole and/or Romance languages are particularly welcome. Read more ↓ Read less - Niels van Dijk -------------- Associate Professor Faculty of Law and Criminology [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) The research could either explore: 1) The intersection of STS and digital constitutionalism, to explore how core constitutional values such as sovereignty, fundamental rights and checks on power become increasingly mediated by digital technologies and smart infrastructures. We can see this in emblematic concepts or programs such as digital sovereignty, privacy by design, code is law, and techno-regulation. The research aim is to explore how the meaning of these constitutional values changes in these processes, which aspects may be lost and thus need new ways of protection. 2) The EU lawmaker develops digital regulations, such as the GDPR, the AI Act and the Digital Services Act, which are mostly based on a risk-based approach, to address the increasing impact of digital technologies to societal and legal values. The risk governance is used to mediate between the ‘risks to fundamental rights and freedoms’ of people with interests of those who wish to use the digital technology. The aim of this research is to investigate the consequences of delegating decisions on how to safeguard fundamental rights to organisation by risk management approaches through lens of democracy (civic participation) or Rule of Law (legal contestation). Read more ↓ Read less - Nick Devoogdt ------------- Professor / Head of MITH Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Molecular Imaging and Pharmacy (MITH) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) MITH is a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, focused on the development, preclinical evaluation and clinical translation of targeted bio-pharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, mainly based on nanobody technology. In today personal medicine, it is aimed to specifically intervene in key molecular and cellular processes that go awry in pathology, and at the same time also use and exploit biomarkers to sense changes that take place during disease development. Nanobodies, a type of antibody-fragments with unique molecular, biophysical and pharmacological characteristics are of interest to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for disease management. We are inviting motivated postdoctoral fellows who are interested in contributing to translating nanobody-based pharmaceuticals to early clinical testing. As a scientist you can contribute to any aspect in the complex translation path of these biopharmaceuticals towards clinical testing, from nanobody development, protein production and purification, to testing in laboratory animal models, (radio)chemical conjugation and nanobody molecular engineering, animal imaging and therapy evaluations, and GMP productions, or contribute to the optimization of processes and technologies to develop these biopharmaceuticals. Read more ↓ Read less - Imre Keseru ----------- Associate Professor House of Sustainable Transitions / Mobilise Mobility and Logistics Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Research proposals are welcome that aim to support the sustainable transition of urban mobility to ensure that people can access essential services in an affordable, inclusive, environmentally friendly and safe way. Topics may include participatory foresight methods for resilient urban mobility planning, evaluation of policy and technology inclusiveness to address transport inequalities, enhancing democratic legitimacy through new participatory approaches, and innovative evaluation techniques to ensure impactful, user-friendly, and equitable mobility solutions that meet socioeconomic and environmental goals. Read more ↓ Read less - Faddar Jerich ------------- Assistant Professor Psychology and Educational Sciences / Brussels Research Centre on Innovation in Learning and Diversity (BILD) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Jerich Faddar is an assistant professor affiliated with the department of Educational Sciences of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. His research interests are situated at the crossroads of educational effectiveness, international large-scale assessments, (impact of) educational innovations and educational measurement. In particular, he is interested in the use of information and technology to inform and facilitate educational practices and quality assurance in education. Read more ↓ Read less - Bert Belmans ------------ Professor Engineering / Architectural Engineering Research Group [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Research topics may include the design, assessment and modelling of climate-adaptive building skins and urban blue-green infrastructure (such as vertical greening systems, green roofs, and green façades), building energy performance and hygrothermal analysis, passive design strategies for climate-responsive architecture, and biosolar integrations. Projects should be situated at the intersection of building physics, nature-based solutions, and sustainable urban development, with a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach combining computational modelling, in situ measurements, performance assessment, and decision support frameworks for sustainable design. Fellows with an interest in translating research outcomes into societal and policy impact, and in equitable, globally informed perspectives on sustainable architecture and urban environments, are particularly encouraged to apply. Read more ↓ Read less - Annelien Smets -------------- Research Professor Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School / Department for Communication Sciences (SCOM) / Studies in Media, Innovation & Technology (SMIT) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Our team’s research focuses on how personalized, algorithmically mediated interfaces shape discovery and visibility in digital media and platform environments. We study recommender systems and personalization technologies as infrastructures that structure media offerings and user encounters, and approach this from three complementary perspectives: the empirical study and evaluation of algorithmic systems in real‑world settings; an economic perspective on digital platforms, emerging business models, and value creation; and user‑centered, HCI‑oriented research on interaction design and discovery experiences. We welcome postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in algorithm evaluation, platform and media economics, or HCI‑oriented experimental research, who are interested in the broader implications of algorithmic mediation for digital media ecosystems. Read more ↓ Read less - Kurt Bertels ------------ Professor Faculty of Languages and Humanities [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Dr. Kurt Bertels (°1989) is a senior researcher and professor at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel and LUCA School of Arts, and assistant professor (music performance) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. Kurt Bertels is an elected member of the Young Academy of Belgium (Flanders). He is a member of the editorial board of The Saxophone Symposium. In 2023 the Flemish Royal Academy of Belgium has awarded Kurt Bertels as "Laureate 2023" of the Class of Arts. In 2024, Kurt Bertels was awarded with a Fulbright Grant (Postdoctoral Research) for archival research at the New England Conservatory (Boston, MA) and with a Veni Grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His particular field of research is historically-informed performance, patronage, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century (saxophone) performance practice, gender and race in music. Read more ↓ Read less - Tuba Bircan ----------- Research professor, Director of BRISPO, Head of AIMS Lab BRISPO [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Professor Tuba Bircan works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, social inequality, and democratic life. She welcomes project proposals from researchers whose work engages with one or more of the following themes: AI and inequality, examining how artificial intelligence shapes or exacerbates disparities across domains such as education, labour markets, and public services, with particular attention to intersectionality and the experiences of specific population groups including ethnic and gender minorities, youth, children, and elderly people; Disinformation: understanding and countering, research into the mechanisms, spread, and societal effects of disinformation, and the development of evidence-based strategies to identify and counter it; Ethical and socially responsible AI, exploring how AI can be designed, governed, and deployed in ways that are ethically sound and socially beneficial in responding to socio-political and environmental challenges; Computational social science, methodologically innovative approaches including big data analytics, forecasting models, and other computational methods applied to complex social phenomena. Professor Bircan is especially interested in proposals that combine substantive social science questions with rigorous methodological frameworks, and that engage meaningfully with issues of equity, participation, and democratic accountability in the digital age. Read more ↓ Read less - Juan Martín Gómez Penedo ------------------------ Assistant Professor Psychology Department [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My line of research focus on developing machine learning and AI based algorithms for treatment personalization. I work on creating models to determine which patients have higher risk of negative outcomes seeking to provide timely feedback to therapists. I also work on developing algorithms to determine the most suitable intervention for each individual patient. Read more ↓ Read less - Tamas Lazar ----------- Assistant Professor Department of Bio-engineering Sciences (DBIT) / Structural Biology Brussels (SBB) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) I am looking for curious and motivated postdoctoral researchers from natural, life, health sciences and engineering fields who want to work at the interface of protein biology, structural bioinformatics, computational biophysics and AI. My team studies how proteins function as dynamic and evolvable molecular systems, with a particular focus on intrinsically disordered proteins, protein interactions, biomolecular condensates, disease-associated variants and protein design. We develop and apply molecular modelling and simulation approaches, large-scale biological data integration, curated protein resources and AI tools — including protein language models — to uncover naturally evolved protein grammar and molecular mechanisms of disease and explore therapeutic opportunities. I especially welcome applicants who enjoy interdisciplinary research and want to tackle biological questions through data-driven computational solutions. Read more ↓ Read less - Imke Baetens ------------ Associate Professor Department of Psychology [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join PRISM, an interdisciplinary research network focused on innovation in mental health, under the supervision of Prof. Imke Baetens. The candidate will contribute to research on adolescent and young adult mental health, with a focus on nonsuicidal self-injury, self-harm, suicide-related thoughts and behaviours, and prevention. We particularly welcome applicants with strong methodological skills, an interest in clinically and societally relevant research, and the ability to work collaboratively within national and international research networks. Read more ↓ Read less - Joost Vennekens --------------- Professor Artificial Intelligence Lab [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) For more than 20 years, Joost Vennekens has worked in knowledge representation and reasoning (KRR), where he has focused on combining KRR with other methods in AI, on building bridges between fundamental and applied research, and on establishing links to other scientific disciplines. While a large part of his career took place at KU Leuven university, he recently moved to the AI Lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) university, where he has taken over the research line on (Neuro-)Symbolic AI. Read more ↓ Read less - Arvi Sepp --------- Professor Faculty of Languages and Humanities (LW) / Linguistics & Literary Studies (LIST) / Research Centre for Literary and Intermedial Crossings (CLIC) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Arvi Sepp is Professor of Comparative Literature, German Studies and Translation Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Co-Chair of the Centre for Literary and Intermedial Crossings (CLIC) and Co-Chair of the VUB/UGent Centre for Literature in Translation (CLIV). His research spans German-Jewish literature, Holocaust literature and life writing, with a particular focus on cultural memory, trauma, and their intermedial (including digital) afterlives. He works at the intersection of Translation Studies, multilingualism, and minority-language contexts, and is especially interested in postmonolingual literatures and European peripheries. His work is interdisciplinary, combining literary analysis with cultural history, philosophy, sociology, and media studies. Read more ↓ Read less - Kei (Keikhosro) Karimi ---------------------- Professor Department of Chemical Engineering [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Project Summary: An AI-Driven Multi-Objective Optimization Framework for Sustainable Biorefining This project addresses the critical challenge of scaling the circular bioeconomy by developing a next-generation computational platform for biorefinery design. Conventional optimization often struggles with the high-dimensional trade-offs between economic profitability, environmental stewardship, and process efficiency. This research proposes an integrated AI-driven framework that bridges this gap. By leveraging Machine Learning (ML) surrogate modeling, the framework will bypass the computational bottlenecks of rigorous process simulators (like Aspen Plus), enabling the rapid evaluation of thousands of design configurations. The project utilizes Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) algorithms to identify the Pareto-optimal frontier, simultaneously maximizing economic indices while minimizing environmental impacts. Read more ↓ Read less - Damya Laoui ----------- Professor / Group Leader Department of Bio-engineering Sciences / Brussels Centre for Immunology Research Group (IBCIM) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) The mission of the Laoui lab is to improve our understanding of the immune compartment in tumors, with a particular focus on dendritic cells, to develop novel cancer therapies against tumor progression, tumor relapse and metastasis. More specifically, we use the heterogeneity of tumor-derived conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), as a target for therapeutic intervention. With our research we have uncovered the genetic, phenotypic and functional characteristics of cDC subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have proven their utility as novel cell-based cancer therapy. Our ongoing projects focus on further improving cDC therapy, bringing it to the clinic as well as increasing the fundamental understanding of their activity and their relation to other cell types within the TME, such as the close interactions between cDC2s and regulatory T cells or neutrophils. We also aim to unravel the impact of intratumor niches rich in specific DC activation states on anti-tumor responses. Overall, by evaluating interactions with other cell types within the TME, we aim to identify novel combination strategies to unleash the full potential of cDCs as therapeutic target for cancer treatment. These projects allowed to build and expand our expertise in both in vivo orthotopic cancer models for breast, lung and ovarian cancer, using state-of-the-art analysis techniques such as scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, advanced flow cytometric analysis and spatial transcriptomics, as well as functional ex-vivo and in vitro assays and the use of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles. Finally, we publicly share our sequencing data via user-friendly online tools, enabling the community to access and utilize our detailed characterization of DCs in mouse and human cancers. Read more ↓ Read less - Free De Backer -------------- Associate Professor Department of Education Science (EDWE) / Brussels Research Centre on Innovation in Learning and Diversity (BILD) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I welcome experienced researchers wishing to explore interdisciplinary topics rooted in arts education, participatory arts, and cultural practice. This includes research that contributes to social change by critically examining dominant conceptualisations of the who, how, why and what. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in international collaborations, work with non-academic partners, and link their research to societal and policy-relevant contexts. Read more ↓ Read less - Geert Vandermeersche -------------------- Professor Psychology and Educational Sciences / Educational Sciences / Brussels Research Centre on Innovation in Learning and Diversity (BILD) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I welcome expressions of interest that focusing on urban projects and practices with young people that use the arts as a central mode of inquiry, participation, or education. I am especially interested in projects that explore how young people use artistic practices—such as visual arts, performance, digital media, participatory arts, or socially engaged art—to investigate, imagine, and transform urban environments. The research may connect education with urban studies, cultural geography, youth studies, and participatory research. I particularly welcome projects developed in collaboration with urban actors, including cultural organisations, artists, schools, youth initiatives, community groups, municipalities, or public-space organisations. Researchers will be supported in translating their insights into policy-relevant knowledge and in engaging with cultural, civic, and policy actors. Read more ↓ Read less - Martijn Van Heel ---------------- Professor Department of Psychology [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Martijn Van Heel is a professor in developmental and educational psychology whose work centers on adolescent development and mental health, with a particular focus on how social contexts—such as family dynamics, schools, and increasingly digital environments—shape well-being. I study mechanisms like emotion regulation and interpersonal processes, including how young people use technologies such as social media and messaging in their daily lives. Across my research, I aim to combine rigorous methods with applied insights to inform prevention, assessment, and intervention strategies, as well as public and policy debates around mental health. Read more ↓ Read less - Dries Peumans ------------- Assistant Professor Department of Electrical Engineering (ELECM2IC) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) The Department of Electrical Engineering (ELEC) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites applications for a post‑doctoral researcher to contribute to its ongoing research in high‑frequency systems. The successful candidate will build on the department’s expertise in characterization, calibration, and modelling, developing advanced measurement methods and modelling tools for emerging telecommunications and wireless applications. The position offers an engaging research environment with close links to industry and research partners, alongside a strong commitment to education and the training of future engineers and scientists. Read more ↓ Read less - Kristien Brans -------------- Assistant Professor Department of Bio-engineering Sciences / Ecology, Evolution and Genetics (bDIV) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) We welcome applications from motivated candidates interested in urban evolutionary ecology and organismal adaptation to anthropogenic stressors. Research topics may include evolutionary responses in aquatic and terrestrial species to urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization, using approaches such as common garden and transplant experiments. Projects can also engage with socio-eco-evolutionary dynamics in human-impacted landscapes. Applicants with strong quantitative skills, experimental experience, and an interest in interdisciplinary research are especially encouraged to apply within the INTERACT fellowship framework. Read more ↓ Read less - Nele Adriaenssens ----------------- Professor Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Research [Life Sciences](?panel=5) I am looking to host a postdoctoral researcher with an interest in interdisciplinary and societally relevant research in oncology rehabilitation and exercise oncology. Possible projects may address the prevention and management of treatment-related side effects, optimisation of supportive care and rehabilitation pathways, implementation of evidence-based exercise interventions in routine cancer care, or the health economic and policy dimensions of such innovations. Applicants with ideas that bridge clinical oncology, rehabilitation sciences, public health, behavioural science, implementation science, or health economics are especially encouraged. Read more ↓ Read less - Ellen Roels ----------- Professor Faculty of Engineering / M²S [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) I am interested in the intersection of materials science, soft robotics, and structural mechanics, exploring how nonlinear material behaviour can be harnessed to create structures that are lightweight, adaptable, and reconfigurable. Current directions include bistable deployable structures, systems that snap between stable configurations to enable compact storage and rapid deployment. You are encouraged to bring your own research ideas, provided there is a connection to the broader themes of nonlinear materials, structural adaptability, or soft robotic systems. Candidates with interests in adjacent areas, such as robotics for construction or built environments, are equally welcome to reach out. Read more ↓ Read less - Soetkin Vervust --------------- Research Professor Archeology, Environmental Changes, and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Soetkin Vervust works at the intersection of landscape archaeology, historical geography and geosciences, investigating long-term landscape change driven by the interplay of natural processes and human interventions. She combines geoarchaeological fieldwork (including OSL profiling and dating) with historical cartography, retrogressive landscape analysis and GIS. Her current research portfolio spans the southern North Sea coastal plain (the Holocene evolution of the Belgian coast and the IJzer plain through the FWO SBO project TESTEREP) and the Eastern Mediterranean, where she works on agricultural terraces as a long-term land management strategy and on the human–environment dynamics behind the Late Bronze Age collapse in the Larnaca Bay area, Cyprus. A consistent thread across her work is the translation of long-term landscape evidence into heritage practice, public engagement and policy advice, in close collaboration with regional and national stakeholders. She welcomes postdoctoral fellows interested in developing interdisciplinary projects on landscape change, human–environment interactions or applied geoarchaeology, and in shaping their research so that it speaks to societal challenges and contributes to heritage and environmental policy at regional, national or European level. Read more ↓ Read less - Leandro Vendramin ----------------- Associate Professor Department of Mathematics & Data Science (MaDS) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) I propose to investigate the interplay between modern algebraic structures, particularly Hopf algebras and tensor categories, and their applications in quantum computing and quantum information theory. The project will focus on the categorical and representation-theoretic foundations underlying quantum symmetries. By bridging abstract algebra, this research seeks to contribute both to the theoretical understanding of quantum systems and to the development of mathematically grounded frameworks for quantum algorithms. Read more ↓ Read less - Paul Van Eecke -------------- Assistant Professor Informatics and Applied Informatics (FLAIR - Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Cutting-edge research in computational linguistics, in particular on the emergence and evolution of human-like languages in populations of autonomous agents. Read more ↓ Read less - Doris Vandeputte ---------------- Professor AI-Supported Modelling in Clinical Sciences (AIMS) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Open to collaborate on (gut) microbiome projects, in silico, in vitro or in vivo, or projects with a gut microbiome angle. Read more ↓ Read less - Benoît Smets ------------ Professor Faculty of Sciences and Bio-Engineering Sciences / Department of Geography / Physical Geography [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Study of geohazards and effusive volcanism, using multispectral and radar remote sensing, photogrammetry and UAVs. Read more ↓ Read less - Christophe Snoeck ----------------- Associate Research Professor Archaeology, Environmental Changes & Geo-Chemistry (AMGC) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Join the Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry Research Group in collaboration with Christophe Snoeck at Vrije Universiteit Brussel as a postdoctoral fellow and develop an independent research project at the intersection of archaeology and chemistry. You will apply cutting-edge isotope geochemistry methods to questions of past human mobility, diet, and funerary practices, with access to advanced laboratory facilities and strong international networks. Read more ↓ Read less - Ionut Tranca ------------ Research Professor Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Sciences, Department of General Chemistry (DSCH), ALGC – Materials Modeling Group [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) I am looking forward to interact with candidates interested in computational modelling and artificial intelligence. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): (1) Molecular sorption in MOFs, (2) Heterogeneous catalysis (porous and non-porous materials), (3) Heat storage, (4) Electrochemical energy storage (batteries), (5) Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), etc. Read more ↓ Read less - Lynn Houthuys ------------- Professor Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences / Department of Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence Lab [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) My research interests encompass Machine Learning, and in particular how to fuse information in a multi-modal setting with a focus on kernel-based and neural network architectures. I have projects running that are purely fundamental ML and interdisciplinary projects that apply ML in real settings. Read more ↓ Read less - Michal Wrochna -------------- Research Professor Mathematics & Data Science (WIDS) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) My research lies at the interface of partial differential equations, mathematical physics and differential geometry. I study how local analytic phenomena, such as singularities of solutions to wave, Dirac, Yang–Mills and Einstein equations, are shaped by global geometric structures of spacetime, with applications to Quantum Field Theory on curved spacetimes, General Relativity, holography and inverse problems. I am particularly interested in projects that combine rigorous PDE and microlocal methods with questions motivated by physics, including quantum fields on black holes, Lorentzian spectral geometry, renormalisation, semi-classical gravity and boundary-to-bulk reconstruction in AdS-type geometries, and other applications related to spectral theory. Read more ↓ Read less - Koen Kerremans -------------- Associate Professor Languages and Humanities (LW) / Linguistics & Literary Studies (LIST) / Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I am interested in supervising postdoctoral research that explores how language, terminology and/or language technology can contribute to more accessible and inclusive communication in multilingual societies. Relevant projects may address healthcare, migration, public services or institutional communication, and may involve topics such as language barriers, multilingual knowledge resources, public service interpreting and translation, or responsible uses of AI-supported language technologies. My research is strongly applied and often developed in collaboration with societal partners, with a view to generating practical, institutional or policy-relevant impact. More information is available on my research profile: https://researchportal.vub.be/en/persons/koen-kerremans/. I particularly encourage applications from candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary, impact-oriented research and a willingness to engage with stakeholders beyond academia. Read more ↓ Read less - Thomas Merckx ------------- Professor Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences / DBIO (Biology) / WILD (Wildness, Diversity, & Ecosystems under Change) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) I focus on urban evolutionary ecology and more generally on global change biology, using insects as study models at both the level of individual species and species communities. I investigate whether and to what degree insects can cope with global change stressors—such as the urban-heat-island effect, light pollution (ALAN), invasive species, eutrophication. Through experimental lab and fieldwork, I examine behavioral and morphological changes, while analysis of citizen-science occurrence data and museum specimens allows to study shifts in phenology, abundance, distribution and functional morphology. My ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations to mitigate impacts of urbanization and global change, fostering wilder ecosystems with richer insect communities that provide enhanced ecosystem services. I welcome applications on global change biology of insects, researching effects of stressors such as (micro))climatic change and ALAN, using experimental approaches in the lab and/or field, and/or citizen-science occurrence data platforms or museum specimens as tools/data. Read more ↓ Read less - Matthieu Kervyn --------------- Professor Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Science / Department of Geography / Physical Geography [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) We are interested in hosting post-doc researcher working on integrated approaches to risk assessment from geohazards (volcano, landslide) integrating earth observation, hazard models and innovative approach to estimate vulnerability. The research should have relevance for risk reduction policies and have operational implications for policy-makers. The research can be applied in any area round the globe. Read more ↓ Read less - Diederik De Cock ---------------- Professor Faculty of Medicine & Farmacy / Public Health / Research Centre for Digital Medicine (REDM) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Diederik De Cock leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of obesity, metabolic health, and chronic inflammatory diseases, with a strong focus on real-world data and precision medicine. His work integrates clinical cohorts, population health data, and innovative data sources (e.g., screening programs and lifestyle data) to better understand disease risk, progression, and prevention. Collaborating closely with multiple specialties (including endocrinology, rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology) and data science teams, his research aims to translate complex data into actionable insights that improve patient care and public health. Read more ↓ Read less - Stephanie Van de Voorde ----------------------- Professor Faculty of Engineering / Department of Architectural Engineering [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) My research focuses on the historical, cultural and material dimensions of the built environment, with particular expertise in construction history, modern heritage, circularity and reuse. I welcome postdoctoral projects that mobilise this expertise within broader interdisciplinary research on contemporary societal challenges, such as adaptive reuse, material scarcity, circular construction, demolition and salvage, labour, environmental impact, regulation and heritage values. Proposals may connect architectural and historical research with perspectives from urban studies, social/environmental/economic history, environmental humanities, circular economy, policy, governance or design research, in Brussels, Belgium or comparative international contexts. Read more ↓ Read less - Harry Olde Venterink -------------------- Professor Science and Bio-engineering Sciences / Biology / Wildness, biodiversity and ecosystems under change (WILD) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Our group focuses on fundamental ecological research about the functioning of plants in ecosystems under change, where ‘quality of research output’ is a more decisive driver than output quantity. The research often has an experimental approach, and the research group actively participates in various international research networks and consortia, such as the NutNet network, the Zoogeochemistry network, and consortia about ecological stoichiometry and/or functional plant traits. We also have a joint research team with several Brazilian researchers about the ecology and conservation of Cerrado plants, and we study plant-herbivore interactions in African savanna and European grasslands. We find it important that performing scientific studies makes fun, and that all group members feel comfortable at work. Read more ↓ Read less - Jolan Kegelaers --------------- Assistant Professor Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences / Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Our group conducts research on mental health in sport and other performance domains. We welcome postdoctoral candidates interested in both fundamental and applied research. On the fundamental side, we aim to better understand the mechanisms, contextual influences, and risk factors associated with mental health problems among athletes and other performers. On the applied side, we develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that target both individual-level factors and broader ecological conditions. Across all projects, our research is guided by a strong commitment to working closely with applied stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, practitioners, organisations, and policy actors. We aim to generate scientifically rigorous knowledge that is not only academically relevant, but also meaningful, accessible, and valuable for those working in high-performance contexts. Read more ↓ Read less - Sebastian Oberthür ------------------ Professor / Co-Director Centre on Environment, Economy and Energy / Brussels School of Governance [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Sebastian Oberthür is Professor for Environment and Sustainable Development at the VUB's Brussels School of Governance. He has dealt with issues of international and European environmental and climate governance for more than three decades. Trained as a political scientist with complementary expertise in international and European law, he focuses on issues of international and European environmental, climate and energy governance. Read more ↓ Read less - Kelly Ickmans ------------- Associate Professor Pain in Motion Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) My research focuses on chronic pain across children, adolescents, and young adults, including cancer survivors, spanning both underlying mechanisms and rehabilitation, as well as prevention. I study how education, health behaviors, and lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep, physical activity, nutrition) contribute to pain outcomes and behavior change. I have a strong interest in participatory research and co-creation, working closely with end-users and stakeholders to develop and implement meaningful, context-sensitive interventions in healthcare and educational settings. Read more ↓ Read less - Ronnie Willaert --------------- Professor Department of Bio-engineering Sciences /Structural Biology Brussels (SBB) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) This project develops single-cell mechanodynamics, a novel framework to capture the real-time functional state of living cells through their intrinsic nanometer-scale fluctuations. By integrating Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Optical Nanomotion Detection (ONMD), and intracellular nanoendoscopy, we aim to establish label-free mechanodynamic signatures that reflect cellular viability, metabolism, and stress responses. The research combines advanced nanomechanics, optical sensing, and microfluidics to uncover the physical origins of cellular nanomotion and translate these insights into applications such as rapid antimicrobial testing, mechanobiology, and single-cell phenotyping. This interdisciplinary project offers opportunities to develop independent research at the interface of physics, biology, and engineering, with clear biomedical and societal relevance. Read more ↓ Read less - Tomas Veloz ----------- Assistant Professor Centre Leo Apostel for Interdisciplinary Studies [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Philosophical inclinations, some (but not too much) despair for the current state of the world, and strong mathematical/computational background. Read more ↓ Read less - Dimokritos Kavadias ------------------- Assistant Professor Faculty of Social Sciences / Political Science / Centre for Democratic Futures (DFUTURE) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My research focuses on the political effects of socialisation and the role of educational institutions in shaping democratic attitudes, civic competences and political participation among adolescents. It examines how school contexts influence political socialisation, how citizenship education can strengthen civic competences and democratic engagement, and how social cohesion and integration develop in urban settings, particularly in Brussels. Read more ↓ Read less - Lisa Goudman ------------ Assistant Professor & Senior Postdoc Faculty of Medicine & Farmacy / STIMULUS Research Group (neuromodulation) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) I am a researcher in chronic pain and neuromodulation, focusing on improving how treatment outcomes are defined, measured, and applied in clinical practice. My work combines clinical research, methodology, and patient-centred approaches, including preference-based outcome assessment and decision-making in complex care pathways. I welcome motivated postdoctoral researchers interested in interdisciplinary and translational projects, particularly those aiming to bridge clinical neuroscience, outcome measurement, and real-world impact in healthcare. Read more ↓ Read less - Ann Dooms --------- Professor Department of Mathematics & Data Science, Research Group Mathematics & Data Science (MaDS) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Within the Mathematics & Data Science research group we work on Digital Mathematics (DIMA), the theoretical foundation for pattern recognition by computer, with applications in medical image processing, document and painting analysis, cryptography, and artificial intelligence. Read more ↓ Read less - Ralf Vandam ----------- Professor Faculty of Arts and Humanities / AMGC (Archaeology, Environmental Changes & Geo-Chemistry) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) As a professor in Archaeology at the VUB, my research investigates how past human societies interacted with and transformed their landscapes over the long term, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean. As an InterACT supervisor, I welcome fellows interested in landscape archaeology and human-environment interactions. Read more ↓ Read less - Gina Rossi ---------- Professor Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences / Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Personality disorders in older adults are often underestimated or misdiagnosed, partly due to the atypical presentation of psychological symptoms later in life. The problems are frequently complex, with comorbidity involving other (psycho)pathologies. As a result, undertreatment is common. Assessment instruments are often not tailored to the gerontological context, and categorical classification systems fall short. Therefore, we primarily conduct research based on empirically supported dimensional models such as AMPD and HiTOP, and we develop and validate corresponding assessment tools. From the research chair clinical geropsychology we also focus on adaptation of treatment for the older context. Read more ↓ Read less - Merijn Chamon ------------- Professor of EU Law Law and Criminology / Public Law / Brussels Centre for Law, Government and Society [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) In my research I focus on horizontal questions of EU law and the EU legal order's underlying legitimacy claims: how does/should EU law come about; how is/should EU law be applied/enforced by EU/national authorities; how do/should EU institutions and Member States cooperate to pursue EU policies/objectives; what is/should be the scope of EU law in the EU's internal/external policies; etc. These questions are present (manifestly or latently) in every policy area covered by EU regulation. If your project aims to address such questions (as part of the main RQ or simply because they linger in the background of a more policy-oriented RQ) I am available for supervision. Read more ↓ Read less - Mahyar Firouzi -------------- Assistant Professor Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy (LK) / Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA) / Rehabilitation Research group (RERE) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) We welcome postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in neuroscience, rehabilitation sciences, psychology, biomedical engineering, or related fields. Our research focuses on understanding how motor and cognitive processes interact in neurological conditions, and on translating this knowledge into effective, technology-supported rehabilitation strategies. Potential fellowship projects may draw on mechanistic neurorehabilitation (brain stimulation, motor learning, postural control), electrophysiological methods (EEG, EMG), or rehabilitation technology (wearable sensors, exoskeletons, serious games). We are open to proposals that combine fundamental and applied perspectives. We particularly value interdisciplinary thinking and are keen to support fellows in developing collaborations that bridge experimental research, clinical practice, and broader societal or policy impact. The research will be embedded within the Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE, https://rere.research.vub.be/) and conducted in the Brubotics Rehabilitation Research Center (BRRC, https://brrc.research.vub.be/), offering access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration in a pleasant, diverse, and dynamic group. Read more ↓ Read less - Laura Rosseel ------------- Associate Professor Faculty of Arts and Humanities / Linguistics and Literary Studies (LIST) / Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I am open to supervise applicants with an interest in sociolinguistic aspects of language variation, specifically relating to language perception, language attitudes and the social meaning of language variation. Read more ↓ Read less - Anemoon Soete ------------- Professor Faculty of Law, Department of Public law, Public International Law [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I welcome applications on public international law; international environmental law; international law of the sea; human rights law. Read more ↓ Read less - Md Sazzad Hosen --------------- Research Professor Faculty of Engineering / Department Elektrotechniek en Energietechniek (ETEC) / Mobility, Logistics & Automotive Technology Research Centre (MOBI) [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Battery technologies are the crucial pathway towards electrification of the transport system. Irrespective of the use case, battery technologies development, characterization techniques and models/algorithm development are the different topics where the ongoing research is focusing. The data-driven methodologies together with fundamental battery knowledge could facilitate safer and reliable battery systems of future. Our state of the art lab could also help study novel techniques and technologies to understand better battery behavior. Read more ↓ Read less - Bas van Heur ------------ Full Professor Department of Geography / Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Bas van Heur is professor of urban studies, director of the Brussels Centre for Urban Studies, and programme director of the VUB-ULB MSc in Urban Studies. His main research interest, broadly speaking, is in the politics of urban development. Underlying this interest is a normative concern with state-society relations and the capacity of civic actors to develop public knowledge about the city and democratic forms of collective organization. Key topics: cultural and creative industries, migration and arrival infrastructures, urban laboratories and experimentation, culture and political economy, sociology of science. Most of his current research revolves either around community-led socio-cultural infrastructures (cultural commons, cooperatives, collective ownership) or elite-led cultural initiatives (cultural patronage, arts philanthropy, public-private partnerships, wealth elites). Read more ↓ Read less - Gaëlle Ouvrein -------------- Assistant professor Faculty of Social And Economic Sciences / Department of Communication Studies / Studies in Media, Innovation & Technology (SMIT) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Gaëlle Ouvrein studies how online users, from adolescents to senior people, navigate a digital world shaped by online media-figures, including social media influencers. Her research focusses specifically on how interactions and relationships are developed between media-figures and the audience. These interactions can be both positive (e.g., fandom domain) as well as negative (e.g., celebrity bashing). Her research examens psychological mechanisms as well as outcomes on social and personal development. She examines such process in general as well as in specific fields such as mommy influencers, disabled influencers and silver influencers. Gaëlle Ouvrein therefore combines the fields of media psychology and celebrity studies as well as both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Read more ↓ Read less - Tom Verstraten -------------- Professor Faculty of Engineering / Department of Mechanical Engineering / Brussels Human Robotic (Brubotics) Research Center [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) I am interested in supervising motivated and skilled postdoctoral researchers working in the areas of wearable robotics (exoskeletons and powered prosthetics), physical human–robot interaction, and advanced and energy‑efficient robotic actuation, as well as related research themes such as mechatronic design, elastic actuation, human‑in‑the‑loop optimization, musculoskeletal modelling, and human movement analysis. Postdoctoral researchers would become part of a dynamic team of approximately 20 robotics researchers at VUB. Depending on their expertise and interests, they will have opportunities to supervise Master’s students and/or PhD candidates, to develop competitive research proposals in collaboration with myself and other postdocs, and—where appropriate—to take a leading role in managing research projects within their domain. I attach great importance to high‑quality mentorship and actively support my postdocs in their scientific, managerial, and career development, including guiding them towards suitable academic or non‑academic career opportunities whenever possible. I very much look forward to working closely with an InterACT fellow to shape ambitious research ideas together! Read more ↓ Read less - Mathieu Vinken -------------- Senior Full Professor Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy / In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD) Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) The first position is situated in the in vitro toxicology domain and will rely on efforts recently done in a European project coordinated by the PI, in which both advanced cell culture (in vitro) methods and computational (in silico)/artificial intelligence (AI) are used for mechanism-based prediction of liver toxicity induced by drugs and chemicals. Focus will be put on chronic liver adversity, in particular fibrosis. An adverse outcome pathway network will be constructed outlining the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis by including various data using AI. The adverse outcome pathway network will be subsequently applied as a mechanistic compass for setting up in silico and in vitro testing strategies to predict liver fibrotic toxicity inflicted by drugs and chemicals from various applicability domains. The second position is situated in the space pharmaco-toxicology field. The spontaneous occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in space conditions, in particular microgravity and cosmic radiation, will be investigated using in vitro and in vivo methods with the goal of developing a countermeasure to reduce this process. Furthermore, the effects of simulated space conditions on drug metabolism in liver and the occurrence of hepatotoxic side effects of drugs in simulated space conditions will be studied. Read more ↓ Read less - Thomas Crispeels ---------------- Professor Entrepreneurship & Innovation Faculty of Social Sciences / Department Business Technology and Operations (BUTO) / Business for Society Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) The Brussels Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lab (BREL) at VUB's Business for Society Research Group welcomes applications from post-doctoral researchers interested in working under in a research group investigating the role of academia in a modern, technology-driven society. The group has a particular emphasis on early-stage technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship. Areas of expertise relevant to post-doctoral supervision include: Technology transfer and collaborative R&D in high-technology industries; Deep tech spin-offs and academic entrepreneurship; Innovation network dynamics and inter-organisational collaboration; Public-private partnerships in innovation-driven sectors such as life sciences and biotechnology; Translation of academic research into commercial opportunities;.... Candidates with a background in Technology & Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship... or related fields, and with an interest in the societal and commercial dimensions of research and innovation ecosystems, are particularly encouraged to apply. Read more ↓ Read less - David Beckwée ------------- Full professor, Head of Rehabilitation Research group Rehabilitation Research Group [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Join a dynamic and internationally connected research environment at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where we develop innovative, real-world solutions to support healthy ageing. Our research integrates rehabilitation science, human movement, and emerging technologies such as wearable robotics and digital health, with a strong focus on how people learn, adapt, and function in everyday contexts. You will have the opportunity to design and lead your own research project, collaborate with clinical, industrial, and policy partners, and contribute to interventions that enhance independence and quality of life in older adults. We welcome ambitious candidates who are eager to work across disciplines and translate scientific insights into tangible societal impact. Read more ↓ Read less - Eva Swinnen ----------- Prof. Neurological Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Technology / Academic Director Brubotics Rehabilitation Research Center (BRRC) Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy / Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE) [Life Sciences](?panel=5) We welcome postdoctoral proposals in neurological rehabilitation and technology-driven innovation, particularly at the intersection of rehabilitation sciences, neuroscience, and engineering. We are especially interested in interdisciplinary projects involving robotics, wearable systems, exergaming, or extended reality, with a strong focus on clinical validation and real-world implementation. The research will be embedded within the Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE, https://rere.research.vub.be/) and conducted in the Brubotics Rehabilitation Research Center (BRRC, https://brrc.research.vub.be/), offering access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration. We encourage applicants to develop translational and user-centred research with clear societal and healthcare impact, in collaboration with clinical partners, technology developers, and international research networks. Read more ↓ Read less - Jachin Van Doninck ------------------ Professor Brussels Research Institute on Development, Governance and Empowerment, through law (BRIDGE by PREC) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My research focuses on a wide range of methods to uncover and systemize new and emerging principles of adjudication and reflect on the procedural embedding of societal needs. Whose rights? What remedies? Read more ↓ Read less - Corina Heri ----------- Associate Professor Faculty of Law and Criminology / Department of Water and Climate (HYDR) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My research group is interdisciplinarily positioned between the Faculty of Law and Criminology (public law group) and HYDR, the department of water and climate. As a result, as a postdoctoral researcher in this group, you would be positioned to conduct cutting-edge research on climate litigation and climate-related human rights, while benefiting from interdisciplinary insights. Read more ↓ Read less - Mesfin Haile Mamme ------------------ Professor Engineering Faculty, Sustainable Materials Engineering Research Group [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Join a cutting-edge research team at the forefront of AI-accelerated electrochemical engineering and materials discovery. Our lab integrates AI-driven workflows and multiscale multiphysics modeling to revolutionize the design of next-generation energy conversion and storage devices, including high-performance batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. By combining precision electrodeposition and electrocatalysis with advanced operando characterization, we bridge the gap between fundamental interfacial science—specifically in novel electrode and sustainable electrolytes—and optimized device performance. We are seeking driven researchers eager to deploy digital twin methodologies and innovative experimental approaches to solve the most pressing challenges in sustainable energy technology. Read more ↓ Read less - Lara Pivodic ------------ Research Professor End-of-Life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care [Life Sciences](?panel=5) Lara Pivodic is a tenure-track Professor doing research on ageing and the end of life at the End-of-Life Care Research Group of Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Her work, situated at the intersection of medical and social sciences, seeks to understand older people's experiences as they near the end of life, study their care needs, and find optimal measures to support them in living well until death. Prof. Pivodic has a multidisciplinary scientific background in psychology, medical sciences, epidemiology and health sciences. She is the Principal Investigator of the European Research Council (ERC)-funded project TRAJECT, which seeks to re-shape our current understanding of older people's end-of-life trajectories, using methods from medical sciences, epidemiology, psychology, social anthropology and sociology. Read more ↓ Read less - Antonis Kalogeropoulos ---------------------- Research Associate Professor Studies in Media, Innovation & Technology (SMIT) Research Group, Department of Communication [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My research revolves around how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping news consumption and the ways people access, evaluate, and engage with political information. I examine how algorithmic curation, digital platforms, and mobile environments influence exposure to news, trust in information sources, and patterns of avoidance or selective use. I am particularly interested in how AI driven systems and platform infrastructures may reinforce or mitigate social inequalities in access to reliable information across different groups and countries. Read more ↓ Read less - Eva Swyngedouw -------------- Research Professor Faculty of Social Sciences / Department of Sociology / Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies (BRISPO) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) Eva’s research focuses on urban expulsion regimes and socio-spatial inequality. She is particularly interested in projects that examine processes of displacement, eviction, and housing precarity, and how these dynamics differ across cities, social groups, and governance contexts. Her work welcomes inquiries into housing justice, tenant struggles, and forms of housing activism, as well as analyses of the policies, power structures, and governance practices that shape access to housing, exclusion, and urban citizenship. Read more ↓ Read less - Pieter Martens -------------- Associate Professor Faculty of Arts and Humanities/ Department of History, Archaeology, Arts, Philosophy, and Ethics (HARP) / Histories of Art, Architecture and Visual Culture (VISU) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I welcome applicants working on Architectural History. Read more ↓ Read less - Katarzyna Ruchel-Stockmans -------------------------- Assistant Professor Faculty of Arts and Humanities/ Department of History, Archaeology, Arts, Philosophy, and Ethics (HARP) / Histories of Art, Architecture and Visual Culture (VISU) Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My research develops along three interconnected strands. The first examines the role of museums and cultural institutions in hyperdiverse societies, with a focus on participative art practices as vehicles for social engagement and community belonging. The second investigates vernacular lens media — everyday photography and film produced outside professional or institutional contexts — as forms of collective meaning-making and cultural memory. The third explores the intersections of citizen science and socially engaged art, asking how non-expert communities contribute to knowledge production through contemporary art, photography, and film. I welcome postdoctoral researchers drawn to interdisciplinary, socially committed scholarship at the boundaries of visual culture, art history, and cultural policy. Read more ↓ Read less - Bert Schreurs ------------- Professor Faculty of Social Sciences / Business Department (BUSI) / Business for Society Research Group [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) My research explores how employees experience and respond to uncertainty at work. Focusing on precarity, well-being, and work behavior, I examine how HR practices can support sustainable careers. More recently, I investigate how AI-enabled HR systems can help both organizations and employees improve decision-making, development, and work experiences. Read more ↓ Read less - Bram Spruyt ----------- Professor Faculty of Social Sciences / Department of Sociology / Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies (BRISPO) [Social Sciences and Humanities](?panel=4) I welcome candidates that would like to work on intergroup relationships (especially education-based status processes) or topics related to the sociology of education, culture and youth. Read more ↓ Read less You can reach the InterACT Scientific and Management team at: [ ![InterACT](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/interact-Bz2nHYWk.svg) ](https://interact-programme.be) [ ![Vrije Universiteit Brussel](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/vrije-universiteit-brussel-C_oczC_z.svg) ](https://www.vub.be/) Follow us --------- - [ ![](https://interact-programme.be/storage/files/linkedin.svg) LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/135755484) - [ ![](https://interact-programme.be/storage/files/bluesky.svg) Bluesky ](https://bsky.app/profile/interactcofund.bsky.social) ![Flag of Europe](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/flag-of-europe-bBfHiYmH.svg)This project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 101260463 © 2026 InterACT Programme - [ Privacy policy ](https://interact-programme.be/privacy-policy) - [ Cookie policy ](https://interact-programme.be/cookie-policy) Design & development by [Typi Design](https://typi.be) [ ](#top)