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) - [Call](https://interact-programme.be/call) - [FAQ](https://interact-programme.be/faq) - [VUB supervisors](https://interact-programme.be/vub-supervisor) - [Non-academic organizations](https://interact-programme.be/non-academic-organizations) - [People](https://interact-programme.be/people) - [News](https://interact-programme.be/news) [Apply](https://interact-programme.be/apply) - [About](https://interact-programme.be) - [Call](https://interact-programme.be/call) - [FAQ](https://interact-programme.be/faq) - [VUB supervisors](https://interact-programme.be/vub-supervisor) - [Non-academic organizations](https://interact-programme.be/non-academic-organizations) - [People](https://interact-programme.be/people) - [News](https://interact-programme.be/news) [Apply](https://interact-programme.be/apply) 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 27 of 104 supervisors *from panel Physical Sciences and Engineering.* - Lars De Laet ------------ Professor Architectural Engineering [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) My research focuses on developing innovative, resource-efficient structures and materials for a more sustainable built environment. Key research interests include lightweight and adaptable structural systems, circular construction, bio-based and living materials (especially mycelium-based composites), and computational design and fabrication. Our research combines computational methods, material development, digital fabrication and experimental testing, often through prototyping. I welcome postdoctoral researchers with interdisciplinary research ideas at the intersection of structural engineering, architecture, material science and emerging technologies, particularly projects that bridge fundamental research and practical applications in sustainable construction. Read more ↓ Read less - Maarten Messagie ---------------- Professor MOBI Electromobility Research Centre - EVERGi Research Group [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) Maarten Messagie is professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The goal of his research is to support and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable world. The focus is on innovating the necessary singular technologies for this grand economic transformation, while having an eye on the real-life burden shifts and rebounds effects cleantech can have when it is implemented blindly in economy. Prof. Messagie is an expert in technologies for sustainable energy and electric mobility. With novel developments in Life cycle Assessment and ecodesign he evaluates and optimizes the environmental, social and economic impacts of these technologies along their full supply chain. At the VUB he leads the interdisciplinary research group EVERGi that combines knowledge from engineering, environmental, social, economic and data science with 30 dedicated researchers to develop new digital innovations for sustainable multi-vector systems (electricity, water, heat, cooling, data, mobility, hydrogen, efuels, …). EVERGi develops a co-creation living lab called the ‘Green Energy Park’, demonstrating real-life applications of crucial elements in the energy transition including for instance the integration of electric (and automated) vehicles, with local energy communities and thermal grids. Read more ↓ Read less - Joeri Van Mierlo ---------------- Professor MOBI - Mobility, Logistics & Automotive Technology Research Centre VUB [Physical Sciences and Engineering](?panel=6) MOBI is the innovative research hub for electromobility in Europe, and aims to make a strong contribution to a more sustainable society. With more than 120 specialists, we form a multidisciplinary team that supports the transition to a more environmentally friendly and electrified mobility and transport system. A unique mix of technical, environmental and socio-economic skills is the strength of our research group. MOBI is the technological expertise centre in many areas ranging from electric and autonomous driving, to innovative batteries, intelligent drive systems and energy management, power electronics and charging infrastructure. In addition, we provide knowledge regarding business planning and consumer behaviour, and look at the integration of electric vehicles in energy communities and smart grids. This broad approach enables MOBI to develop sustainable and innovative solutions and electrification strategies that are broadly supported by all parties participating in the electric (autonomous) fleet of the future. Read more ↓ Read less - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 (BCIM) [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 - 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 - 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 - 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 -------------- Research 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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. 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