www.researchportal.be - 2 Oct 2016 22:01:28
Organisations (1 - 500 of 2357)
Zwangerschap
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Zoology: Biodiversity and Toxicology
Universiteit Hasselt
<P>Invertebrates, and especially freeliving flatworms (Platyhelminthes) are the subject of several research topics: <BR>1. Biodiversity (incl. cryptic
biodiversity) <BR>2. Phylogeny and phylogeography based on morphological and molecular markers <BR>3. Effects of pollution (especially heavy
metals) on several aspects of the biology of turbellaria: regeneration and stem cell dynamics, life history-parameters, morphology, <BR>4. Study of
cellular and molecular effects of pollution (especially heavy metals).<B
Zoology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research activities in the Zoology research unit basically concern the study of genetical and phenotypical variation of Men. During the past
decades, our research activities were mainly focused on problems of human growth and development. Studies of genetic influences on growth and
maturation through the analysis of familial and twin data have thrown more light on the impact of heredity and environment on human development.
Various studies of environmental influences on growth have been conducted, such as the study of the effect of environmental pollution by lead on
growth in childhood, the effect of various socio-economic factors on the development of children during infancy, and the study of the effect of
diseases on growth and maturation, such as asthma, hypophosphataemic vitamin-D-resistant rickets, whooping cough, measles. Several studies
have been conducted in developing countries, such as West Bengal, Zaire, and Guatemala. A number of growth studies have resulted in the
production of population-specific growth references or growth standards: Belgium, Poland, France, West Bengal, etc. These standards allow the
verifying of whether the attained body length or body weight of an individual child lies within the range of normal variation, whether the increase in
size over one-year intervals is normal, and whether the pattern of growth over a longer period has a shape within the normal range. Finally, the
phenomenon of secular trend, i.e. the change in overall size of growing children and adults from one generation to another, has been extensively
studied in the Belgian population.
Ziek_hygiëne
KU Leuven
Zelfstudie
KU Leuven
X-Lab
Universiteit Hasselt
<p>Exploratory and frontier interdisciplinar cross-over research</p>
Work Research Kernel
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
(objectives in english forthcoming)
Diverse vakgroepen uit verschillende faculteiten hebben in het verleden, en vaak van bij de oprichting van de universiteit, de arbeid in zijn meest
diverse facetten bestudeerd. Het aldus verrichte onderzoek ligt aan de basis van of versterkt vele opleidingsonderdelen waarin arbeid in een van
zijn aspecten het centrale thema vormt. De Onderzoeksgroep Arbeidsstudies (WORK) beoogt zich te wenden tot alle onderzoekers die de arbeid
vanuit tal van invalshoeken bestuderen. Zij streeft ernaar hen op korte termijn samen te brengen en hun een forum te bieden voor de onderlinge
uitwisseling van informatie over onderzoeksactiviteiten en resultaten, voor het inventariseren van reeds bestaande gemeenschappelijke
onderzoekstopics en voor de bundeling van expertise die ook naar de buitenwereld zichtbaar kan worden gemaakt. Deze werkzaamheden vormen
de aanloop naar het opzetten van gemeenschappelijke multidisciplinaire onderzoeksprojecten. De onderzoekswerkzaamheden van de groep
voeden mede vele opleidingen, afstudeerrichtingen, opties, profielen of opleidingsonderdelen in de toekomstige opleidingen tot bachelor en master
van vele faculteiten.
Work, Organisational and Personnel Psych
KU Leuven
Work and Organisational Psychology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Our research interests focus on three major fields:
1. Work and Organisational Psychology: important topics relate
to human resource management (career management,
orientation programmes, multi-rater evaluation), managerial
behaviour (managerial motivation, managerial behaviour in
profitand non-profit organisations), personnel selection (assessment
centres), and total quality management (teamwork, social
impact, and impact on organisational culture).
2. Economic Psychology: concentrated around people's individual
financial management behaviour (the use of automated
teller machines, i.e. wallbanking - and other experiences with
electronic banking devices, and the introduction of the euro,).
3. Research Methods
Major long-term projects focus (or have focused) on the impact
of managerial motivation as a predictor of professional
success, managerial behaviour in health care units, rewarding
systems and their impact on managers in the non-profit
sector, social impact of quality management programmes, the
psychology of wallbanking and electronic banking and the
psychology of the euro. Recently also focussing on stress
management and financial behaviour related to poverty/affluence
Women's studies
University of Antwerp
The centre for women's studies at the university of antwerp wants to stimulate research and does research about the situation and position of
women in public life. The main topics in the research are : the relationship between women and the labour market and secondly the position of
women in politics.
Welfare and the Welfare State
University of Antwerp
1. Social care use by elderly persons: study of the longitudinal patterns in formal and informal care use of the over-75s
2. Care as a new social risk: we intend to study empirically how the public and private markets for (child)care services can be expanded within
existing budgetary restrictions and with maintenance (or improvement) of minimum incomes from work and benefits. The possibilities for and
consequences of a transformation of the breadwinner model into a care-oriented policy will be studied by means of: a) a macro care budget
analysis that provides insight into public spending in relation to 'care risks'; b) a micro-distribution analysis on the basis of survey data on the
incomes, expenditures, care needs and care use of households with children; c) simulations and assessments of policy alternatives.
3. Local Social Policy Barometer: this short term project aims to construct a comprehensive overview of relevant numbers and indicators for local
social policy. First, an overview of available, usable and accessible indicators and numbers on the different federal levels is gathered. Among the
selection criteria for the relevant numbers and indicators the local autonomy and the possibility to have an impact in the field are the most important.
Second, a lot of attention is given to the user friendliness of the final instrument, which will be tested with the local actors.
4. The personal assistance budget: instead of providing care services for disabled persons, the authorities could provide them with a budget to
organise their own care. This would lead to a transformation of the sector: clients would be free to recruit their own caregivers and -within certain
limits- they would also be able to call on assistance for specific tasks and at specific moments. By 2001, the personal assistance budget, which had
started out as a small-scale experiment, had been incorporated into law. Our research group carried out the evaluation of the experimental phase
as well as a new study based on a large survey in 2003, with face-to-face interviews in addition.
Website_Gen.
KU Leuven
Web and Information System Engineering
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Web & Information Systems Engineering (WISE) Laboratory is a research unit of the department of Computer Science of the Vrije Universiteit
Brussel. WISE is headed by Professor Olga De Troyer, Professor Beat Signer, and Professor Katrien Verbert.
The activities of WISE concentrate on innovative information systems, such as next generation web applications, recommender systems, mobile
and context-aware applications, interactive paper and cross-media solutions as well as the multimodal and multi-touch interaction with these mixedmedia information spaces. We develop new engineering methodologies, tools and software frameworks for the rapid prototyping and efficient
realization of innovative information environments.
There is a strong emphasis on conceptual modeling and design, visualization, semantics, reasoning on designs, adaptation and personalization,
localization and globalization, accessibility, and usability in general. Important technologies used in this context are Semantic Web technologies,
Web 2.0 technologies, ontologies, graphical and visual design languages, visualization techniques, and design patterns.
Important application domains are Web applications, augmented and virtual reality, games and serious games, recommender systems and elearning.
vz_W&amp;T_Kulak
KU Leuven
vz_BMW_Kulak
KU Leuven
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Voeding
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
VIVES (Research Centre for Regional Econ
KU Leuven
Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi)
University of Antwerp
The Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi) focuses on fundamental and applied research of culture and communication processes and
issues, often but not exclusively with a visual dimension or pertaining aspects of visual media in many areas of society(e.g. scientific data gathering
and communication, entertainment, education and news reporting). A wide range of media (film, television, print, internet) and aspects (production
processes, representational issues, contexts of use) are being studied using a variety of specialized methods (textual analysis, audience research,
structural analysis, visual ethnography, visual data production). Both historical and contemporary aspects are being studied, often from a combined
vantage point of looking at the 'production' of media and images and its institutional, political and economic contexts, performing detailed analyses
of the media and visual products themselves, and interrogating the
users and the ways in which they construct meanings based on media and images.
Our current research strands which we will continue to develop in the future are:
• Visual media as tools and data sources for social and cultural research (visual sociology, visual anthropology, visual studies, cultural geography).
• The study of the societal and scientific impact of new media technologies (internet, geo-media).
• Media analysis, media literacy and visual literacy, multimodal research.
• Analysis of non-fiction image cultures: from the private to the public sphere, from popular to scientific visualizations.
• Application of visual methods to several fields of social research (health care, urban planning, poverty research, multiculturalism, politics…).
• Historical research of cinema exhibition and film experience.
• Contemporary cinema cultures: local, national and international contexts, texts and audiences.
VISION (PHYSICS)
University of Antwerp
Vision Lab is specialized in several fields of signal and image processing. Especially artificial intelligent techniques for image compression, image
restoration and pattern recognition are being developed. Applications in the field of material science, medical imaging and visual inspectors.
Vision lab
University of Antwerp
The research domain of Vision Lab is digital image processing and pattern recognition in general. The long term research of Vision Lab aims at the
development of advanced statistical techniques for the processing and analysis of imaging material. This includes model based statistical
techniques and multiresolution techniques, with applications in image reconstruction, image restoration, image segmentation and classification.
The research is validated in 2 domains of application: biomedical imaging and remote sensing. The available biomedical imaging modalities are CT
and MRI. At Vision Lab, a Micro-CT machine was developed, in cooperation with the company Skyscan. On this machine, research is conducted
on image reconstruction. For MRI, Vision Lab cooperates with the Bio-Imaging Lab and with the department of Radiology of the University Hospital
of Antwerp. Research is conducted on functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor MRI. For remote sensing, Vision Lab cooperates with the department of
'Teledetection and Atmospherical Processes' of the Flemish Institute of Technological Research (VITO) and the research group TELIN of the
University of Ghent. Research is conducted on classification and modelbased image restoration (denoising).
Viral Genetics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The main expertise of the research group GEVI is molecular
genetics of bacteria that are pathogenic for plants and animals.
This laboratory contributed significantly to the present
widespread application of the bacterium Agrobacterium
tumefaciens,
as a tool for routine transformation of plants. Agrobacteriummediated transformation is used by GEVI for the isolation and
study of genes involved in plant morphogenesis. In addition,
techniques for the transformation of leguminous crop plants are
developed and the expression in plants of lectins with
insecticidal activity is optimised. The virulence mechanisms of
bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella) pathogenic for humans
and domestic animals are studied, by the isolation and
analysis of the relevant genes. Several gene clusters, encoding
fimbriae involved in the adhesion of pathogenic E. coli to
host
tissues, were cloned and analysed in detail. New genes involved
in the pathogenicity of S.enteritidis for mammals and birds
were also identified. Besides providing new insights in these
complex interactions, this also leads to the development of
more specific diagnostics and improved vaccines for the control
of these important pathogens. The controlled expression of
viral antigens in attenuated Salmonella vaccine strains, to
produce recombinant anti-viral vaccines, is also investigated.
VIB DMG - Translational Neurobiology
University of Antwerp
Our laboratory is interested in understanding how complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases are generated through the interaction of
networks of genes and proteins.
VIB DMG - Peripheral Neuropathies Group
University of Antwerp
State of the art
Inherited peripheral neuropathies belong to the most common neuromuscular disorders and occur worldwide (1/2500). The best known is CharcotMarie-Tooth disease (CMT), an inherited disorder first described in 1886. Most patients have a progressive weakness and wasting of foot and hand
muscles. Sometimes patients need walking aids or become wheelchair dependent even at a young age. The clinical variability and genetic
heterogeneity often poses difficult diagnostic problems. Treatment is currently supportive (braces and foot surgery) and a therapy that
fundamentally alters the course of these diseases is still lacking. A better understanding of the molecular architecture of the peripheral nerve, the
functional pathways, the myelination process and the complex interaction between the axon, the myelinating Schwann cells and muscle is crucial to
identify targets for therapeutic interventions. The identification of loci, genes and disease-causing mutations involved in the inherited peripheral
neuropathies is the first step in this understanding and opens new perspectives for molecular genetic diagnosis. Genotype/phenotype correlations
guide the selection of specific mutations suitable for functional analysis in cellular and animal models. These models are instrumental in the search
for therapies. The knowledge gained from the molecular genetic and biological research of inherited peripheral neuropathies will also help to make
progress in the study of acquired peripheral neuropathies. Some of these neuropathies are often therapy-resistant, have a profound influence on
the quality of life of the patients, and constitute a financial burden for both the individual and the community.
Strategy
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) exchanges motor, sensory and autonomic information between the central nervous system (CNS) and the
limbs, organs and tissues. A series of biological and environmental conditions, such as genetic mutations, chemical stress, infections or metabolic
insults, can lead to axonal loss and demyelination, the pathological hallmarks of peripheral nerve degeneration. Moreover, degeneration of
peripheral nerves is accompanied by a local activation of the immune system. The Peripheral Neuropathy Group aims at understanding the delicate
balance between peripheral nerve homeostasis and degeneration by using two paradigms: (1) how do genetic mutations lead to peripheral nerve
degeneration and (2) what is the role of the innate immune system in nerve protection.
Science
Over the years, our lab has become one of the main CMT research centers in the world; overall, 1/3 of the 40 IPN disease causing genes were
found within our team or via international collaborations. Not surprisingly, many of these genes encode proteins that are involved in myelination and
maintenance of the peripheral nerve. However, also ubiquitously expressed genes with basic tasks in every cell were found to specifically cause
peripheral nerve degeneration.
Since the identification of a disease-associated gene is only a first step in unraveling the disease pathomechanism, we aim to go further and
understand the functional consequences of the pathogenic mutations. We chose to focus on genes that our lab identified to be causative for CMT.
We aim to unravel the unique properties of these proteins in peripheral nerve biology as well as explore how these properties are affected upon
mutation. To this end, we develop cellular and animal model systems. We are not only investigating the impact of disease-causing mutations on the
well established functions of these proteins, but additionally try to identify novel pathways in which these proteins might be involved by undertaking
large scale approaches. Our 'gene-driven' approach is further complemented by a second research line, which aims to identify the role of the innate
immune system in neuroprotection and -degeneration. Understanding how this balance is controlled might allow us to fine-tune or even stimulate an
inherent neuroprotective response.
We strongly believe that our research strategy can contribute to the development of novel treatment strategies for CMT patients. The interaction
between neurologists, molecular geneticists and cell biologists places our lab in a privileged position: it ensures access to patient material, and also
allows us to couple back our findings in the lab with clinical data. We also maintain contacts with the International CMT Consortium by co-organising
meetings and workshops.
VIB DMG - Neurogenetics Group
University of Antwerp
Many neurodegenerative disorders have a genetic etiology or are complex disorders caused by an interaction between environmental and inherited
factors. In our research group we focus on the clinical and genetic aspects of inherited peripheral neuropathies and inherited epilepsy syndromes.
The clinical, electrophysiological and neuropathological characterization of patients affected by these disorders forms the starting point for
molecular genetic studies. Classical genetic approaches, like linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping are performed in extended pedigrees or
cohorts of nuclear inbred families, resulting in the mapping of genetic loci and the identification of novel genes. Based on genotype-phenotype
studies in homogeneous patient-populations we delineate the range of clinical variables. These observations often provide preliminary insights in
the disease mechanisms and help to select specific mutations for additional functional studies. These findings also help to develop algorithms for
diagnostic DNA analysis in these disorders and provide rationale for therapeutic interventions.
Our main research topics are the molecular genetics of peripheral neuropathies, idiopathic epilepsy syndromes, progressive external
ophthalmoplegia (PEO) and spastic paraplegias. In the epilepsy project we demonstrated that de novo mutations in the sodium channel gene
SCN1A are the major cause of severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI or Dravet syndrome), a devastating form of childhood epilepsy. We
reported that dominant mutations in the GLUT1, representing the main glucose transported in the human brain, can cause Paroxysmal Exerciseinduced Dyskinesia (PED) and early-onset absence epilepsy, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with GLUT1 deficiency and
providing a potential new treatment option for these clinical syndromes. We identified mutations in GABRG2 and SCN1B in families with
generalized epilepsy and febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) and mutations in KCNQ2 in benign familial neonatal convulsions. We mapped novel loci for
GEFS+, temporal lobe epilepsy and temporal-occipital lobe epilepsy with migraine. We identified mutations in the ATP1A2 gene in families with
migraine and epilepsy. We performed extensive genotype-phenotype correlations in families with known and novel mutations in the dynamin 2
gene, causing Dominant Intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type B (DI-CMTB). We identified mutations in the mitochondrial DNA
polymerase gamma (POLG) gene as the major cause of PEO. We described additional mutations in Spastin , the gene involved in SPG4 and made
genotype-phenotype correlations in a large group of patients with SPG3a. In addition we host a molecular diagnostic unit that provides DNA
diagnoses and performs research on neurological diseases, and we are curating the Inherited Peripheral Neuropathies Mutation Database
(http://www.molgen.ua.ac.be/CMTMutations/) for the European CMT consortium.
Our current focus is on mapping additional loci for inherited peripheral neuropathies and inherited epilepsy syndromes and to identify the genes in
the newly mapped loci.
VIB DMG - Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group
University of Antwerp
Our focus is on genetics, genomics and neuropathology of the neurodegenerative brain diseases Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontal temporal lobar
degeneration (FTLD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), attempting to find molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation in dementia. We systematical
collect large samples of patients and relatives for genetic studies aiming at identifying disease genes using either a positional cloning strategy in
multiplex families or association studies in patient/control groups. Novel key proteins that are potential drug targets for more effective treatment are
analyzed in cellular and mouse models. Using this integrated approach we have already made several major contributions to AD with the
identification of the Flemish and Austrian mutations in the amyloid precursor protein gene (APP) that have highlighted the relationship between
neuronal and vascular components of AD pathology as well as of different Aß plaque deposits. We also showed that select mutations in presenilin 1
(PS1) and APP are actually causing a significant decrease of Aß40 production suggesting a loss of function mechanism in AD. And we identified in
APP mutations in the 5' regulatory region that increase APP expression to levels comparable to that observed in Down syndrome patients. More
recently we identified progranulin (PGRN) as a second common gene for FTLD in which dominant loss-of-function mutations cause
neurodegeneration. We also demonstrated genetic and clinical heterogeneity with PGRN contributing to FTLD, AD, PD as well as amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In our current research we aim at further unraveling genetic heterogeneity by identifying novel chromosomal loci and by mapping the underlying
genes for AD at 7q36 and for dementia with Lewy bodies at 2q35-q36 that we recently reported. Also, we will continue our efforts at identifying the
genetic modifying factor that contributes to the highly variable onset ages in PGRN mutation carriers. The extended patient and control groups will
be used for genetic association studies to unravel spectrum of genetic factors that contribute to risk for these diseases. In these groups, we are
investing in the collection of biosamples for proteomics and QTL mapping of endophenotypic disease markers. To elucidate the mechanism of
neurodegeneration due to loss-of-function mutations in PGRN, we generated knockout and overexpressing PGRN mice. Comparable experiments
will be done in cellular models. Our efforts in understanding the mechanisms of Aß plaque formation using transgenic mouse models will be
broadened to the identification of key proteins that are involved in the Aß aggregation.
VIB DMG - Molecular Neurogenomics
University of Antwerp
The Lab focuses on the identification and characterization of disease-causing genes and pathways implicated in the molecular etiology of
neurological disorders, like inherited peripheral neuropathies (CMT) and inherited epilepsies. For this purpose we use two major research
strategies:
- unraveling the role of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in peripheral neurodegeneration as a tool for understanding the molecular pathomechanisms
of peripheral neuropathies;
- identification of novel disease-causing genes and mutations implicated in inherited forms of peripheral neuropathies and epilepsies using
population and family based genetic approaches.
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are ubiquitously expressed and essential proteins, involved in the initial steps of protein biosynthesis and therefore
indispensible for cell survival. We recently reported that specific mutations in the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS, YARS) cause Dominant
Intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type C (DI-CMTC) - a genetic and phenotypic variant of inherited peripheral neuropathy. It is enigmatic
how mutations in this protein can lead to a peculiar specificity of the pathophysiological deficit, characterized by axonal degeneration of the
peripheral nerves only.
We were the first to establish that the DICMTC phenotype is not due to haploinsufficiency of enzymatic activity, but to a gain-offunction alteration of
the mutant YARS or interference with an unknown function of the wild type protein. To unravel the alternative function of YARS in the nervous
system we developed the first Drosophila model for inherited peripheral neuropathy, as well as appropriate cellular and yeast systems. We apply a
genetic approach of an unbiased, gain-of-function modifier screen to identify genes, whose function modulates neuron-specific mutant YARS
phenotypes in fly. The most promising putative modifiers are studied in details using different experimental paradigms. In this way we aim to
pinpoint the main molecular pathways where this protein is involved and to simultaneously unravel known or novel molecular pathomechanisms
implicated in CMT.
In a parallel research direction we tackle the complex molecular pathology of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders, like inherited
peripheral neuropathies and inherited epilepsies, using the advantages of founder or inbred populations. Our starting material are unique collections
of nuclear inbred families with autosomal-recessive CMT forms coming from different geographic regions and ethnic groups of the world, as well as
epileptic families belonging to the isolated population of European Gypsies. Using genetic approaches for mapping of recessive disorders combined
with the most recent advances in genotyping technologies, we aim to create a powerful tool for disease-causing locus and gene identification. The
identification of genes implicated in different forms of peripheral neuropathies and epilepsies contributes to the understanding of the
pathophysiology of these disorders by revealing new disease mechanisms or strengthening the importance of the known ones. The mutations that
are found allow genotype-phenotype correlations and have an important impact on the diagnostics, genetic counseling and disease prevention. Our
findings provide the rational basis for the development of novel drugs and therapeutic concepts.
VIB DMG - Applied Molecular Genomics
University of Antwerp
Psychiatric disorders, such as major depression or unipolar disorder (UP), manic depression or bipolar disorder (BP) and schizophrenia, are among
the most frequent brain diseases worldwide. An estimated 9-10% of the world population suffers from major depression, while bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia each affect ~1% of the population. Although the precise causes of psychiatric diseases are still largely unknown, family studies argue
for a strong genetic determination. However, these studies also point to the importance of environmental factors in determining disease
susceptibility. Most probably, these disorders result from a complex interplay between various genetic and environmental risk factors. More
information on these so-called "multifactorial diseases" can be found on this website.
Based on scientific research, more and more insight is gained into the causes of psychiatric disorders, especially with regard to the genetic factors
that play a role in determining susceptibility to these diseases. In the long term, these insights may lead to the development of new and more
efficient treatment strategies for psychiatric patients. But although significant progress has been made during the last years in identifying genetic
risk factors, there is still a long way to go. The unraveling of the genetic basis of psychiatric diseases is a slow and complicated process, in which
every scientific result is only a small piece of the complex genetic puzzle.
Based on a many years' experience in the field of psychiatric disorders and DNA technology development, our research group aims to contribute to
this process. Our research is mainly directed towards the identification of genetic risk factors for affective disorders (UP and BP) and psychotic
disorder. For that purpose we use various molecular genetic techniques, including linkage analysis and population-based association studies of
candidate genes. In this way we already identified several potential candidate genes and regions. For more detailed information about our research,
please visit the VIB website.
Next to fundamental genetic research, our group also develops new computational technologies to streamline the process of gene identification and
variant detection in complex diseases. Examples of recently developed tools can be found on the VIB website.
Website: http://www.molgen.ua.ac.be/Public/Research/ResearchGroups/
Veterinary physiology and biochemistry
University of Antwerp
The research group Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry concentrates its academic scientific research within the Gameter Research Center, a
platform where the female gamete, the embryo and the early embryonic development have a central position. More specifically, (environmental)
factors are studied that might have a (negative) influence on oocyte developmental capacity and embryo growth, including possible consequences
during pregnancy, for the newborn and in later life. Most of this research is based on self developed 'high throughput' in vitro models, such as
bovine, murine and zebrafish in vitro models for the study of follicular development, oocyte prematuration and maturation, fertilization and in vitro
embryo culture.
Within the framework of the Gamete Research Center, 3 topics are addressed more specifically. First of all, 'Reprotox' within which the above
mentioned models are used to study the influence of (environmental) toxicants on the quality of the developing in vitro embryo. Embryo quality is
assessed by immunohistochemical techniques, as well as advanced micro-array technology to study gene expression patterns in early embryos. In
addition, 'genomics' studies are complemented by the study of cellular metabolism ('metabolomics'). Secondly, 'Fertility Preservation', the study of
factors influencing female fertility and methods to preserve and/or reinstall fertility. More specifically, pre-antral follicular dynamics are studied
including possible damaging conditions, such as radiotherapy, and preservation strategies (slow freezing, solid surface vitrificatie, gamete banking).
Finally, the link 'Embryo¬maternal metabolism' is included as a third research topic. The physiological condition of the dam at the moment of
conception proved to be crucial for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Several metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidaemia, showed
to have direct negative consequences on oocyte quality and embryonic developmental competence. We consider our animal models, combind to
the in vitro platform, as the ideal tools to study maternal metabolic factors that influence the quality of the human oocyte and embryo.
Vesalius College
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Vesalius College, an undergraduate division of the Vrije
Universiteit Brussel, educates students in a multi-cultural,
humanistic and interactive environment. Located in Brussels, the
capital of Europe, and with a focus on international business
and international affairs, it is an English-language college
modeled after American liberal arts programs, featuring
selective admissions, small classes and interactive teaching.
The College's faculty is dedicated to instilling a spirit of
critical enquiry and ethical responsibility and to preparing its
students to excel in a global society.
Verg_endocri
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Vascular Surgery
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Vascular Patterning Laboratory (Vesalius
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
VAO Rechten
KU Leuven
Vakgroep Theoretische omkadering van de kunstpraktijk
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Mode en Textiel
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Mode en Textiel
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Informatica/Wiskunde
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Drama
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Drama
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Chemie
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vakgroep Biochemie
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO)
University of Antwerp
Integrated vaccine and microbiological research with a focus on increasing the understanding of the immune response in prophylactic and
therapeutic vaccines (including tumour vaccines) and on the containment of antibiotic resistance.
- Development of point of care diagnostic systems
- Therapeutic and/or preventive (personalized) health care
- Applied research with human vaccines
- Research for surrogate biomerkers
- Biobanking
- Development of injection devices
- Epidemiological studies and modelling of infectious diseases
- Insights in the human microbiota and impact of antibiotic and probiotic therapies
- Antibiotic use and resistance
- Economic evaluation of vaccination campaigns
Several innovative research topics are ongoing or in the pipeline: potential development of theranostic devices (e.g. rapid Point of Care Diagnostics,
optical biosensors, lab-on-chip, microarrays) for pathogen detection and associated resistance in collaboration with several European research
partners; potential development of new rapid diagnostic tests and injection devices; potential development of patient-specific cellular vaccines for
targeted antiviral and anticancer therapy.
Vaccine & infectious disease institute
University of Antwerp
Urology
University of Antwerp
The research is focused on three objects :
(1) the afferent nervous system of the lower urinary tract and possible influences on this. The study indicates the measurement in afferent nerves of
potentials elicited by physiological and none physiological stimuli. We look also into the possible influence of drugs. (2) the evaluation of pelvic floor
muscles by clinical examination and technical methods; are also evaluated electrical stimulation and bio feedback as possible ways of treatment (3)
the glycine metabolism and TUR prostatic syndrome are further explored actually, mainly focused on the retina.
Urban and Regional Development
University of Antwerp
University Sports Centre
KU Leuven
University of Leuven Energy Institute
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
University of Antwerp
University of Antwerp
University Library
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
University Archives and Art Collection
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
University Administration and Central Se
KU Leuven
Undergraduate Physics Laboratory Service
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Ultrastructure
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The ULTR group was built around Lode Wyns and Serge Muyldermans who started investigating biomolecular structures in
the 80's. The initial focus was a biochemical and biophysical analysis of chromatin assembly and structure, necessitating
major efforts in the acquisition of the appropriate technological tools, including protein & nucleic acid chemistry, genetic
engineering, analytical centrifugation and spectroscopy. In 1989, the long fostered idea to start a true X-ray crystallography
unit was turned into reality. Since then, the group has been growing steadily and presently comprises about 40
collaborators
covering a broad range of scientific and technological expertise to study the general theme of Structure-Function analysis of
Proteins. As is characteristic for so many protein crystallography groups, a number of protein systems are under study. On
the one hand, they present strictly structural challenges, on the other hand they present associated functional and/or
applied
aspects. Protein carbohydrate recognition as demonstrated by lectins is one important theme. It documents the subtle
interplay between a few dedicated protein loops leading to succinct specificities in otherwise very related proteins. Metal
binding proteins are studied in the context of metal detoxification, TIM-barrels in the context of protein stability, and the
CcdA/CcdB plasmid addiction system documents the very first protein structure blocking topoisomerase, a target for
antibiotics. The Protein Engineering and Enzymology programme combines enzymology, spectroscopies, site directed
mutagenesis and X-ray crystallography to study the principles of binding and catalysis, a research programme that was
mainly developed by and through Jan Steyaert. The initial finding by Raymond Hamers of the existence of naturally
occurring, functional heavy chain antibodies in camelids paved the way for a steadily growing group studying fundamental
and applied aspects of Camelid Antibodies. Molecular biology, protein engineering and structural biology are being
combined
to investigate multiple aspects of these extraordinary antibodies. For the more applied part, various possibilities are being
explored, including their use as enzyme inhibitors (industrial and pharmaceutical), diagnostics, (immune) receptor inhibition
and anti-idiotype cancer therapy. More recently, protein stability and thermodynamics studies as well as NMR work are
being included in several of the ongoing projects.
UGENT VUB Alliance Research Group in Information Systems
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The main goal for the construction of this alliance research group is establishing an official research unit in which the current joint research activities
can be maintained and extended. In this context two common research themes are distinguished: ontology-driven requirements engineering and
business process integration.
Ontology-driven requirements engineering:
Over the years Prof. Poels and his team have gained expertise in the conceptual modeling subfield of requirements engineering (e.g., goal
modeling, business process modeling, domain-specific modeling). By combining this knowledge with the ontology and ontology engineering
knowledge of the VUB team, we plan to investigate in detail the role of ontologies in the requirements engineering process. More specific we plan to
develop methods which facilitate the use of ontologies in order to improve the reuse of domain knowledge during the modeling process and
consequently improve the quality of the developed models. The proposed methods, modeling languages and models will be evaluated empirically
using both business cases and experiments. The creation of this alliance research group must make it easier to find appropriate businesses cases
using the Solvay business school network. The research alliance can also further extend the group of possible participants for the experiments.
Having groups of students at two universities makes it possible to increase the frequency of conducting experiments and also use one of the groups
as a pre-test for the design of an experiment.
Business process integration:
Nowadays enterprises act in a very volatile environment where they need to be able to integrate their business processes with their partners very
quickly. In this research topic we investigate how this business process integration is managed using two different approaches. On the one hand a
pragmatic approach is followed which looks at how integration of information systems actually occurs using process mining techniques that
integrate the logs of the information systems of two different businesses. On the other hand this research topic also investigates how shared
business ontologies can be used for integrating business processes.
The two research groups are also connected by the type of Information Systems (IS) research that is conducted at both entities. More specific both
groups focus on design science research which emphasizes a construction-oriented view of IS research centered around designing and building
innovative IT artifacts which make both theoretical contributions and assist in solving the current and anticipated problems of practitioners. We
believe that the experience with former design science projects at both universities, is essential for the development and evaluation of the new IT
artifacts intended by the identified common research themes.
TWR
KU Leuven
Tutorial services, Institute of Philosop
KU Leuven
Tutorial services, Faculty of Science
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Tutorial services, Faculty of Pharmaceut
KU Leuven
Tutorial services, Faculty of Law
KU Leuven
Tutorial services, Faculty of Engineerin
KU Leuven
Tutorial services, Faculty of Arts, Leuv
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Transportation Research Institute
Universiteit Hasselt
The Transportation Research Institute (IMOB) is an independent scientific research institute, associated with Hasselt University. Its mission is to
develop sustainable solutions for issues in the fields of transportation, traffic safety and logistics. The institute tries to achieve its mission at national
and international level by performing fundamental and applied research and by providing training with regard to traffic and transportation, such as
the bachelor-master programme in Transportation Studies a
Transportation Behaviour
Universiteit Hasselt
<P>Predicting travel behaviour of people</P>
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL ECONOMICS RESEARCH GROUP
University of Antwerp
Transport economics: transport modelling, maritime porteconomics. Regional and urban studies: regional economics, urban economics, regional
planning. Tourism: economic and geographical aspects. The main objective of the research activities is to support government ( local, regional,
central ) decision making in the above mentioned fields.
Transport and Regional Economics
University of Antwerp
The Department's lines of research are located on the interface of general and business economics. The research activities unfold within the
framework of programmes instigated by the university and the authorities (regional, federal and European) as well as specific assignments from the
public and private sectors. The topics covered relate to:
- Freight transport: mode choice, the organisation, choice and planning of commodity flows, land transport, air transport and airports, transport and
logistics;
- The port and maritime sector: competition and cooperation in the maritime and port sector, traffic forecasting, port policy, productivity of terminals,
strategic planning;
- The assessment of infrastructure projects: the development and improvement of project assessment tools, applications to road construction
projects, port investments etc;
- Strategic analyses and policy recommendations: analysis of the competitive strength of (sub)sectors, development of market studies relating to
competition issues, regulation and deregulation issues;
- Interaction between transport and space: location analysis for traffic nodes and distribution centers, spatial (mobility) plans at local, regional and
supra-regional level;
- Urban economics: regional planning and policy, real estate;
- Interaction between mobility and economics: relationship between economic growth and transport demand, demand models and elasticity
calculations, research into the effectiveness of measures within the frame of a sustainable mobility policy (company transport planning, road
charging, etc).
Translation Technology, Leuven
KU Leuven
Translation Technology, Campus Sint-Andr
KU Leuven
Translation Studies Research Unit, Leuve
KU Leuven
Translation Studies Research Unit, Campu
KU Leuven
Translation Studies Research Unit, Campu
KU Leuven
Translation Studies Research Unit
KU Leuven
Translations Studies Research Unit, Camp
KU Leuven
Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies (TriCs)
University of Antwerp
The research group Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies (TriCs) belongs to the Department of Translators and Interpreters, Faculty of
Arts and Philosophy This department is integrated from October 1, 2013. Currently, the research group is fully engaged in the implementation of
their research.
Translation and Intercultural Transfer,
KU Leuven
Translation and Intercultural Transfer,
KU Leuven
Vertaling & Interculturele transfer.
Translation and Intercultural Transfer,
KU Leuven
Translation and intercultural transfer, campus Kortrijk.
Translation and Intercultural Transfer,
KU Leuven
Vertaling & Intercult.Transfer @ HUB
Translational Research in GastroIntestin
KU Leuven
- Normal and abnormal motor activity of oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and anorectum.- Endocrine, paracrine and neurocrine peptideuntreated control mechanisms of gastrointestinal function.- Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.- Clinical pharmacology of
gastro-intestinal diseases.- Treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.- Computer analysis of manometric and electromyographic recordings.- Computer
analysis of long-term pH and pressure measurements in oesophagus.- Radio immuno assay and receptor assay.- In vivo and in vitro studies of
small muscle activity.- Breath tests with radioisotope and stable isotopes.- Intestinal perfusion studies.- Cell culture of intestinal smooth muscle
cells.- Cell culture of myenteric neurons.- Laboratory Information System.
Translational Pathophysiological Research (TPR)
University of Antwerp
The team of Translational Pathophysiological Research houses research topics in Biochemistry; Pharmacology; Clinical Pharmacology and
Toxicology; Cardiovascular diseases; Physiology; Immunology and Allergology; Rheumatology; General Internal Medicine and Dermatology.
Collaborative research is focused on inflammation, cell and immune therapy and the exploration of novel possibilities for pharmacotherapy.
Translational Neurosciences (TNW)
University of Antwerp
The scientific research of the Translational Neurosciences team is focused on the following topics : Algology; ENT, head and neck surgery and
communication disorders; Neurosurgery; Neurology; Ophtalmology, visual optics and visual rehabilitation; Radioneurology; Operative dentistry,
dental materials, dental sleep medicine; Urology and urological rehabilitation.
Translational Neurosciences
University of Antwerp
Translational MRI
KU Leuven
Translational Imaging Research Alliance
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Het doel van translationeel onderzoek is het vertalen van onderzoeksresultaten uit fundamenteel onderzoek naar nieuwe klinische toepassingen.
Translationeel onderzoek op het gebied van beeldvorming kan onderverdeeld worden in drie topics:
1. Apparatuur voor beeldvorming
De eerste doelstelling van de alliantie is het toegankelijk maken van de reeds aanwezige infrastructuur voor de onderzoekers van de twee
universitaire gemeenschappen en het bepalen van een gezamelijke strategie voor toekomstige zware investeringen.
2. Beeldreconstructie en analyse
Het doel van de alliantie is om de interactie tussen betrokken onderzoekers verder te stimuleren en om een gemeenschappelijk aanspreekpunt te
vormen voor enerzijds nieuwe initiatieven vanuit de industrie en voor anderzijds de ontwikkeling van nieuwe algoritmes toegespitst op specifieke
biologische vraagstellingen van onderzoekers binnen de onderzoeksgemeenschap UGent-VUB.
3. Moleculaire probes
Met de alliantie UGent-VUB tussen de onderzoeksgroepen willen we sterker zijn bij de vraag voor budgetten voor translationeel onderzoek bij de
overheid, zoals de ontwikkeling van een GMP probe (1 probe = ongeveer 1 miljoen euro). Het Fase 1 klinisch onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd op het
Centrum voor Medische Beeldvorming van het UZBrussel (Prof. Axel Bossuyt, Prof. Johan de Mey, Prof. Tony Lahoutte).
Translational Cell & Tissue Research
KU Leuven
Using a large panel of classical morphological techniques incl.enzyme- and immunohistochemistry, as well as more advancedmolecular techniques
on tissue sections, we investigate thehistology & the function of a variety of human tissues in normal& in pathological conditions.Throughout these
research activitieswe attempt to optimise the available morphological techniques forlight microscopy, electron microscopy, incl. transmission
&scanning microscopy, & confocal microscopy. In additionparticular effort is devoted to the development of specificprotocols that will allow the
application of recently developedmolecular techniques on DNA and RNA extracted from frozen andparaffin-embedded tissue sections. Moreover,
through thoroughelaboration of these applications it should be feasible toinvestigate the genetic contents of selected areas & single cellsisolated
from these sections.Implementing the immunomorphologicaland molecular tools outlined above, our department focuses o
Traffic Safety
Universiteit Hasselt
The research programme 'strategic analysis' mainly focuses on instruments and models which allow analysis of traffic safety for strategic purposes,
for example to support planning and policy. <BR>The research programme 'risk and evaluation studies' mainly focuses on the relation between
infrastructure, the environment, driving behavior and its impact on traffic safety.<BR>
Trace elements in biomedical sciences
University of Antwerp
Since 1974, essential trace elements from selenium, through zinc, iron, chrome, manganese and silicium have been actively studied. This has been
done in different body constituents (hair, plasma, urine and RBC) and in different age groups, as in their usual foodstuffs. Speciation studies on the
chemical form and distribution of selenium in different food items were carried out: milk (of different origin), eggs, etc...
In 1990-1994 started a collaborative EU study on in vitro bioavailability of those nutrients, in which our lab was extensively involved. In 1994 we
succeeded to develop an in vitro method consisting of a dialyse extraction of the trace metals after the gastric, biliary and pancreatic digestive fases
were sucessively simulated. We are studying at this moment the effect of different fibers on the bioavailability of calcium, iron and zinc from baby
foods. This study occurs in vitro and in vivo. Determination of fibers content is done in the Laboratory of Food Sciences in Antwerp since 1985.
Toxicology, Dermato-cosmetology and Pharmacognosy
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Topic A: Experimental in vitro toxicology:
The use of isolated hepatocytes and their cultures for pharmacotoxicological studies with focus on phase I and phase II
biotransformation of xenobiotics; liver zonation of xenobiotic
transformation; cell cycle and molecules affecting cell
progression and cell signaling; the role of apoptosis in cell
cultures; connexins and their importance in cell signaling.
Topic B: Dermato-Cosmetic Sciences:
Safety and efficacy of dermato-cosmetic products with focus on
the technical information file and the bioengineering technology
for testing, respectively.
Particular attention is given to the barrier function of the skin
and the lipids (ceramides) and enzymatic systems involved.
Topic C: Pharmacognosy:
Study of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of
medicinal plants of exotic origin e.g. treatment of dysentery and
diarrhoea in traditional medicine of Lomela.
.
- Topic B : Dermato-cosmetics : efficiency measurements of
dermato-cosmetic products : evaluation and standardisation of new
and existing methodology for efficiency measurements of
dermato-cosmetic
Toxicology and Pharmacology
KU Leuven
- Determination of xenobiotics in biological specimens.- Purification and characterization of peptide toxins from plant,animal and microbial
organisms.- Structure-function studies of membrane-bound receptors and ionchannels.
Toxicology
University of Antwerp
Since the early eighties our scientific research was mainly focused towards environmental problems which also have an impact on human health.
We analysed the flue gases from municipal incineration already before any measures to reduce pollution were taken. At the same time, serious
health hazards were discovered from the use of pentachlorophenol, a wood protectant against fungi. With the help of medical doctors and standard
inquiry forms we established a safe plasma level below no symptoms were observed. Pentachlorophenol is now regarded as one of the major toxic
threats to the environment. From the nineties we cooperated with the Norwegjan Polar Institute in search of polychlorinated biphenyls and
organochlorines in seabirds and marine mammals. In this study we could demonstrate that in the Arctic environment PCB's pose a much greater
toxic problem than dioxins do. It is estimated that only 1% of the total PCB production has yet reached the open oceans ; nevertheless, fertility,
genetic and immunological disorders have already been observed.
In collaboration with the human fertility centers of the University of Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven we have looked for PCB concentrations in fat biopsy
samples from cases of idiopathic female infertility. Results indicate a positive correlation between higher PCB levels and endometriosis. At the
same time we investigate the human foodchain for PCB's and organochlorines ; also the polybrominated biphenylethers, which are still produced,
will be included in this study.
Toxicological Centre
University of Antwerp
1) The research is situated in the field of environmental toxicology of organic pollutants. Environmental distribution and fate of persistent organic
pollutants such as PCBs, organochlorinated pesticides and brominated flame retardants are studied.
The analytical methods are developed, optimised and applied on a broad spectrum of samples. Mostly biotic samples are studied, both from aquatic
and terrestrial food webs, including humans. Also sediments and soil can be investigated for the presence of the compounds.
2) Another field of research is forensic toxicology. Drugs of abuse, pharmaceuticals and a wide range of toxic chemicals are investigated in a wide
range of human matrices. Also other samples can be analysed, such as potentially toxic powders and solutions.
Topology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
AATO is part of the VUB Department of Mathematics. We do
research
in analytical and categorical topology, in algebraic topology
and
in approximation theory.
1. Categorical Topology. Study of mathematical structures that
are
important for models in informatics and in the fundamentals of
physics. We apply methods from Categorical Topology to study the
relation between these mathematical structures, to study the
compatibility of their fundamental constructions and to solve
problems with regard to the existence of 'nice function
spaces'.
2. Algebraic topology. Study of categorical structures in
homotopy
theory, such as higher dimensional groupoids and their
fibrations.
3.Approximation theory
Methods from metric topology and in particular from approach
theory are applied in approximation theory in Banach spaces.
Topological Algebra, Functional Analysis and Category Theory
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research team investigates mathematical structures that are important in several basic areas of mathematics like geometry, representation
theory, functional analysis, differential calculus or theory of approximation. The motivation also comes from outside mathematics, from computer
science or physics where some of the mathematical structures that are studied are called upon as models.
By application of methods from category theory the relation between these mathematical structures is studied. The compatibility of their
fundamental constructions is investigated and a general study of their representability, as well as of their function space theory is undertaken.
More specifically the theory of frames or locales uses order-theoretic notions to gain more insight in topological structures and to shed light on the
use of choice principles in topology (or sometimes simply avoid them altogether).
The theory of approach spaces provides the tools for obtaining quantified results in topology and in functional analysis, extending the isometric
theory of Banach spaces.
The team contributes to the development of the theory of semi-abelian categories and tensor categories
Semi-abelian categories allow a unified setting for many important homological properties of non-abelian categories. Categories of quantum groups,
of rings, of Lie-algebras and of crossed modules are typical non-abelian categories, often with a tensor structure.
Abstract tensor categories lead to interesting non-commutative spaces (operator algebras) whose analytical properties are studied in connection
with the properties of the associated category. The main emphasis is on representation categories of quantum deformations of semi-simple Lie
groups.
Tijdschrift voor Filosofie
KU Leuven
THOMAS (Theology, Education, Multimedia
KU Leuven
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Theragnostic Laboratory
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
University of Antwerp
The research group has developed a long standing expertise in the theory of condensed matter more specifically in the discipline of the quantum
theory of the solid state. The specialties of TFVS comprise i.a. electron-phonon interaction, polaron theory, theory of super-conductivity, Kondosystems, many particle quantum theory, Bose-Einstein condensation and fermionic superfluidity. Functional integration is the most suited method to
study those systems, and TFVS has contributed to the refinement of this method.
Electron-phonon interactions
The research group TFVS has expertise in the quantum theory of polarons, bipolarons and the many-polaron gas. Among the milestones in polaron
theory achieved in TFVS are the study of the response of polarons and the study of bipolarons with path-integral methods (both with and without
magnetic field). Currently, research is focused on cyclotron resonance in low-dimensional systems, magneto-absorption of bi-polarons, manypolaron effects in high-Tc superconductors, exciton-phonon interactions, and optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots.
Mesoscopic and nanoscopic superconducting structures
The superconducting properties (e.g. phase boundaries) of sub-micron structures of various shapes are studied with different methods such as the
Ginzburg-Landau formalism. Loops, double loops, wedges, bridges, triangles, nanograins, star-shaped superconducting samples have been
analyzed, and stable vortex-antivortex patterns were predicted.
Bose-Einstein condensation and fermionic superfluidity
Since the observation of Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute atomic gases in 1995, the research group has actively contributed to the development
of the theory for systems of trapped ultracold atoms. The expertise in path-integral methods and other many-body techniques is applied to novel
experiments. Currently the focus is on matter wave fringe patterns, path-integral descriptions of resonant superfluidity, boson-fermion mixtures, and
fermionic superfluidity.
Various other recent topics include
- Kondo systems in mesoscopic structures and Fe-Au thin film alloys
- Optical properties of stacked quantum dots
- Many-body path-integral methods and many-body diffusion Monte-Carlo algorithms
- Quantum transport in sub-micron mosfets
Theoretical study of matter (TSM)
University of Antwerp
In the group the structural and electronic properties of materials by means of computational techniques is studied.
· Ab initio electronic structure calculations : electronic, optical en structural properties e.g. bandstructure, density of states, dielectric function.
· Calculation of electron energy loss finestructure spectra (Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy, EELS). In collaboration with the EMAT laboratory for
electronmicroscopy.
· We use the following techniques: (Linearised) Augmented Plane Wave +local orbitals (APW+lo) method, pseudopotentials with plane waves, both
within the framework of Density Functional Theory, Tight-binding calculations, Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo simulations with empirical
potentials, ab initio molecular dynamics (Car-Parrinello MD). Finestructure of EELS spectra is also calculated with the Multiple Scattering technique.
· sp3/sp2 ratio in Diamond Like Carbon films (DLC, in collaboration with EMAT and PLASMANT).
· Optical spectra of dye molecules (in collaboration with Quantumchemistry group Agfa-Gevaert N.V.)
. Quantitative analysis of InxGa1-xAs quantumwell structures (in collaboration with EMAT).
· Calculation of cross sections for inelastic scattering in a partial coherent model for inelastic image formation in electron microscopy (in
collaboration with EMAT).
THEORETICAL STUDY OF MATTER
University of Antwerp
The most important research topic of our group is the invesigation of the mechanical, the electronical, the optical and the magnetic properties of
crystalline condensed matter (for example : semiconductors, insulators, metals and polymers) by means of many-body density functional and
stochastic theory.
Theoretical solid state physics
University of Antwerp
Research topics are:
1. Polarons, bipolarons and many polarons (including effects of reduced dimensionality): (a) Cyclotron resonance in low-dimensional systems (b)
Magneto-absorption of bipolarons (c) (Many-)polaron system and optical absorption in high-Tc superconductors
2. Many particle diffusion and path integral study of identical particles:
(a) Development of new numerical techniques: the many body diffusion algorithm (b) Application to Bose-Einstein condensation (c) Models for
confined fermions (quanturn dots)
3. Mesoscopic superconducting structures: (a) Loops, double loops, arrays of antidots (b) Superconducting phase boundaries
4. Optical properties of semiconductor quanturn dots : (a) Non-adiabaticity of exciton-phonon systems in spherica1 quanturn dots (b) Energy
spectra of self-assembled quanturn dots (with and without magnetic field) (c) Photoluminescence spectra (d) Raman spectra
5. Size effects in dilute magnetic alloys: (a) Surface-induced effects in mesoscopic AuFe samples (b) Impurity-spin energy levels (c) Magnetization
of impurities.
Theoretical Physics Section
KU Leuven
Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics. Quantum field theory and applications Mathematical structure of supergravity String theories Collective
Phenomena and Statistical Mechanics Random systems, neural networks, fractals, hydrodynamics, cellular automata, phase transitions in
equilibrium and far from equilibrium Mathematical Physics Mechanisms for the approach to equilibrium; thermodynamic stability, bose
condensation, non-commutative limit theorems; valence bound states; solid state physics models
Theoretical Physics
Universiteit Hasselt
<P>The research of our group focuses on nonequilibrium statistical physics. We deal mostly with a theoretical foundation for this theory, but also
make the connection with applications in physics, biology and nano-technology. We have worked on work and fluctuation theorems (both for
classical and quantum systems), microscopic theories for entropy production, thermodynamic efficiency at maximum power, stochastic
thermodynamics, Brownian motors and refrigerators, electrochemical and electro-optical nano-devic
Theoretical Physics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Main research subjects are:
1. Aspects of non-lineair dynamics:
- integrability and chaos
- Direct methods for the investigation of integrable and nearly integrable systems;
- Analysis of integrable hierarchies and their reductions;
- Spectral decomposition of chaotic maps, perturbations of integrable maps involving transition to chaos.
2. Elementary particle physics beyond the standard model: from supersymmetry to strings
- Study of supersprings and unification theories;
- Quantum gravity.
3. Quantum Theory and irreversibility
- Relativistic quantum mechanics of several particles (few body problems) with applications to atom and subatomic physics (quark models);
- Description of quantum unstable systems (resonances) in appropriate functional spaces. Origin of intrinsic irreversibility (extended Schrödinger
evolution);
- Quantum cryptography.
4. Aspects of theoretical nuclear and molecular physics
- Collective and cluster effects in reactions with light nuclei;
- algebraic method for quantum scattering and reaction theory;
- Molecular dynamics in the presence of strong laser fields.
Theoretical neurobiology
University of Antwerp
Despite the simplicity and regularity of the cerebellar circuitry, its function and operations remain poorly understood. This may be partially due to the
emphasis theories of cerebellar function have placed on the pattems of connectivity in this structure, neglecting the physiological properties of
different cerebellar cell types. It is our goal to improve the understanding of how the cerebellum works by using a combined cellular and systems
level approach. To analyze the operations performed by different types of neurons in the cerebellum sufficient morphological and physiological data
on each cell type are needed to build detailed and realistic computer models. A different approach is to investigate the input-output relations of the
cerebellum at the system level. If the function of the circuitry is truly understood, both the cellular and system approach should lead to the same
predictions. We are currently building and simulating both detailed single cell models of the different cerebellar neurons and a large-scale realistic
neural network modelof the cerebellar cortex that can predict the input-output transformations. The cellular models have different levels of
complexity, for example in one project we investigate the effect of dendritic morphology on calcium diffusion in Purkinje cells while, conversely, in
the cerebellar network simulations we neglect at present the morphology of the neurons. In the future we will continue to improve these models.
Sometimes by including more detail or newer physiological data (e.g. the firing properties of granule cells), or by expanding the network model to
include additional brain regions (e.g. including the deep cerebellar nuclei and the olivary nucleus). As before we expect that simulations of these
models will lead to new predictions on how the neurons or network function. In addition we will continue to develop advanced simulation software
tools in context of our GENESIS and NEGSIM collaborations; these tools will be important towards further modeling research in the laboratory also.
The experimental work interacts with the modeling work at many levels. The main focus at present is on extracellular electrophysiological
recordings from multiple neurons in the cerebellar cortex of anesthetized rats. Because of network modeling results we initially focused on Golgi
neurons and have rapidly built a reputation as specialists on the firing behavior of these cells. In the future we will keep recording form Golgi cells,
but simultaneously also from other cerebellar units (Purkinje cells, mossy fibers) and from precerebellar projection neurons (e.g. somatosensory
cortex). While a close interaction with the network modeling continues, the experimental work has generated specific new questions. For example,
we need to understand better how cortex and cerebellum interact in the somatosensory system. Here also we will keep introducing new
technologies. We are de veloping a system for chronic multi-unit recordings in awake rats and will introduce new types of electrodes. At present our
anatomical methods consist of tracer injection methods, but in the future we want to employ juxtacellular staining methods to visualize single cells.
A long-term goal is to start a slice set-up that would allow for intracellular recordings of cerebellar neurons and voltage clamp studies of their
channels. The latest development is the use of functional brain imaging methods which offer the opportunity to study. cerebellar activation in the
whole cerebellum at once in rats and to probe cerebenar function in non-motor conditions in humans. These projects are conaborative as we do not
own the imaging equipment or have the technical expertise to use it. Our contribution to these conaborations, which have already resulted in
publications, is to formulate and design the stimulus conditions and perform the analysis needed to specifically study cerebenar function.
Theoretical neurobiology
University of Antwerp
Despite decades of study the exact function of the cerebellum remains largely a mystery. It is not clear how its well known microcircuitry implements
the motor coordination, motor learning and cognitive functions attributed to the cerebellum and very little is known about the cellular basis of the
cerebellar interactions with cerebral cortex. We investigate these questions using a combined modeling and experimental approach.
Our modeling studies span many levels, from simulations of the diffusion of signaling molecules over detailed single cell and network models to
system models linking synaptic plasticity with behavioural learning. The molecular models focus at present on anomalous diffusion in spiny
dendrites and on stochastic effects during calcium release in spines. We use automated parameter search methods to create new Purkinje cell and
deep cerebellar nuclei neuron models which will be used to study the effect of cerebellar learning on spiking in these neurons. At the network level
we are investigating information processing in the granular layer and the effect of gap junctions on cerebellar oscillations. The modeling studies are
complemented by development of simulation software for efficient single cell simulation and for simulation of reaction-diffusion systems in realistic
dendritic morphologies.
Experimental studies include in vivo multi-unit recordings in anesthetized and awake rodents and in vitro patch-clamp studies of neurons in
cerebellar slices. We study information processing in, in vivo studies by analyzing spiking patterns of Purkinje cells and deep cerebellar nuclei
neurons. We continue our studies of Golgi cell responses to tactile stimulation which help us constrain the modeling studies of the granular layer. A
new research line uses brain-computer interfacing in a behavioural whisking discrimination paradigm in awake rats to study the interaction between
cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Our in vitro studies focus on synaptic plasticity of parallel fiber synapses on Purkinje and Golgi cells and on the
molecular characterization of potassium channels in Purkinje cells. We collaborate with other Belgian labs on anatomical studies of Golgi cells and
on functional imaging of cerebellar activation.
Theoretical Computer Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Research theme: Applications of logic in computer science.
Computer science can be regarded as ``applied logic''; from the
level of hardware (circuits) up to sophisticated knowledge
representation (e.g. nonmonotonic reasoning). Areas of
interest include:
1. Modelling argumentation;
2. Nonmonotonic reasoning formalisms;
3. Formal specification and verification of complex software
systems;
4. Logic programming semantics.
The Crisis of Religion and the Problem o
KU Leuven
Theatre study
University of Antwerp
From a basic view of theatre as a to-be-structured system of cognitive attitudes (intentionality, presentability, effectiveness) and artistic features
(drama text, director, actor, scenography, lighting, sound, architecture, including time and space) the major research interest has focused on the
receptibility of the theatrical performance. Taking our clues from the dramatistic school of socilogy, from the premises of a structuralist view on
theatre and from theatre semiotics we have approached the theatre performance as an encounter and have tried to determine the structural position
of the audience within this shared activity. As an empirical instrument we have developed the non-directive probing interview based on collecting
ethnomethodological accounts in which what each respondent/spectator has to say about the experience and interpretation of the performance is
taken seriously. From these accounts we deduce the basic attitudes and we try to specify the cognitive reactions. These findings we categorize into
different classes. Concentrating on the cognitive aspects of the audience process we have been fortunate in broadening this outlook into the
emotive components of the audience's response. Our purpose has been and remains a tentative proceeding towards a theory of spectatorial
participation in performance.
Theatrality and reality
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
De Associatiewerkgroep Theatraliteit en werkelijkheid (THEA) wil de wetenschappelijke en artistieke onderzoeksexpertise met betrekking tot theater
en theaterwetenschap binnen de Universitaire Associatie Brussel bundelen en stelt zich expliciet tot doel om bruggen te slaan tussen artistieke
praktijk, artistiek onderzoek en wetenschappelijk onderzoek op het gebied van theater, performance en theatraliteit. Zowel hedendaagse artistieke
praktijken als historische vormen van theatraliteit komen binnen dit kader aan bod. De werkgroep beschouwt zich als de directe erfgenaam van de
voormalige VUB-onderzoeksgroep omtrent Politiek Theater (o.l.v. Dina Hellemans), die baanbrekend onderzoek verrichtte op het snijvlak van
praktijk, geschiedenis en theorie. De werkgroep THEA focust zich specifiek op theater en theatraliteit.
De centrale onderzoekslijn binnen deze werkgroep wordt gevormd door de spanningsverhouding tussen theatraliteit (het onderzoeksobject is dus
breder dan theater strictu senso) en werkelijkheid. Het onderzoeksprofiel van deze werkgroep is dan ook nadrukkelijk contextueel: hoe structureert,
constitueert een context en een bijhorend betekenisregime de theaterpraktijk? De omgekeerde vraag is evenzeer aan de orde: in welke mate en
hoe beïnvloedt, beïnvloeden, contamineren, bevragen historische of contemporaine vormen van theatraliteit de werkelijkeheid waarin zij ageren? Of
anders geformuleerd: hoe structureert een (cultuurhistorische context) de theaterpraktijk en hoe kan die praktijk veranderingen in de omringende
werkelijkheid via representatie denkbaar maken en bevragen? Bijzondere aandacht binnen deze spanningsverhouding gaat naar volgende punten:
1. De spanningsverhouding tussen performatieve en documentaire praktijken; 2. Theatraliteit en stedelijke werkelijkheid (een samenwerking met de
Cosmopolis-groep lijkt ons dan ook vanzelfsprekend); 3. Intermediale verbeeldingen van de spanningsverhouding tussen theatraliteit en
werkelijkheid, zowel binnen een historische (zie het onderzoek omtrent historische werkelijkheid en barokke theatraliteit) als een contemporaine
context. Concreter zal dit profiel leiden tot onderzoek omtrent volgende onderwerpen:
- Waarachtigheid en authenticiteit als artistieke strategie én als culturele code.
- Sociaal-artistieke praktijk
- Theatraliteit, stedelijkheid en urban culture
- Politieke en historische theatraliteit
- Theatrale representatie van geweld
- Documentaire strategieën en intermediale verbeelding
- Theater en etnografie, theatraliteit en postkoloniale verbeelding
Text and Interpretation, Leuven
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Text and Interpretation, Campus Sint-And
KU Leuven
Text and Interpretation, Campus Kulak Ko
KU Leuven
Text and Interpretation, Campus Brussels
KU Leuven
Tekst en Interpretatie @ HUB.
Tempus Omnia Revelat
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Tempus Omnia Relevat, research unit for the study of time, culture and society, was founded in 1982 by a few researchers at the Centre for
Sociology of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, as a response to changes in temporal organisation of society.
The group is devoted to the social study of time and the development of a methodology adapted to that aim.
Over the years the group's interest had broadened, from a cultural study of time to culture studies in general. The research group is part of the
study group Sociology, and consists of a research group and a discussion group. The first, comprimising about a dozen researchers, is involved
with fundamental and applied research, the second provides a forum for interdisciplinary discussions about time, culture and society.
Current research themes and projects include :
1. Time use;
2. The cultural consequences of the new social question;
3. Cultural changes in Flanders;
4. Media and cultural development;
5. Youth culture;
5. Sociology of youth;
7. Education for citizenship;
8. Pupil's participation in schools;
9. Relationship between citizens and the state (the role of civil society)
Techn_transf
KU Leuven
Technological, Economical and Social Changes and Labour Market Research
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
TESA is the research unit on sociology of work and labour market
policy of the VUB. Major Research projects have been carried out
on vocational training and qualifications profiles, personnel
policy, HRM and flexibility of labour market and industrial
relations. Also the relationship between work and non-work (e.g.
citizens' income) has received continuous attention. TESA has
established links with some of the more influential European
networks regarding industrial relations, work and employment.
Many of the projects in which TESA has participated have indeed
been international comparative studies. This still is the case
with the more recent projects. These projects concern the
including-excluding effect of participation of labour market and
the construction of a European citizenship. Another one is on
cross-border European bargaining in the metalworking sector.
TESA also develops educational projects. It now constructs a
university curriculum for a master degree Employment Relations
and Labour Market Systems in the universities of Sofia and
Plovdiv in Bulgaria.
Technical Services Department
KU Leuven
Te bepalen
Ghent University
Not Available
Teaching Programmes Coordination, Facult
KU Leuven
Teaching and Learning Support, Faculty o
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Teaching and Learning Office, Faculty of
KU Leuven
Teacher Training Law
KU Leuven
Teacher Training, Faculty of Theology an
KU Leuven
Teacher Training, Faculty of Law
KU Leuven
Teacher Training, Faculty of Economics a
KU Leuven
Teacher Training Criminology
KU Leuven
Teacher Training, Biomedical Sciences
KU Leuven
Teacher Education
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Decree concerning teacher education and continuous
professional education foresees that the departments for teacher
education also develop educational research. IDLO is striving
for an overall subject-didactical research, research on
educational didactics, and the development of research on
education-oriented themes which contribute to the teacher
education. These goals are certainly stimulated by the
multidisciplinarity within IDLO. The research focused on the own
renewed and innovative aspects of education guarantees the
consolidation of the innovative vision on education which was
characteristic for the 'initial academic teacher education' at
VUB.
Some current research subjects are:
1. Research on the added value of and the implementation
conditions for the more extensive use of self-learning methods
by students in Flemish secondary education;
2. The students' appreciation of the school situation: the
development of an enquiry-instrument;
3. French and English as foreign languages in Flemish schools;
4. Effects of investigating learning on the scientific literacy
of 18-year-old students in general secondary education (ASO);
5. Predicting drop-out? Research on the predictive value of
different models of drop-out.
Tax Law
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department FISR mainly develops research activities in the following domains:
1. Personal property income;
2. Taxation of professional activities;
3. Company tax;
4. V.A.T.;
5. International fiscal Law;
6. Local taxation (in particular taxation by regional and local government);
7. Taxation procedure;
8. Tax fraud.
Tax law
University of Antwerp
The scientific research of the unit covers both international and European tax law as well as national tax matters.
The research fields are the general principles of tax law, several aspects of company taxation, European and international tax law, VAT, taxation in
federal states.
Specific topics: (constitutional) principles of tax law, rulings, transfer pricing, permanent establishment, e-commerce, cooperation structures.
Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE)
University of Antwerp
The research group conducts fundamental and applied research concerning the adaptation of aquatic and terrestrial organisms to their environment
and the effects of environmental contamination on the health status of organisms, populations and communities. Within this framework three lines of
research can be distinguished. The first line is work concerning the bioavailability and accumulation of environmental contaminants, the second line
concerns the mode of action and mechanisms of toxicity and the third line aims to relate effects at different levels of functional organisation. The
research uses in vitro as well as in vivo models and focuses on molecular and cellular aspects (gene expression, protein synthesis, cellular
functions) as well as organismal aspects (bioavailability, homeostasis and adaptation). The studies have different applications in environmental
toxicology with special emphasis on environmental diagnostics and the development and evaluation of environmental quality criteria (molecular and
cellular markers, exposure and effects models, toxicity evaluation and risk assessment).
Research theme's:
Bioavailability and accumulation of micro-contaminants: studies concerning the relative importance of different exposure routes and the effects of
environmental conditions on the bioavailability, accumulation and toxicity of metals and other priority micro-contaminants. Development of dynamic
models to predict effects under different exposure scenario's.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity: studies concerning the effects of micro-contaminant exposure and other environmental perturbations
on the level of gene expression, protein synthesis and cellular functionality using in vivo and in vitro model systems. These analysis provide
information on the mode of action of toxicants and how organisms deal with the resulting effects.
Physiological mechanisms of adaptation and homeostasis: studies concerning the mechanisms involved in the regulation of homeostatic functions
and the impact of environmental disturbances on these. Identification of sensitive functions within organisms and how differences in acclimatisation
or adaptation explain differences in sensitivity and tolerance among individuals, populations and species.
System and Software Engineering Laboratory
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
There are two main lines of research in the group. The first one concerns integrated system development methodologies for distributed, reactive
systems. Current research is on componential development, re-use, iteration, reverse and re-engineering. In this context, bridges are investigated
between object oriented analysis and design formalisms (OMT/UML style), formal specification languages (SDL-92 style), and implementation
languages (C, C++, JAVA). Analysis patterns, architectural patterns and design patterns are explored to guide forward and backward mappings
between different stages in the development process. Tool support for all this research is also developed. The second line of research concerns
the application of Artificial Intelligence learning techniques and fuzzy systems to model and control systems. The thread of continuity in this
research is on the one hand the relation between (fuzzy) reinforcement learning, (fuzzy) dynamic programming and learning automata and on the
other hand the relationship between fuzzy models, interpolation and regression theory. Recent applications include fuzzy modelling of phenomena
in the nuclear domain, the combination of genetic programming and fuzzy models to extract knowledge from data and control problems in the
telecommunication domain such as call admission control and routing.
SYNTHESIS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR CHEMOTHERAPY
University of Antwerp
Natural products which are found in African or South-American medicinal plants (coop. A. Vlietinck, Pharmacognosy, UIA) and which show antiviral
activity (coop. D. Van den Berghe, Microbiology, UIA) and also derivatives and analogues are synthesized for further pharmacological studies.
Most of the active natural products are flavonoids and (neo)lignans.
Switch Laboratory
KU Leuven
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Sustainable Metals Processing and Recycl
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Sustainable energy and air purification.
University of Antwerp
Our research is focused on the photocatalytic removal of pollutants in process gases, indoor- and outdoor air. This research focuses on three
groups of pollutants.
The first topic concerns the removal of organic compounds of process gases. Several model compounds are tested in dry and humidified synthetic
air. Solid and gas phase FT-IR spectroscopy, GC/FID and sensors are used to study the photocatalytic process. The goal of this research is to
make a fundamental working model and to determine the optimal process conditions for specific applications.
The second focus is the removal of NOx, VOC and PM in synthetic air and real exhausts with titanium dioxide pellets, films and foams. Different
types of catalytic ceramic foams are developed and tested for their capacity to remove combinations of these pollutants. For example PM and NOx
are the main pollutants in the exhaust gases of diesel motors, so a simultaneous removal would be very interesting. Another study concerns the
combination of NOx and VOC which are the main precursors for ozone formation. This research will lead to realistic, economical and ecological
valid air purification processes.
The third group of pollutants are indoor-gases like formaldehyde and ethene. To obtain more knowledge about the break down mechanisms, the
optimal method of illumination, contact time, flow rate, amount and shape of catalyst is studied during the catalytic process. The study, design and
development of photocatalytic reactors is an important part of our research.
To close the circle, an algae reactor is used to treat the purified exhaust of the photocatalytic reactor. Valuable products like biomass, lipids, amino
acids are the end products.
Sustainable Chemical Process Technology
KU Leuven
Sustainable Chemical Process Technology
KU Leuven
Chemische Procestechnologie @ TMM.
Sustainable Chemical Process Technology
KU Leuven
Chemische Procestechnologie @ KHLim
Sustainable Chemical Process Technology
KU Leuven
Surgical Oncology
KU Leuven
There are two main topics of research which are closely relatedto major areas of clinical work.1. The study of the spread of low-grade mucinous
cancer through the peritoneal cavity and its cytoreductive treatment.2. The study of the changes induced in central veins by long-term catherisation.
It was found that the sleeve around a catheter is not a 'fibrin sleeve' as currently accepted, but a tissue organised by smooth muscle cells.
Surgery Teaching Methodology and Practic
KU Leuven
Surgery Specializations
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Department HEEL houses the research into experimental and clinical, gastrointestinal, paediatric, cardio-thoracic, vascular, orthopaedic and
trauma, plastic and neurosurgery.
The main research topics of the department of surgery are:
1. Experimental Surgery: - Physiopathology of reflux esophagitis and of esophageal metaplasia; - Presancerous lesions induced by
gastroesophageal reflux.
2. Gastrointestinal Surgery: Laparoscopic pancreatectomy and esophagectomy; Physiopathology of pancreatitis.
3. Paediatric Surgery: Necrotizing enterocolitis in prematures.
4. Vascular Surgery: - The non-invasive diagnosis of disturbed skin microcirculation; - Comparison of different surgical and anesthesiologic
techniques for carotid artery endarterectomy.
5. Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery: - The use of carbonated hapatite cements in fracture surgery. Total knee replacement; - Development of a
new hip arthroplasty. Prophylaxis of thromboembolism after total hip replacement.
6. Plastic Surgery: Update of Scoog's selective fasciectomy in Dupuytren's contracture.
7. Neurosurgery: - Preoperative treatment of Prolactinomas with Dopamine Agonists and surgical results; - Improvement of preoperative glioma
grading using perfusion-MRI.
Surface and Interface Engineered Materia
KU Leuven
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Subfaculty Dean's Office, FEB, Campus Ca
KU Leuven
Subfaculty Dean's Office, FEB, Campus Br
KU Leuven
Subdivision Agrotech-JDB
KU Leuven
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STUDY GROUP POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURES
University of Antwerp
The research group's main focus is to study literatures from the margins: postcolonial literary productions from the Caribbean, the Americas,
Australia, Africa and Asia. Those recent literatures demand interdisciplinary critical approach, interconnecting literary criticism with 'Cultural
Studies', 'Black Studies', anthropology, discourse analysis, etc. The research group aims to bridge the gap between the various fields and to
promote authors who challenge the canon with their 'rhizomatic identities' and hybrid cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Prof. De Maeseneer
addresses Hispanic Caribbean authors and has a course on 'indiginismo' and orality in those literatures. Dr. Isabel Hoving teaches a course on
nation and the construction of identity (Prof. Geert Lernout, UIA) and publishes in the field of postcolonial theory, cultural analysis and women
studies. Dr. Kathleen Gyssels voluntarily teaches Francophone literatures, which she compares to African-American literatures. Dr. Luc Herman
has been doing research on Australian literature and has taught on postcolonial literatures at the universities of Antwerp and Wisconsin. Drs.
Elisabeth Bekers is preparing a Ph.D. On the representation of excision in African women's writing. In her classes she focuses on the rewriting of
classical British texts (Prof. Guido Kums). Chandra Chatterjee and Maggie Bowers are both fellow researchers and examine Indian, and Canadian
literature.
STUDY GROUP ONOMASTICS
University of Antwerp
a. The study group's research essentially focuses on the name geography in the Dutch- and Low-German-speaking regions, which onomastically,
geographically and linguistically build a continuum. The study of the geographical distribution of names and of the historical evolution of this
distribution substantially contributes to the solution of problems concerning Dutch and Low-German language history that are still controversial, like
the so-called Westphalian expansion. //..b. Results are published in specialist literature.
Study Counselling FEB, Campus Carolus An
KU Leuven
Study and Documentation Centre "Capuchin
KU Leuven
Study Advice Service
KU Leuven
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Study Advice Centre, Faculty of Theology
KU Leuven
Studies on Media Information & Telecommunication
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research centre for Studies on Media, Information and Telecommunication was set up in 1990 by Prof. Dr. Jean-Claude Burgelman at the Vrije
Universiteit Brussel, within the department of Communication Studies. In 2000, Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels became director of the centre. SMIT
research focuses on socio-economic and policy aspects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and underlying infrastructures. It
combines both fundamental (PhD's) and applied research, and has been active in short and long term, as well as national and European research
projects.
Over the last 15 years the centre has known a steady growth both in terms of personnel as in terms of research output. The centre endeavours an
interdisciplinary course: the majority of researchers are communication scientists, but within the projects they work in close conjunction with
sociologists, political scientists, lawyers, economists etc. In search for structural trans-national collaboration, it has concluded a research agreement
with the Dutch TNO-STB in 2001.
ICT and the advent of an information and knowledge society leads to new forms of organising work, education, leisure, social interaction, political
participation, health, well-being etc. In this way, ICT do impact on every aspect of the life of the 'networked individual'. The latter being at the core of
SMIT's research agenda, projects are articulated under 4 main topics: citizenship, health and well being, media and communication, and
culture/leisure.
In order to contribute to the rise of a 'user-friendly' Information Society, SMIT indeed has a triple, intertwined research scope.
* First, the social shaping of technologies must be studied, as well as their 'domestication' (making a technology one's own) in daily practices and
routines. By studying user-related aspects of technology appropriation and domestication, SMIT aims at formulating recommendations ex ante
technological engineering.
* Secondly, for a user-friendly information society to emerge, policy and regulatory options and foresights are studied and evaluated on their
inherent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
* Thirdly, SMIT studies the way ICT influence corporate and institutional behaviour, objectives and output (content, innovation of services).
Moreover, SMIT performs in-depth analyses on how ICT affect the overall business modelling of converging multimedia and multiplatform
industries. A micro, meso and macro level underlies different research projects.
On a policy level, SMIT research indeed focuses on sub national (local (city), regional (Flanders)), national (Belgium) as well as trans-national (EU,
worldwide) initiatives, and their underlying (in)consistency. On a corporate and institutional level, research ranges from attention for SMEs to trans
national industrial conglomerates involved in telecommunications, computing and media.... As far as the social groups are concerned, SMIT's
research projects encompass how both individuals, specific target groups (micro-enterprises, elderly people, youngsters, NGO's...), and Civil
Society as a whole use ICT in the organisation of their different activities.
Schematically, this constitutes the SMIT's research agenda. Through its research, SMIT is seeking to fill a number of empirical and theoretical gaps
in communication science research, attributing equal importance to both theoretical (evaluation, explanation) and empirical verification/falsification
(facts and figures). Moreover, a normative stance underlies all research projects: research setups should avoid technological, social and economic
determinism. It seems indeed right to stress that SMIT believes that not everything that is technologically possible or economically viable, is socially
relevant or worthwhile pursuing.
Concepts as equal opportunities for all, social inclusion, bridging the digital divide, community building, cultural diversity... are at the core of SMIT's
research concerns.
SMIT research, in its methodological articulation, and depending on the topic under scrutiny, combines user, policy and business analysis (see
scheme) with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. In order to develop new methodological tools, a continuing dialectic
between theory and empirical research is one of the centre's high-level objectives.
Over the years, three methodologies have become the core of SMIT's research agenda:
* user analysis, encompassing
* policy analysis
* business modelling
1. User analysis
Understanding the everyday use of ICT through socio-technological research is one of SMIT's key objectives. We investigate how sociological and
economic trends influence ICT developments and vice versa. This process of 'mutual shaping' between society and technology is at the core of the
research approach. On the one hand this implies a thorough examination of how and why new media are adopted and used. On the other hand this
also requires an investigation of how these media technologies can influence and support developments on different levels in society.
Our mission is to translate these findings to industry and policy settings. For this we envisage three main outputs. First of all the research on ICT
usage feeds into technological design and development decisions, preferably early on in the R&D process. Second a critical reflection on the
interplay between society and ICT supports social, economic and technological policy decisions. Third the user research looks at how the role of
'the user' changes and reconfigures business models of converging ICT and media industries.
In order to examine the ICT user we use different techniques, with a focus on qualitative methods. The interpretative approach is ideal for
understanding why and how the (potential) user makes sense and behaves in certain ways, when being confronted with (new) media technologies.
For this we ground our research on analytical induction, which involves different techniques like in-depth interviews, focus group interviews and
ethnographic observations. These techniques are complemented with quantitative methods, like logging analyses and (online) surveys, to enable
triangulation of empirical findings.
The most optimal set-up for examining everyday use of ICT is confronting (potential) users and (demonstrators of) communication technologies in a
real life setting. This kind of test and experimentation platform is called a 'living lab'. It is an experimentation environment in which technology is
given shape in real life contexts and in which (end) users are considered 'co-producers'. Setting-up and conducting living lab research is one of
SMIT's core expertise domains.
2. Policy Analysis
Policy considerations have always been at the heart of our research on media, ICTs and telecommunications policy. SMIT sees policy analysis as
an overall analytical framework to understand government policy--both in its actions and inactions--and regulation. In our studies on policy
formulation we often start from a political economic point of view and look at how policy comes about, how different stakeholders influence policy
and how different layers of policy formulation interact and what the consequences are. We complement this analysis with more evaluative
approaches, both formal--assessing outcomes and impacts against formal objectives and goals--and normative--assessing outcomes and impacts
against theoretical and moral frameworks.
SMIT has--both at the fundamental and more applied level--worked at different policy levels, from the regional (Flanders), over the national
(Belgium, Holland, South Africa), to the supranational (EC) and international level (WTO, World Bank, ECA, etc.). In terms of our prescriptive
studies we mainly rely on methods and insights related to our political economic studies, user studies and business modelling. In 2003 e.g. we
conducted a preparatory study for Cultuurnet Vlaanderen, looking at user aspects of ICTs and cultural participation, formulating recommendations
for a segmented approach. In 2004 e.g. we formulated a best-practice study on eDemocracy in Europe and recommended lessons for Flanders for
viWTA/Flemish Parliament, etc.
More recently SMIT is starting to extend its methodological toolkit in the direction of foresight studies making use of more qualitative research
methods, both in its policy and business modelling studies. E.g. in 2005 we elaborated scenario's on home care in Flanders for the next 10 to 15
years on the basis of scenario brainstorms with stakeholders.
3. Business Modelling
Increasingly, innovation in ICT services is carried out by networks of private (but also public and semi-public) actors. A common business model is a
prerequisite for the success of such innovations. Interest in the concept of business models has been closely linked to the rise of Internet-based ecommerce. The (additional or alternative) channels offered by the on-line environment spurred firms to devise new ways of interacting with their
customers, be it end users or other companies. Through various forms of disintermediation and re-intermediation, more direct or value-added ways
of interaction between firms and customers seemed to become possible. In the telecommunications sector, interest in the concept of business
models has been fuelled by the (partial) unbundling of technical functions and economic roles, caused mainly by technological developments and
regulatory pressure, and the expectation of a range of new value-added telecommunications services. For telecommunications firms, the main
questions to be solved by new business models are those connected with shifting firm boundaries and the complex provision of new services.
The growing notion of a telecommunication system as a complex structure of cultural, process and technology components engineered to
accomplish organisational goals, creates the need to analyse just what happens in such systems. This integrated view is what sets business
models apart from other models for business design, i.e. process models, business cases etc. Therefore, we define "business model" as a
description of how a company or a set of companies intend to create and capture value with a product or service. A business model defines the
architecture of the product or service, the roles and relations of the company, its customers, partners and suppliers, and the physical, virtual and
financial flows between them
SMIT helps private and public actors to increase the value of ICT innovations through:
* Analysis and benchmarking of existing business models
* Scenario construction and development of new business models
* Analysis of viability and potential implications of future business models
Student Support, Faculty of Architecture
KU Leuven
Student Services - Internal Operations
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Student Services
KU Leuven
Student Secretariat, Institute of Philos
KU Leuven
Student Secretariat, Faculty of Science
KU Leuven
Student Secretariat, Faculty of Pharmace
KU Leuven
Student Secretariat, Faculty of Kinesiol
KU Leuven
Student Office, Faculty of Economics and
KU Leuven
Student Counselling Services
KU Leuven
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Student and Programme Office, Faculty of
KU Leuven
Student and Programme Administration, Fa
KU Leuven
Student Affairs
KU Leuven
Student Administration, FPPW
KU Leuven
Student Administration, Faculty of Engin
KU Leuven
Student Administration, Faculty of Biosc
KU Leuven
Structural Mechanics Section
KU Leuven
Current research in the Structural Mechanics division of theDepartment of Civil Engineering concentrates on structuraldynamics and particulary on
dynamic soil-structure interactionproblems and dynamic system identification of civil engineeringstructures.NUMERICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS are
supported by in situ and laboratoryexperiments. The division has available powerful computerhardware and software, and modern vibration
measurementequipment. Apart from fundamental research, collaboration withindustrial partners within the frame of practical applicationsis
important.DYNAMIC SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION became a field of intenseresearch, especially in relation to aseismic design ofstructures.
Research in the Structural Mechanics divisionfocusses on vibration problems in the built environment due totraffic (road traffic, trains, subways),
industrial and buildingactivities. The effects of vibrations in the built environmentvary from malfunctioning of sensitive equipment, discomfort
topeople to d
Structural Composites and Alloys, Integr
KU Leuven
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Structural chemistry group
University of Antwerp
The Structural Chemistry Group of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Antwerp is a research group which combines expertise on
quantum chemistry, organic semiconductors and diffraction in multi¬disciplinary research on the development and implementation quantum
chemical methods for the study of large systems, the structure and bonding in chalcogen-nitrogen compounds, the structure of organic molecules in
the crystal phase, conjugated polymers, graft copolymers and oligomers for optical devices, the development and evaluation of electronic nose
technology and the structure of molecules in the gas phase.
Structural chemistry
University of Antwerp
Our aim is to produce and characterize organic materials, particularly arylenevinylene oligomers and polymers (AV -compounds), applicable in inter
alia Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLED's) [I] and conductimetric gas sensors (Electronic Noses, EN) [2]. The objectives are:
(i) : Synthesis of new oligomers and polymers of high purity; optimalisation and extension of synthetic procedures. (ii) : Application of theoretical
methods in the design of chemical structures and synthetic routes. (iii) : Characterization by diffraction methods.
A V -compounds consist of alternating an aromatic ring and an ethylenic link. They have interesting opto-electronic properties and are therefore
sometimes classified amongst the Advanced Materials for Smart Devices. In cooperation with the Interuniversity Microelectronic Center, IMECLeuven, we made OLED's in various colors, including blue and white, from home-made A V- derivatives [3- 7] and succeeded in constructing
conductimetric gassensors from A V -polymers and even pure oligomers [8]. The latter discovery resulted in European and US patents and in the
founding of the spin-off company OligoSense. The task of the research group "Structural Chemistry" is to investigate structure-property relations
which should increase the efficiency of these materials as well as the slowing down of their aging process.
Structural Analysis
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
cf. unit "CONT"
Strategy and Organisation
Universiteit Hasselt
Our research is focused on open innovation strategies. In the past, we had a narrow research focus on alliance networks and their impact on
innovation performance. In recent years the focus has been broadened as a result of changing trends in innovation and entrepreneurship research.
In this respect, we have a leading edge research about open innovation in Europe, resulting in a number of publications in leading international
journals. We are a small and dedicated team working together with a selected grou
Stomatology, Othodontics Paradontology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Topic A : Epidemiology of periodontal diseases Gingival and periodontal conditions in young Flemish adults Topic B : The use of anti-bacterial
compounds in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases Effects of antibiotics in slow release delivery systems in periodontal therapy
Effects of oral antiseptic mouthrinses on development of dental plaque and gingivitis Topic C : Diagnostic techniques in periodontology
Automatic image analysis in the evaluation of plaque formation and dental staining Methods for determining degrees of gingival inflammation
Slot immunoblot assay versus bacteriologic culturing techniques in periodontal diagnosis Topic D : Histopathology and microbiology of
periodontal diseases Reinfection of the subgingival pocket following mechanical periodontal therapy
Stomatology, Orthodonty and Parandontology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
THE DEPARTMENT PADO MAINLY DEVELOPS RESEARCH IN THE FOLLOWING
DOMAINS:_________________________________________________________
1. Epidemiology of periodontal diseases (research on gingival
and periodontal conditions of young Flemish adults and Flemish
dental students);
2. Oral hygiene aids (research on plaque removing efficacy of
new toothbrushes and plaque removing efficacy of toothbrushes in
orthodontic patients);
3. The use of anti-bacterial compounds in the prevention and
treatment of periodontal diseases (the effects of: antibiotics
in slow release delivery systems in periodontal therapy, oral
antiseptic mouth rinses on development of dental plaque and
gingivitis, chewing gums containing antiseptic on the
development of dental plaque, gingivitis and staining; and
varnishes in periodontal therapy);
4. Diagnostic techniques in periodontology (e.g. Automatic image
analysis in the evaluation of plaque formation, dental staining
and gingival recession, Methods for determining degrees of
gingival inflammation, Slot immunoblot assay versus
bacteriologic culturing techniques in periodontal diagnosis,
development of new bacterial plaque indices, comparison of
different radiographic diagnostic aids, quantitation of Gingival
Crevicular Fluid as diagnostic tool);
5. Histopathology and microbiology of periodontal diseases (e.g.
Reinfection of the subgingival pocket following mechanical
periodontal therapy, Determination of subgingival plaque in
experimental gingivitis
study).__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
___
.
THE DEPARTMENT SMAF STOMATOLOGY & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY MAINLY
DEVELOPS RESEARCH IN THE FOLLOWING DOMAINS:
1. Computer assisted radiology and surgery(e.g. technologies and
applications for image guided surgery AZ-VUB SMAF Stomatology;
2. Reconstruction of large bone defects with custom made
implants manufactured by rapid prototyping AZ-VUB SMAF
Stomatology;
3. Monitoring the stress-build up in all-ceramics with a novel
optical fiber characterisation technic. Applications of optical
fibre Bragg grating sensors to the study of PMMA curing.
AZ-VUB Stomatology SMAF-TONA;
4. Experience with different speech processing systems in daily
clinical orofacial routine AZ-VUB Stomatology SMAF
5. Surgery in treatment of congenital and acquired deformities
(e.g. Neonatal cleft lip and cleft palate repair, Orthognathic
surgery, Growth analysis and genetics in oral-facial growth and
diseases, prosthetic treatment of ectodermal dysplasia,
distraction osteogenesis for correction of transverse mandibular
deficiency and vertical alveolar ridge augmentation;
6.Therapy for craniomandibular pain dysfunction (e.g. Disorders
of the temporo-mandibular joint: Different manifestations of
articulation disorders associated with maxillary growth,
condylar hyperplasia, mandibular hypomobility, managing
obstructive sleep apnoea OSA)
Occlusion and splint therapy and current principles of
mobilization of the temporomandibular joint.
Nonsurgical treatment of anterior disk displacement without
reduction of the temporomandibular joint: the relationship
between condylar rotation and translation;
7. Forensic science;Determination of age on teeth, improved
techniques and analysis in industrial investigations on dental
materials (polymers,metals.) Research and arbitration in
national
and international legal/insurance lawsuits and dental interests;
Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery
KU Leuven
- Influence of antiflogistica after removal of wisdom teeth.- Distraction-osteogenesis- Biocompatibility and Osseointegration of hydroxylapatietBiocompatibility and alloplastic materials- Materialise - Stereolithography- ESAT - 3D-imaging- Fracture healing with rapid internal fixation (AO
research)
Stochastiek
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
This research unit has two permanent members: U. Einmahl (Probability and Mathematical Statistics) and T.Kadankova (Stochastic processes
and their applications). The other two members, G. Dierickx (Fwo) and D. Thumas are Ph.d. students.
The research by Uwe Einmahl focuses on limit theorems of probability in general spaces. Classical probability theory deals mainly with random
variables taking values in the real line is well developed, but there are many open questions for random variables taking values in infinitedimensional spaces. For instance, there is no natural extension of the classical central limit theorem to Banach spaces. Also the so-called law of
the iterated logarithm which in the classical setting was established in 1942 has only relatively recently (1986) been obtained for infinitedimensional spaces. The most recent research by U. Einmahl has addressed not only theoretical questions such as refinements of the basic limit
theorems, but also applications to statistics such as density estimation which are possible via so-called empirical processes since these processes
can be considered as random elements in a suitable infinite-dimensional space.
Tetyana Kadankova's research is concerned with Lévy processes, especially with so-called one- and two-sided exit problems for such processes.
A problem which she has recently investigated is determining the laws of the first passage of a level (the first exit time from a fixed interval) by such
processes. Lévy processes are considered interesting objects both for the theory and applications. For this reason, this class of stochastic
processes has received much attention during the last years. Some important applications of this topic come from financial mathematics and
insurance. Oscillating Lévy processes serve also as governing processes for oscillating queueing systems and thus they are also important
in queueing theory. Another part of her research is devoted to semi-Markov random walks and compound renewal processes. Additionally,
she studies stochastic processes reflected at their infimum (supremum) which serve as governing processes in various applications.
Stochastic analysis and topological structures
University of Antwerp
Subject: Study of strongly continuous semigroups and other stochastic methods and of strongly continuous semigroups in connection with
mathematical physics, differential equations, and systern theory.
The following subjects should be studied:
(a) Extend existing theorems for generators of strong Markov processes (with a locally compact state space) to Polish and other topological state
spaces. In this way there should be a close(r) connection with infinite dimensional analysis;
(b) In the same spirit the question about what kind of Lie-generators do generate strong Markov processes;
(c) Make a systematic study of reciprocal Markov processes (also called Bernstein processes). They are of interest in the study and description of
Euclidean quanturn field theory;
(d) Establish a relationship between unique Markov extensions and the Korovkin property of linear operator which could be candidates for having
unique extensions;
(e) Investigate the connections which possibly exist between Kullback information, "contiguity" of spectral measures, wave operators, and noncommutative probability theory (and completely positive semigroups);
(f) Augment the knowledge about semigroups of operators and their generalizations ~ (like C-semigroups), and their possible applications in
connection with initial and boundary value problems;
(g) Another point of interest is to understand better the relationship between generators of diffusions and flows on Riemannian manifolds;
(h) Acquiring a better knowledge of partial stochastic differential equations is another priority;
(i) Try to find a relationship between Euclidian Quantum Mechanics, martingale measures, and generators of diffusions on e.g. Riemannian
manifolds;
(j) To establish relationships between Neumann problems, reflected Markov processes, and singular limits.
Stem Cell Biology and Embryology
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Stedenbouw
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Statistics Section
KU Leuven
Research in the areas of probability, statistics, stochasticprocesses, information theory, coding theory, numericalmathematics. Collaboration with
other sections of the university,in particular engineering, medicine, social science, psychology,actuarial studies.Some current research topics:Simulation, Monte Carlo methods, queueing theory, networks.- Nonparametric statistics, extreme value theory, insurance math.- Statistical design
of VSLI circuits, two-dimensional device simulation, mathematical language theories.- Statistical information theory multi-user information theory,
neural networks, statistical inference for censored observations, L-statistical analysis, entropy estimation, source coding, coding for multi-access
systems, nonparametric distribution estimation, maximum entropy methods.- Theoretical and applied probability, categorical data analysis,
insurance mathematics, stochastic modeling.- Orthogonal polynomials, discretization methods in applied physics,fractals and ite
Statistics and data analysis
University of Antwerp
Our mission is to do research in statistics and data analysis methodology. We currently work mainly on robust statistics, cluster analysis,
visualization graphics, and depth functions, but also other subjects are possible and may receive more attention in the future. Our research always
strives to combine three components:
1. Theoretical component: Mathematical Statistics with work on consistency, asymptotic normality, influence functions, breakdown value,... and
other rigorous results. Our main goal is typically to develop new techniques with specific desired properties.
2. Computational component: the development of algorithms for these new methods, with an eye towards computational complexity regarding time
(speed) and space (storage). Often tools from combinatorial and computational geometry are utilized or developed for this purpose. The resulting
algorithms are implemented in software and thoroughly tested. Implementations are usually made in a standard computer language but also in SPlus and in MATLAB.
3. Applications: The new techniques are applied to actual problems from other disciplines, such as chemistry/chemometrics, economics, finance,
electrical engineering, computer vision, medical and biological data... This often happens in collaboration with academic colleagues from such a
field. On the other hand, problems presented to us by such people, e.g. in a consuiting context often motivate us to develop new techniques as in 1.
Our ultimate goal is to provide useful tools to the scientific communityJ which have a solid theoretical basis but are geared towards applications.
Making such a method really available requires a substantial investment in algorithmics and implementation from our part as well.
Statistics and data analysis
University of Antwerp
The need to analyze data occurs in many situations. In the natural sciences, the objective is often to discover structures and underlying patterns. In
medical and pharmaceutical work, one wants to determine the most effective drug or treatment. In economics and business one tries to make
predictions, as accurately as possible. In computer science and engineering, huge amounts of data need to be analyzed for computer vision, data
mining, and real-time process control. For these and other tasks many statistical methods exist, involving estimating and testing, regression, time
series analysis, clustering, discriminant analysis, etc. Our research focuses on the construction of robust versions of such methods, which can
withstand outliers, contamination, or other artefacts. Apart from the methodological aspect, much emphasis is on the implementation of these
techniques by means of algorithms and corresponding software. Our main motivation is in terms of practical applications, and a sizeable part of our
work originated from collaborations with other fields.
Statistics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Topic A : research in numerical analysis-Topic B : research in
differential equations and singular perturbations
Statistical Physics
University of Antwerp
Theoretical studies of orientational order and disorder in condensed matter: molecular crystals and crystals with molecular ions.
Structural phase transitions in relation with orientation dependent degrees of freedom.
Translation rotation coupling in crystals.
Relation between interatomic forces and macroscopic physical properties such as elastic constants and thermal expansion.
Collaboration with experiment, in particular neutron scattering.
Studied systems are : Fullerites (solid C60 and C70), Alkali fullerides. The latter have polymer phases and novel electronic properties. We
investigate the microscopic origin and the nature of the polymer phases.
Further research topics are: hydrogen bonded ferroelectric oxides, structural phase transitions in solid Ce.
Statistical mechanics and thermodynamics
University of Antwerp
We have a longstanding tradition in the study of structural phase transitions, lattice dynamics and molecular crystals. In the past the research topics
encompassed : orientational order and disorder in molecular crystals, translation-rotation coupling in molecular crystals and in ionic insulator
crystals. We have developed and extended the theoretical description and applied these concepts to crystals with small molecules or molecular ions
(CH4, KCN , NaNO2, SC(NH2)2. It was always our goal to establish a link between interatomic and intermolecular forces on one side, and the
physical properties on the other side. The theoretical results are compared with experiments, on microscopic level (neutron scattering, Brillouin
scattering, X-rays) and on macroscopic level (elastic properties, thermal expansion). We have also studied non-conventiona! aspects in molecular
crystals, ferroelectrics, incommensurate phases and orientationa! glasses. In particular we have made contributions to the understanding of the
orientationa! phase transition in solid C60. We were first to extend and to apply the formalism of symmetry adapted rotator functions and group
theory to fullerites. Here our longstanding experience with small molecules was essential. We have a!so treated the coupling of orientational
degrees of freedom to lattice displacements. Hereby we were able to understand the different elastic behavior of solid C60 and C70. We have
described on a microscopic level the occurence of non cubic phases in sold C70, where the experimental information was ambigous. Recently we
have studied the structural properties in alkali-metal fullerides. These compounds form polymer phase with novel electronic properties and it is a
challenge to elucidade the relations between electronic and structural properties. The work of recent years includes a theoretical description of the
hydrogen-bond in ferroelectric oxides.
Stafm_BMW
KU Leuven
Staff Administration, Faculty of Social
KU Leuven
Stafd_Ass_HW
KU Leuven
Ss_Rechtsgel
KU Leuven
Sportspsychology and mental coaching
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
(objectives in english forthcoming)
Het Centrum voor Sportpsychologie en mentale begeleiding
ondersteunt en coacht individuele atleten, teams en
sportorganisaties.
Door middel van mentale training worden mentale vaardigheden
opgevoerd en verbeterd zodat die, samen met technische,
tactische en fysieke vaardigheden, tijdens wedstrijden tot een
optimale prestatie kunnen leiden.
Mentale vaardigheden zijn ondermeer: motivatie, zelfcontrole,
concentratievermogen, zelfvertrouwen, relaties en
teamvaardigheden, communicatie en leefstijl.
Presteer je op training beter dan tijdens de wedstrijden? Ben je
niet altijd optimaal gemotiveerd? Mis je op belangrijke momenten
wel eens zelfvertrouwen? Word je geremd door wedstrijdstress?
Presteert jullie team niet naar zijn mogelijkheden? Doen
moeilijke intermenselijke relaties het toprendement geen goed?
Dan kan Mentale Begeleiding ondersteuning bieden.
Sports policy and managment
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Mission statement:
SBMA is an expertise centre for policy and management in sport.
Vision :
- acquiring knowledge through applied and fundamental scientific research
- use and communicate our expertise in the (inter)national sports world on all levels through:
1) formation
2) guidance and counseling
3) publications on national and international level
Sports Pedagogics and Training
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
SPET currently develops research on:
1. The influence of extrinsic video feedback on the motor
learning
process during the performance of basic gymnastic skills. During
the learning of skills we note that certain parts of a movement
are performed out of our visual range. In these situations the
athlete will only obtain an image of the movement by comparing
with performances of others. During the motor learning process,
this phenomenon frequently leads to an incorrect association
between the image of the movement and the experienced
kinesthesis
(= awareness of muscle movement). Our goal is to evaluate if
immediate video feedback during the performance of the movement
-athlete obtains full visual control- will have a positive
outcome
on the motor learning process.
2. Computer Assisted Scouting and Match/game Analysis System
(CASMAS). The observation of motor behaviour in different sports
has been the aim of our research since over a decade. The used
methodology can be applied in many domains. Teachers, coaches,
trainers, doctors and physiotherapists are acquiring during
their
curriculum a specific observation method, known as Notational
Analysis. Several aspects of the game have been explored using
the CASMAS system, a scouting system developed in the last
decade.
Many analyses have been made at the level of the individual
athlete as well as the team. The future development of CASMAS
and
its application in different sports inserts in the development
of
a scientific basis for the training and coaching aspects of the
sports world. Player profiles, performance parameters and game
efficiency are part of the daily scientific work upon the motor
behaviour of the sports athletes.
3. The influence of different feedback systems on the
acquisition
of gymnastic skills.
4. The time of information processing of visual stimuli by P300
visual technic (in coop. with Univ. of Porto).
5. Research on different sport specific characteristics during
the
performance of gymnastic skills. The performance of several
gymnastic skills are associated with the trainingmethodology,
fysiological and morfological aspects by means of field tests.
Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centr
KU Leuven
Sport and Society
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
SASO focuses on the study of developmental, societal and policy-related issues regarding sport involvement of various segments of the population
(e.g., youth, elderly, people with disabilities, elite athletes). These issues relate to sport participation within different contexts (i.e., organised,
informal and alternatively organised sport) and levels (i.e., grass root and elite sport). SASO has advanced theories and methodologies with regard
to the measurement, development and enhancement of the processes and performances of sport policy and sport organizations. In relation to grass
root level sport, SASO (supervised by Marc Theeboom) has developed a special interest in studying individual and social meanings of sport
participation among specific 'target' groups (e.g., socially deprived youth, ethnic minorities). This interest originally resulted in conducting primarily
applied and policy preparing research. In recent years, a number of doctoral studies have been initiated looking at the potential of sport for personal
and social development of youth. Over the years, members of SASO have become increasingly involved in collaborative work with respected
international partners regarding the topic of grass root sport and development. In relation to elite sport, SASO has developed under the supervision
of Veerle De Bosscher a worldwide international research collaboration platform since 2002, reflected in the name SPLISS (Sports Policy factors
Leading to International Sporting Success), involving researchers from over 20 countries. The SPLISS group is a worldwide leading network that
receives growing recognition from international organizations, such as international federations, the IOC and the European Union. Under the
umbrella of SPLISS, currently three PhDs are running and three joint PhDs with international partners are planned.
Spin-off & Innovation
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Spine research goup
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
SPIR of de Spine Research Group heeft tot doel om het wervelkolomonderzoek binnen de Faculteit Lichamelijke Opvoeding en Kinesitherapie te
bundelen en van daaruit te proberen om groter opgezete wetenschappelijke projecten te ontwikkelen. Het onderzoek omvat zowel fundamenteel als
functioneel toegepaste aspecten, gaande van de studie van anatomische variaties van de wervels over preventie van klachten en de ontwikkeling
van interventieprogrammas tot en met de kinesitherapeutische behandeling van wervelkolom gerelateerde problemen.
Speech Therapy and Audiology Teaching Pr
KU Leuven
Speech Therapy and Audiology Teaching Me
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Speech Therapy and Audiology Student Cou
KU Leuven
Specific Teacher Training Programme in P
KU Leuven
Specific Teacher Training Programme in N
KU Leuven
Specific Teacher Training Programme in N
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Specific Teacher Training Programme in M
KU Leuven
Specific Teacher Training Programme in H
KU Leuven
Specific Teacher Training Programme, Fac
KU Leuven
Specific Teacher Training Programme, Fac
KU Leuven
Specialities
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The former PSYM research unit is now part of SPEC. Our unit is mainly involved in research in the field of depression. In close collaboration with
the Cyclotron Unit of the V.U.B. and the Nuclear Medicine Department of the Academic Hospital of the V.U.B., brain imaging techniques, more in
particular single photon emission tomography (SPET), are used to investigate receptor function in vivo in depressed patients and to study the
effects of antidepressant therapy on different receptors. SPET is also used to investigate the differential effects of typical and so-called atypical
antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients. Our group is also particularly interested in the psychobiology of personality (disorders).
Spanish language and literature
University of Antwerp
Research is mainly concerned with : (1) narratologic, thematic and sociological aspects of Spanish and Spanish-American novels and short stories
of the twentieth century, with special focus on the historical novel and the relationship between history and fiction (2) the autobiographical form in
the sixteenth and seventeenth century.
Mainly the following writers are investigated : Alejo Carpentier, Alvara Mutis, Ramon J. Sender and Francisco Ayala, Juan Goytisolo and Gabriel
Garcia Marquez. At present, Ph.D research is concerned with the characters in the novels by Manuel Puig and with the Spanish-language workers
by the Galician writer Alvaro Cunqueiro.
Remark : as to J. De Kock, see KUL; as to R. Verdonk see UFSIA.
SOM
KU Leuven
Solid State Physics and Magnetism Sectio
KU Leuven
* Multilayers and Superlattices : Electrical transport, magnetic,optical and structural properties of superconducting and magneticartificially layered
materials.* High Temperature Superconductors : Structural, electrical andmagnetic properties of thin films, multilayers, single crystalsand ceramics.*
Magnetic Perovs-kites: electrical and magnetic properties, CMRmeasurements, structural characterization.* Mesoscopic systems : Normal and
superconducting electrontransport in submicrometer devices. Quantum inference phenomenain metallic nanostructures.* Scanning Probe
Microscopy: Surface topography and spectroscopy.Nanometer lithography (STM, AFM, MFM).* Laser-Solid State Interactions & Laser
Spectoscopy: Electronicand structural properties of laser beam mixed metal/semiconductorstructures. Laser ablation and ion beam sputtering
studied byresonant laser photoionisation. Laser spectroscopy and massspectrometry of metallic clusters.* Surfaces and Interfaces : Statistical
mechanical model
Software Technology and Application Research
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The involvement of the non-computer scientist domain expert is
one of the biggest challenges of today's computer science, and
will become an important factor within STARLab. These domain
experts are often not very familiar with formal techniques; so
we must investigate methods that make those formal techniques
more accessible. We should look at computer linguistics, since
natural language represents a universal communication medium
that supports negotiation between information analysts and
domain experts, and at computer-based learning equipment, and
more generally look at tools that more deeply support the
underlying cognitive communication process of co-operative
intelligent agents (e.g. Groupware, CSCW, computer-supported cooperative work). Multimedia systems can achieve a fundamental
link here. The thread running through all of this is a higher
level of knowledge representation and the theory, techniques and
methods needed for it. Because of the domains under study and
the demand of applicability, STARLab research is partly of an
experimental nature, which translates in specific equipment and
infrastructure. Nevertheless there is also an important and
emphatic fundamental theoretical component in this research,
e.g. in connection with the representation of semantics of
information as needed for mutual communication between
information systems.
Software Language Lab
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Software Languages Lab is a research lab within the Department of Computer Science of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
Broadly speaking, the lab is active in the domains of software engineering and programming language engineering. It is our mission to design and
implement better languages to support the software engineering life cycle. This includes programming languages, design languages, meta
languages, modeling languages, domain specific languages, etc.
The lab is very active in teaching, and its predecessors PROG and SSEL, took a leading role in the design of the VUB Bachelor and Master
programmes in Computer Science. Throughout the years, the Software Languages Lab has been disseminating its didactic values in the
international EMOOSE programme. More recently, in UbiLab, we try to project these didactic values onto teaching embedded and ubiquitous
systems.
Software Engineering
University of Antwerp
The main field of research is Software Engineering, with a special interest in Reengineering and in Object-Oriented Development with a heavy
interest in Hypermedia.
a) Object-Oriented Reengineering. The goal of the FAMOOS Esprit project is to support the evolution of first generation object-oriented software,
built with current analysis and design methods and programming languages, to frameworks -standard application architectures and component
libraries which support the construction of numerous system variants in specific domains. Methods and tools will be developed to analyse and
detect design problems with respect to flexibility in object-oriented legacy systems and to transform these systems efficiently into frameworks based
on flexible architectures.
b) Object-Oriented Frameworks. The Zypher Open Hypermedia Framework [Deme96a], resulted in (a) a set of framework design guidelines and (b)
an approach to keep framework documentation consistent with the source code. A comprehensive summary of the design guidelines has appeared
as an article in the Communications of the ACM [Deme97b], later generalized in[Deme99x] and has been used as a basis for designing
coordination components. The work on FACE (Framework Adaptive Composition Environment). In [Meij97a] and Meij96m], we report on how we
made use of the FACE meta-level modelling facilities to provide support for design patterns; [Deme99b] investigates class composition as a
technique in between class inheritance and object composition.
Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology Sec
KU Leuven
The aim of this laboratory is the development of methodologieswith which the processing problems of non-Newtonian fluids (i.e.fluids with complex
flow behaviour) can be addressed rationally.A large number of industrially relevant materials belongs tothis category. Concentrated colloidal
suspensions and polymericfluids (melts and solutions) consitute the two major classes ofrheologically complex materials. Both are being studies
here.Recently work has also started on surfactants.The analysis or simulation of a processing operation requires asuitable characterization of the
materials used. Thereforerheological constitutive equations are being developed both forpolymers and suspensions. In addition the
experimentaldetermination of rheological characteristics in complex fluids isstudied extensively. As such fluids exhibit a variable, flow-induced,
microstructure, the rheological measurements aresupplemented with techniques that probe the changing structureduring flow. Rheo-optical and diel
Soft Matter and Biophysics
KU Leuven
Absorption characteristics of materials used in building and room acoustics. Airborne and impact sound insulation of buildings and building
elements. Noise reduction in buildings and factories. Studies of sound propagation outdoors and traffic noise. Environmental noise impact
assessment studies. Thermal conductivity through building and insulating materials. Thermal, thermo-elastic and acoustic properties of anisotropic
liquidcrystalline and polymeric materials and layered struc- tures. Non-destructive detection of subsurface defects in materials. Laser ultrasonics.
Sociology Administrative Office
KU Leuven
SOCIOLOGY
University of Antwerp
Research topics cover a broad range of disciplines in the fields of Strategic Management and Organization, Innovation Management, Human
Resource Management, Social Psychology, and Cultural Management. Below we mention some of the ongoing projects.
In the area of Strategic Management and Organization, research focuses on strategic failure processes, strategic investments, market dynamics,
competitive strategies, organizational performance and survival, and the effectiveness of co-operation between headquarters and subsidiaries.
Another line of research in the field of Organization and Management involves empirical studies analysing the relation between characteristics
(e.g., personality) of central agents in the organization (e.g., top managers) and the functioning and performance of organizations.
With respect to innovation management, research projects examine the barriers to strategic innovation in industries, and new developments in
service innovation.
Sociology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Research of the Sociology department can be put down to the activities of the research unit Tempus Omnia Revelat.
Research thus focuses on the study of time, culture and society. It groups the research activities of Prof. Elchardus and
Prof. Glorieux. For a more detailed description of research within the Sociology group we therefore refer to the TOR
page.
Society and Environment
University of Antwerp
Since the 90s, the research group specializes in environmental sociology and the sociology of space and environment (in a broad sense). Within
this framework, the following lines of research can be distinguished:
• Social construction of contemporary risks : risk perception, risk governance, risk communication
• The changing role of experts and expertise given scientific uncertainty and/or in light of public controversies; emergence of new concepts and
theories, and assessment of new modes of public interaction
• Stakeholder and citizen participation in knowledge generation and decision making, with a focus on public controversies, dealing with scientific
uncertainty (and social mapping, social impact assessment to identify relevant actors and frames)
• Identifying factors that sustain or build societal support for environmental policies; social transition towards more sustainable societies
• Social inequality and environmental concerns
• Renewal of environmental policy and strategic policy planning; institutional stability and dynamics
• Methods of environmental policy evaluation
The research is informed by theory and empirical work in the fields of sociology of the environment and environmental sociology, sociology of
science and policy analysis. It is primarily qualitative and action oriented, as well as interdisciplinary; e.g. through the pooling of environmental
economics, environmental law, environmental chemistry and toxicology. This interdisciplinary research is conducted with other universities and
research institutions as well as in the context of the UA-Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development.
Special attention is given to analytical aspects of policy renewal, policy organisation and evaluation, public support and stakeholder participation
(multi-actor policy), inter- and transdisciplinarity (science-policy-society relations), the social construction of risk and social impact assessment.
Applications are to be found in the following subfields: environmental nuisance, environment & health, risk assessment, -management and risk
communication, brownfield rehabilitation, integrated water management, disposal of nuclear waste, transitions & sustainable materials, nature
conservation and town and country planning.
Social Research
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department of social research covers as main applied areas: demography and population studies, sociology of labour,
sociology of health, anthropology and sociology of international development. It involves the research teams of Prof.
Lesthaeghe, Vilrokx, Louckx and Papousek. It also organises the teaching aspects in these fields, together with all
methodology courses. In addition, the SOCO group manages a database containing Belgian Census materials and
surveys.
It operates largely via contract funding, both national and international.
Social planning
University of Antwerp
The research group is active in three related areas :
(1) spatial planning of health and social sciences
(2) organizational development in the non profit sector
(3) social exclusion in urban areas.
The emphasis is on social engineering rather than on theoretical elaboration.
Social Movement Agogics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research unit SOBA is conducting research that is aimed at describing, explaining, intervening and predicting the actions of individuals and
groups in relation to policy and guidance related aspects as well as the functioning of structures in the leisure sector in general and the sport sector
in particular.
Research topics:
- Voluntaries in sport;
- Quality in sport;
- Functions and meanings of sport;
- Sport as a means (integration, social renewal, ...);
- Experiences of youngsters in sport and in movement education at schools;
- Social developments and their influence on sport, recreation and tourism;
- Sport policy plans;
- Co-instruction in physical education;
- Globalisation in sport;
- Sport and tourism;
- Socialisation;
- Combination of elite sport and study;
- The role of parents in competitive youth sport.
Social Law : social security law
University of Antwerp
The social law unit is a research and education unit of the department of law. Within the broad domain of labour and social security law, the
member of the social law unit are responsible for education at the UIA, UFSIA (IPO among others) and RUCA. They lecture at the Faculties of Law,
Social and Political Sciences, Medicine, Economic Science and Arts. The unit is actively involved in various training courses with other disciplines
such as Insurance Medicine and Occupational Medicine, Safety Sciences, Ergonomics and Social-Economic policy (VOSEB).
The research domains which resulted in the publication of doctoral theses and reports were related mainly to the assessment of human damage,
prevention and social security; the status of public servants, the laws pertaining to collective labour disputes; the laws governing dismissal; the
authority of the employer; the status of personnel in local authorities (in cooperation with the Institute Administration-University) and international
and European social law. Over the few past years our team has focused mainly on incapacity for work, prevention and occupational safety, the
European regulations on social security, the status of medical personnel, the non-take up of social security benefits, ...
Current research focuses on the following items within the domain of labour law : the law on Collective agreements, equal treatment for men and
women; labour regulations and guarenteed employment. The social law unit is also driving force within the Association of Labour Law (VVA). This
cooperative structure of magistrates, bar and university has initiated various study and training course.
The social law unit also has an international cooperative relation with the European Institute of the University of Utrecht. Other international contacts
in educational and research projects with various Dutch universities, among others within the framework of Comett. In addition, the unit's members
are actively involved in the framework of other European academic activities, especially within the framework of Erasmus and Tempus.
The unit cooperates with the faculty of medicine within the framework of the Information Centre of Human Damage (ICMS) and with the officially
recognized unions within the framework of the cooperative Institute and the Labor Movement (ISUA).
Social Law
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
SORE develops research on labour law and social security law in the national, European and international context.
1. In the field of labour law, the main areas of research are Labour contracts; Workers
participation; - Collective bargaining; - Trade union freedom; - European trade unionism; - Fundamental social rights; European labour relations; - Conflict of laws.
2. In the field of social security law main areas of research are old age pensions; social security problems of migrant
workers; social security of the self-employed.
3. Sore deals also with procedure law in matters of labour and social security.
Social-cultural food-research
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
FOST aims at the study of the history, sociology, geography, politics, philosophy, archaeology, linguistics, and etnology of food in Europe since the
Middle Ages, with the emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a multidisciplinary and inter-faculty research unit, with international contacts in
Europe and the USA.
FOST co-ordindates research with regard to food, gastronomy, culinary culture, table manners, and all issues related to common and festive food.
It welcomes researchers from other universities and countries, and hosts Ph.D. students.
FOST organises a yearly Masterclass. So far, international renowned researchers (Claude Fischler, Alessandro Stanziani, Alan Warde, and
Warren Belasco) discuss 'hot' issues.
Social Competition and Law
University of Antwerp
The Research Programme Social Competition and Law aims to explore relationships in labour law and in social security law. By focussing on the
perspective of social competition and law, phenomena of social exploitation and exclusion can be grasped in all its dimensions and in a complex,
interactive and cross-border way.
This way, the Research Program wants to contribute to the search for innovative and better analyses of the function, content and enforcement of
social law.
Social and Cultural Psychology
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
SLO Talen
KU Leuven
SLO Mij.wet.
KU Leuven
SLO LO
KU Leuven
SLO Godsd.
KU Leuven
SLO GKM
KU Leuven
SLO Gezondh.
KU Leuven
SLO Gedragsw
KU Leuven
SLO Economie
KU Leuven
Slavonic and East European Studies, Leuv
KU Leuven
- Spirituality in modern Soviet Russian literature.- Russian literature in the Netherlands. Secundary bibliography.- The Orthodox Church in Istria in
the second half of the 19th century.- Old Russian literature and Folklore.- 'Emendatio codicis Gandavensis slavici 408 (ca. 1360) ad fidem operum
metropolitae Makarii testiumque graecorum'.
Slavonic and East European Studies, Camp
KU Leuven
Slavonic and East European Studies, Camp
KU Leuven
Skin function and permeability
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Samenwerking tussen de vakgroep Dermatologie en de vakgroep Toxicologie, Dermato-Cosmetologie en Farmacognosie (FAFY) werd gestart via
een project over de epidermale barrière. Dit was het initiatief van de professoren Vera Rogiers, Diane Roseeuw en Kristien De Paepe. Deze
samenwerking -die nog steeds verder loopt- beoogde de ontwikkeling en verbetering van formuleringen voor topische behandelingen.
Verschillende innovatieve dermato-cosmetische producten werden op punt gesteld en de researchresultaten werden gepubliceerd.
Skills Education, Faculty of Medicine
KU Leuven
Skeletal Biology and Engineering Researc
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Sinology, Leuven
KU Leuven
Sinology at KULeuven includes the following three domains ofresearch:1. CLASSICAL CHINESE PHILOSOPHY (Zhou en Han Dynasties):* An
analysis of the 'Xunzi' as a culmination of early Chinesephilosophical debates;* The ethic-religious core chapters of 'Mozi': a textual analysisof the
three-fold structure;* A study of the 'Xunzi';* Paradoxes in early taoist writings: a philosophical and textualanalysis;* From normative language to
discussion of principles in EarlyChina (-5 till -2 century);* Reconstructing the classical repertoire of Chinese emotions;* A study of the 'Mencius'.2.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WEST (since the 17thcentury).* Ritual in the exchange between China and the West in
theseventeenth and eighteenth centuries; * Scientific categories in Chineseprimary sources related toChristianity in the seventeenth century;* Moral
thought and action in Christian communities of the Shanxi-Shaanxi region during late Ming and early Qing;* Compilation of a bibliography of prima
Sexuology Teaching Programs
KU Leuven
Sexuology Teaching Methodology
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Services of the Vice Rector of Biomedica
KU Leuven
Service for Students with Disabilities
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Semiconductor Physics Section
KU Leuven
Electronic characterization of semiconductor interfaces (Si/SiO2,electron spin resonance, capacitance).Electronic properties of amorphous
semiconductors (chalcogenides,hydrogenated amorphous silicon and related materials).Acoustic properties of disordered solids (oxide
glasses,defective crystals...).Electron spin resonance in semiconductor structures.Photoluminescence, photostructural changes in morphous
materials.Optical characterization of defect centers in diamond.
Seksuele-Pel
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Secretary to the Vice-rector of Science,
KU Leuven
Secretary to the Vice-rector of Humaniti
KU Leuven
Secretary of the Dean's Office, FPPW
KU Leuven
Secretariat FEB, Campus Carolus Antwerp
KU Leuven
Scr_Rechtsg.
KU Leuven
Screening, D
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Science, Engineering and Technology Grou
KU Leuven
Schools & Policy (SeP)
University of Antwerp
The research activities of the team are located on the intersection between schools and policy. This perspective embraces policy research as well
as more fundamental research on the influence of schools on citizens values and political knowledge.
The policy-oriented research is concerned with research into educational attainment and equal opportunity-policies (in Flanders), the financingmechanisms of the Flemish educational system and the social-characteristics of teachers in Flanders.
The group has also consolidated expertise in the use of administrative databases to reproduce censusdata on the educational attainment of the
Belgian Population.
The more fundamental research focusses on the influence of schools and teachers on the shaping of political attitudes and knowledge of
adolescents (political socialisation).
School Psychology and Child and Adolesce
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Sagalassos Archaeological Research Proje
KU Leuven
RUUSBROEC SOCIETY
University of Antwerp
a. Historical and literary study of the Christian spirituality in the Low Countries from the beginning till the 18th century//..b. Critical edition of
Ruusbroec's and William of St Thierry's Opera Omnia. Studies about Hadewijch and Ruusbroec and late medieval religious prose in the
Netherlands
Ruusbroec Society
University of Antwerp
Royal Academy of Fine Arts & Royal Conservatory
University College Ghent
No research activity description available
Roman Languages
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The following focal themes can be distinguished in the research of SROM:
1. Theoretical linguistics: Research concerning French syntax and semantics
2. Applied linguistics, psycho- and sociolinguistics: Research on the acquisition and education of language, history of didactics of language,
theoretical and historical analysis of sources of didactic language education (manuals)
3. Research on the theory of literature: Interest in a variety of approaches of texts (psychoanalysis, sociology, stylistics, semiotics) and in the
relations with other creative and artistic forms of expression. Further on, research on the philosophical aspects and on the basis of literature.
4. Research on the history of French and Italian literature: French literature: mainly the Enlightenment, the end of the nineteenth century and the
beginning of the twentieth century, contemporary French poetry (Y. Bonnefoy) with a special interest in Belgian authors (Verhaeren, the surrealists,
Michaux). Contribution to the scientific editions of the work of Vauvenargues, Prince de Ligne and Cocteau. Italian literature: early nineteenth and
twentieth century (Leopardi, Florentine Futurism).
Romanian Studies
University of Antwerp
In general theoretic pluralism is aimed for. This involves that the research group doesn't want to be restricted to a specific theoretical plan, but on
the contrary wants to create room for scientific discussion between several theoretical scopes (traditional linguistics, generative linguistics, cognitive
linguistics, discourse-analysis and logic of reasoning, formal pragmatics) and linguistic disciplines (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics,
pragmatics). However, it is clear that the central points are situated in this field, depending on temporary contingencies bound to the framework and
specific interests within the group.
The current research is evolving in two ways : (I) in a formal/generative framework, with stress on the formo-syntaxis both from a synchronous as
well as from diachronous point of view; (ii) in a morphological and semantico-pragmatical framework, with stress on the formal problems and the
problems with respect to the content presented by the anaphoric elements of the sentence (verb and (pro)nomina) on the one hand, both from a
synchronous as well as from a diachronous perspective, on the other hand the formal pragmatics.
Following research topics are handled :
1.the interpretation of determinators, possibly within the formal framework of the generative grammar and the development of a theory of the
acquisition by young Romanian speaking children;
2.The syntactical, distributional and interpretative variation of possessiva in Romanian in comparison wih other languages.
3.The stressed and unstressed system of pronouns; the construction of a historical dimension in the systematic-synchronic description of the
Romanian pronominal system within the whole of Romance languages.
4. The problem of the expression of time and mode; the search for the peculiarities in the Romanian verbal system
5. The study of expressive pragmatics in a transcultural perspective (in casu the expression of gratitude).
Finally there will be invested in the construction of a corpus of Romanian texts in co-operation with the Institute for Linguistics in Boekarest and in
the construction of a corpus child language in co-operation with Carnegie Mellon and Boekarest.
Robotics & Multibody Mechanics Research Group
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The main research topics of the Robotics & Multibody Mechanics (R&MM) research HRI (cHRI). Core technology is the design and control of
variable impedance adaptability. Most of the prototypes build in the lab are designed and actuators for embodied intelligence principles as safety,
energy efficiency and group can be divided into physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) and cognitive constructed in house. Their most well known
robots are the bipeds Lucy andVeronica, the step rehabilitation robots Knexo and ALTACRO and the robotic Probogotchi have been designed and
deployed for cHRI and developing Robot Assisted Therapy (RAT) with children with special needs as target group.ankle-foot prosthesis AMPfoot.
The social robot Probo and the electronic device
R. Lemaire Centre for Conservation
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Respiratory medicine
University of Antwerp
A. CELL BIOLOGY : A major laboratory research interest focuses on the pathogenesis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). More specifically we are investigating mast cell behaviour upon challenge with different
secretagogues as anti-IgE, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and the modulating effects of mast cell stabilisers and nitric oxides. Mast cell cytology, in
order to obtain a better insight into subtype distribution and function, is also subject of research. The second main area is the pathogenesis of lung
injury. We have developed an experimental model for studying patients who underwent cardiac surgery. These patients may have a reduced risk of
lung injury. During and after surgery several parameters in peripheral blood and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, as cell number,
differentiation and mediators are assessed to provide an indication of possible mechanisms of lung injury.
The effects of pretreatment with steroids and oxygen radical scavengers in order to prevent lung injury are studied. In a controlled study mediator
levels and other inflammatory parameters are measured in blood and BAL fluid of patients with astma and COPD before and after treatments.
B. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ASTHMA : We are active participators in collaborative projects related to the prevalence ans risk factors of asthma. We
participate in the EC Respiratory Health Survey by evaluating epidemiology of asthma in the Antwerp area and presently focusing on possible
causes for differences in prevalence found between young adults living in the urban centre and those living in suburban area as well as in rural
areas of the Province of Antwerp. We are also studying prevalence and risk factors of asthma and COPD in other population groups (eg. migrants,
farmers) and in other age groups (children, older adults).
We are finishing separate studies on the socio-economical and quality of life impact of asthma in the community, as well as on worldwide
differences in asthma management among respiratory physicians.
Research Unit Social Analysis of Security
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
(objectives in english forthcoming)
De interuniversitaire onderzoeksgroep Sociale VeiligheidsAnalyse [SVA] is een samenwerkingsverband tussen de criminologen Prof. Dr. Paul
Ponsaers en Prof. Dr. Els Enhus. Deze onderzoeksgroep maakt enerzijds deel uit van de Vakgroep Strafrecht en Criminologie (Universiteit Gent)
en de Vakgroep Criminologie (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). SVA concentreert zich op criminologisch onderzoek naar 'sociale veiligheid'. Sociaal
verwijst enerzijds naar de selectie- en afhandelingsstrategieen gehanteerd door de actoren in de strafrechtsbedeling en in andere gebieden
betrokken bij het criminaliteitsvraagstuk. De rol van zowel discours als praktijk in deze strategieen vormen hierbij belangrijke aandachtspunten.
Anderzijds wordt ingezoemd op de ervaringen, visies en beleving van de burgers en gebruikers mbt. de selectie- en afhandeling. Meer algemeen
gesteld wordt vooral aandacht besteed aan het herverdelingsvraagstuk inzake veiligheid in onze samenleving. Het veiligheidsprobleem is immers
niet gelijk voor iedereen; de ongelijke verdeling van macht, inkomen, sociaal en cultureel kapitaal ondermijnt de garanties van de rechtstaat op
gelijke rechten. De maatschappelijke ongelijkheid wordt maw. binnen de sfeer van veiligheid gereproduceerd.
Research Units' Administrative Office, F
KU Leuven
Research Unit Public Law
KU Leuven
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (prof. A. Alen)- The state : structure, organs, competences, functioning.- Constitutional law and international law: human
rights.ADMINISTRATIVE LAW (prof. M. Boes)Zoning and planning law, monuments and sites, administrativecontracts-public procurement
law.ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY LAW (prof. K. Deketelaere)International, European, federal, regional and localenvironmental and energy
legislation.HUMAN RIGHTS (prof. P. Lemmens)- European Convention on Human Rights: international and domestic aspects- Right to fair trialRight to privacy- Freedom of expression- Right to development - Universality of human rightsLEGAL SYSTEM (prof. P. Van
Orshoven)METHODOLOGY OF LAW & PROCEDURAL LAW (prof. P. Van Orshoven)
Research Unit of Theological and Compara
KU Leuven
Fundamental theological ethicsFaith and ethicsPersonalist moralsSexual ethicsBiomedical ethicsBusiness ethicsEthics of peaceBiotechnology and
ethicsEcology and ethicsSocial ethicsEthics and metaphysicsEcumenical ethicsConciliar process (JPIC)Women's studiesGender studies
Research Unit of Systematic Theology and
KU Leuven
Research in the Department of Dogmatic Theology concerns bothfundamental theology and specific dogmatic issues. This researchis performed in
the line of the Department's research traditionof theological hermeneutics. It results in a articulation of theexperience of faith, based on historicaltheological foundationsand on systematic-theological reflection reflecting the effortsof Christians and Christian communities both in the past and
inthe present.Special attention is devoted to areas of hermeneutical tensionthat result from the contextual roots of the experience of faithand its
articulation in ever particular, concrete, historical andsocietal contexts. Reference here is made to tensions as betweenexperience of faith and
tradition, faith and reason, faith andscience, faith and history, faith and society, faith and culture.This is the perspective from which the diverse
areas of dogmatictheology come to be studied. This approach supposes sensistivitywith and dialogue with philosophy an
Research Unit of Pastoral and Empirical
KU Leuven
PASTORAL THEOLOGY- Religion in Contemporary Society- New Religious Movements and Trends- Contemporary Church Life- Catholic Church
Personnel- Christian Witness and Communication of Faith- Pastoral Supervision- Training of Pastoral Workers in Parishes, Schools, Health care
organizations etc...Catholic School: achieved in 1998: publication in English of'The Management and leadership of Christians Schools'. GrootBijgaarden/Rome, 1998, 470pp.SACRAMENTOLOGY & LITURGY- Historical Research- Theology of Sacraments and Liturgy- Liturgy and Pastoral
care- Postmodern Sacramento-theology: two colloquia are programmes:1) Flanders & Vliebergh Courses in august 1999; 2) International congres
in November 1999.CATECHESIS AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION- Fundamental Catechetics- History of Catechesis- Religious Education
Programmes in Schools- Religious Education of Adults and Communication of Faith in families- Training of Catechists and Teachers of ReligionMultimedia and Religious Formation: achiev
Research Unit of History of Church and T
KU Leuven
- The research department Church History and History of Theology offers lectures on Ancient, Mediaeval, Modern and Contemporary Church
History. The research of the group focuses on the following items : gnosticism (Dehandschutter), martyrology (Dehandschutter), Augustine and the
Pelagian controversy (Lamberigts), Jansenism (Lamberigts), history of the Leuven Faculty of Theology (Gevers, Kenis, Lamberigts), 19th and 20th
century theology (Kenis), Belgian Church history (Gevers, Kenis) the Flemish Movement & its relation to the Church in the 19th & 20th centuries
(Gevers) and the history of Vatican II Gevers, Lamberigts). The results of the research are regularly published in internationally reviewed articles
and books.- The research is linked to the research of the Department of Theology: Centre for History of the Faculty of theology, Centre for the Study
of Jansenism, Centre for the study of Vatican II. Within the context of these centres, various candidates are preparing a dis
Research Unit of Biblical Studies
KU Leuven
BIBLICAL STUDIES are a critical reflection on the written sources of Christianity & on their meaning today. The research unit is divided into two
sub-units: Old Testament and New Testament studies. A common focus is on the issues of the Biblical canon (in view of the Coloquium Biblicum
Lovaniense in July 2001). OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES: 1.THE TEXT OF THE HEBREW BIBLE. Analysis of the text of the book Ezekiel &
Leviticus,mainly in connection with the preparation of a new edition of the Hebrew Bible (Biblia Hebraica Quinta). Special attention has been given
to the double name Adonî JHWH. 2.THE SEPTUAGINT or the earliest Jewish translation of the Hebrew Bible, the basic text of the early Christian
Church.The research focuses both on the Greek text as a literary & theological work in se, and on its character as a translation of the Semitic
original. a) Lexicography: production of a Greek English Lexicon of the Septuagint in two volumes (1992, 1996), a revised edition is in its fin
Research Unit Labour and Social Security
KU Leuven
LABOUR LAW- Scope and competence of joint committees (paritaire committees)- Employment discrimination- Sexual harassment- Labor law and
industrial relations in the transforming Central European countries- Ocational training- Employee participation, incl. financial participationEmployment and privacy rights- Health and safety in the work place- Sports law- Equality & the distinciton between blue & white collar workers-
Collective bargaining- Settlement of industrial disputesSOCIAL SECURITYResearch on social security and social policy (welfar law), onthe existing
laws in Belgium & Europe and on future law reforms.Documentation and information center on social security andwelfare. Specific topics : - Health
care provisions- Basic social rights- Civil liability and social security- Unemployment of self-employed workers- Computerization of social security
Special team on expert systems for legal advice in social law- Information on social rights- Implementation of social secu
Research Unit International and European
KU Leuven
- The influence of European Community Law on the conflict of laws.- Comparative federalism- The liberalization of the service industry in Europe
and the United States.- Comparative study of a constitutional balance of powers in a federal framework.
Research Unit Economic Law
KU Leuven
1. The establishment of the European internal market in 1992,with respect to:- competition law and trade practices- regulation of insuranceharmonization of company law- harmonization of value added tax- harmonization of withholding tax on investments and corporate income taxcommercial contracts- company law2. Company law with special emphasis on the preparation of thestatutary law reform.3. Mortgage loans.4. Legal
aspects of pension funds.5. The mechanisms of tax reform.Comparative studies in taxation focused on the basic structuresof tax
systems.Harmonisation of tax law in the European Community in the areasof corporate income tax, value added tax ad excise taxes. Studies in
thefinancing of social security systems.Studies in comparative tax reform.Legal issues in international tax law.6. The law of bancruptcy
Research Unit Criminal Law and Criminolo
KU Leuven
Het onderzoek binnen het Leuvens Instituut voor Criminologie (LINC)wordt gestructureerd binnen tien onderzoekslijnen. Een onderzoekslijn bestaat
uit één coördinator, die verantwoordelijk is voor hetonderzoek binnen de onderzoekslijn, andere professoren, onderwijs- enonderzoeksassistenten
en vrijwillig medewerkers. Hieronder vindt u eenoverzicht van de onderzoekslijnen binnen LINC. Voor een overzicht van de afgelopen en de
lopende onderzoeksprojecten binnen een onderzoekslijn,dient u op de onderzoekslijn te klikken.- Politieke criminaliteit, mensenrechten en
menselijke veiligheid -Coördinator: Stephan Parmentier- Georganiseerde misdaad, drugs en terrorisme - Coördinator: LetiziaPaoliJeugddelinquentie en preventie - Coördinator: Johan Deklerck- Slachtoffers en slachtofferbeleid - Coördinator: Frank Hutsebaut- Herstelrecht Coördinator: Ivo Aertsen- Straffen en maatregelen - Coördinator: Johan Goethals- Politie en Justitie - Coördinator: Dirk Van Daele- Strafrechtelijk
beleid en manage
Research Unit Civil Law
KU Leuven
Research covers the field of contracts, family law, law ofsuccession, law of property and torts.Current projects deal with English contract law,
filiation, samesex marriages, transsexualism, law of names, distribution ofmatrimonial assets, human rights and a survey of cases of torts.
Research Support Services, Institute of
KU Leuven
Research Support Services, Faculty of La
KU Leuven
Research Support Services, Faculty of Ar
KU Leuven
Research Support Services, Faculty of Ar
KU Leuven
Research Support Services and Finance Te
KU Leuven
Research Support Service, Faculty of Eco
KU Leuven
Research Policy
KU Leuven
Research on Interactive learning
University of Antwerp
The use of advanced educational technologies is crucial to adults' learning opportunities. Future technologies will be permutations on - or
combinations of print, audio, computer media etc. This multimedia advantage may contribute to more effective learning. As a consequence
multimedia systems may be core technologies in future learning environments.
There is also a trend toward interactive media, supporting immediate reinforcement and feedback to students in order to provide for the
dialogue/support concept so vital in learning (CD-ROM).
So the use of interactive multimeia may be a motivating educational mode for professional training. However its effectiveness depends a.o. on the
quality of the courseware materials.
Courseware refers to sets of computerized study materials an adult can work trough at his own pace. Since most of the courses are modular this
gives considerable scope for choosing modules with particular relevance to his personal or career needs.
At the centre for research on interactive learning we determine the relationship between the use of didactic components in a course (advance
organizers, questions, summaries) and the effectiveness of the learning process.
Research Methods in Human Movement Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Research Unit NAME is concerned with methods and techniques
to improve and assist research in the field of sports,
exercisesand physiotherapy sciences.
Activities include the development, improvement and use of new
measuring techniques and apparatus, methods of analysis, research
designs, statistical techniques, software programs.
Realisations in the past include the development of methods of
3-dimensional movement analysis, a new method and program for
error detection in data of biometric studies, a user friendly
program for the modelling of growth curves, new methods and
formulae for description and analysis of body type and physical
characteristics in kinanthropometry studies, methods and
programmes for notational analysis in team sprots, etc ...
The group was involved in a number of studies such as the
longitudinal experimental growth study LEGS, a multidisciplinary
study on back problems in hospital personnel, a multidisciplinary
study on ankle instability, a study of the influence of weather
on rheumatoid patients, etc...
Research Institute: Centre for Environmental Sciences
Universiteit Hasselt
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Research Institute Center for Statistics
Universiteit Hasselt
&nbsp;
Research in Geriatrics and Gerontology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
To bring together the expertise of the participating departments (for VUB: GERO, Geriatrics department UZ Brussel, FRIA; for UGent: Geriatrics
department, UZ Gent) and to elaborate multicenter trials in order to improve the eligibility for (major) external research funding, stimulate joined
PhD's, realize high-impact publications.
To organize inter-institutional and inter-departmental mini-symposia regarding research topics,
To expand the existing research team in order to allow for 'spearhead-like' research in Gerontology and Geriatrics.
To allow inter-institutional promotorship for Master's thesis's of students at both institutions.
To create common geriatric assessment and treatment protocols at UZBrussel and UZGent, thus facilitating multicenter trials.
Research in Education
Universiteit Hasselt
<OL>
<LI>Education research at university level with attention for:
<UL>
<LI>the development of high quality curricula</LI>
<LI>the understanding of the learning process of students and the mutual influence of educational and learning contexts (included the problem of
the passage high school-university)</LI>
<LI>the development of high quality evaluation tools for both student and teacher performances</LI></UL></LI>
<LI>Projects in collaboration with the faculties</LI>
<LI>Integration of ICT in educ
Research Group Work and Organisation
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group Welfare State and Housing
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group Theology in a Postmodern
KU Leuven
Research Group Sustainable Development
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group Psychiatry
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group Poverty, Social Integrati
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
RESEARCH GROUP POVERTY, SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND THE CITY
University of Antwerp
° Poverty and social exclusion: the main product is 'the Yearbook on Poverty and Social Exclusion' (10th edition in 2001), a reference work in
Flanders. OASeS coordinated several European projects regarding poverty and social exclusion. The group also prepared important policy-making
documents regarding this subject. ° Urban problems and policy: J. Vranken coordinates an EU-project regarding this subject. At the Flemish level,
research support was given to urban development programmes and municipal datbases are developped. ° Housing (the focus is on housing policy
and the accessibility of housing and social housing). ° Migration and ethnic minorities (close collaboration with the Policy Research Centre on
Equal opportunities). Research ranges from socialisation processes and identity formation to the use of ICT by immigrants and ethnic minorities. °
Social economy and 'work care'. Special attention goes to these initiatives' contribution to the social integration of their clientele
RESEARCH GROUP POVERTY, SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND MINORITIES
University of Antwerp
a. To study the different ways in which different forms of social exclusion are produced and reproduced: at the micro-, meso- and macro-level. At
the macro-level: the development of a computerized database in which statistical series, research results, legal documents and bibliographical
information are stored. Analysis of this information. At the meso-level: the analysis of urban forms of poverty (esp. the Antwerp situation) and the
evaluation of related programmes. At the micro-level: the analysis of the 'structures of daily life' of the poor with special attention for their networks.
b. Production of a 'Yearbook on Poverty and Social Exclusion' (3rd edition in 1994). Annual and Special reports on the situation in Belgium.
Research reports on the intergenerational poor, their ways of life and their networks. Development of evaluation methods and techniques for
poverty programmes and projects at the urban level.
Research Group Ophthalmology
KU Leuven
- Neuroanatomy- Cornea- Visual evoked potentials- Culture of retinal pigment epithelial cells- Transplantation of autologous retinal epithelium
Research Group on Emergency and Disaster Medicine
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Research Group on Emergency and Disaster Medicine conducts a research program focused on different aspects of both emergency and
disaster medicine :
* Emergency Medicine: Training, Quality Assessment and Quality Improvement, Information Technology (IT)-applications, Data-management and
Process-analysis, Outcome predictors in emergency medicine, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Developments in medical imaging techniques ,
Patient satisfaction and Patient Information, Geriatric & Pediatric emergency care.
* Disaster Medicine: Evidence-based Disaster Medicine, Modeling and Simulation of Disasters and Disaster Medical Management, Disaster Medical
Management, Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Ethics.
RESEARCH GROUP NEW INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OF LABOUR
University of Antwerp
a. Three themes of research are covered within the main orientation: * intra-industry trade: the main objective is to identify the determinants of intraindustry trade and its policy implications. * anti-dumping policy and practice: to identify the determinants of the anti-dumping decisions and to
analyse the policy implications. * computable general equilibrium analysis of economic integration: to quantify the results of the formation of trade
blocks, particularly in Latin America. b. * Yielded the surprising result that the simultaneous exports and imports of the same product exist between
high income and low income countries. The potential for such trade is considerable.
* The political economy variables play an important role in
yhe injury determination and a somewhat less significant role in yhe dumping determination of the European Union. * Impact of a free trade
arrangement between the European Union and MERCUSOR.
Research Group Neurophysiology
KU Leuven
Lab. for Neuro- and PsychophysiologyThe neuronal mechanisms underlying visual perception and memory.- Single cell properties in striate and
extrastriate cortex of primates and higher mammals.- Link between single cells and perceptual discrimination performance of humans and animal
models.- Neurochemical anatomy of visual cortex.- Single cells and evoked potentials.- Computational, psychophysical and physiological study of
optical flow analysis and shape from motion.- Modelling of cortical receptive field and movement detectors.- Functional mapping of human visual
system with PET and fMRI.- Functional mapping of visual attention and memory with PET and fMRI.- Metabolic and functional mapping in primates.
Research Group Labour Market
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilita
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group for Neurobiology and Gene
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group for Musculoskeletal Rehab
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
RESEARCH GROUP FOR COMPARATIVE LITERARY THEORY
University of Antwerp
* A main focus of the last years was the study of the literary representations of authorship and the reflection on literature and aesthetics in literary
fiction. The research resulted in the publication of 'In eigen boezem' (1999 R. Duhamel ed.). //..* Several members of the group prepare actually
3 international congresses: Maurice Blanchot (A. Cools; Sept 1999), Jan Potocki (P. Pelckmans; March 2000), 'Literature and economics' (E. De
Rijcke, I. Dusar; June 2001).
Research Group for Cardiovascular and Re
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group for Adapted Physical Acti
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group Experimental Oto-rhino-la
KU Leuven
- Production & regulation of mucins by respiratory cells cultured in vitro.- Adaptation to the Reynell Developmental Language Scales to a Dutch
speaking population.- Early bilingualism: research conducted in Dutch speaking nursery schools in Brussels.
Research Group Experimental Neurosurgery
KU Leuven
- Head injury: pharmacological agents.- Lumbar disc herniation: prevention of epidural scan tissue for- mation.- Hydrodynamic characteristics of the
cerebrospinal fluid spaces in normal and hydrocephalic brain. Physiopathology of the Cushing response.- ICP during external vertricular drainage.Biomechanics of skull- and braininjuries in cyclists. Protec- tion by helmets.- Spinal cord stumulation using a new epidural lead and pulse
generator.- Efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents as neuroprotec- tives following severe traumatic brain injury.- Development and clinical
test of a magnetic resonance-compa- tible stereotactic probe for laser-neurosurgery with real-time monitoring.- Study of the effects of cytokines in
spinal cord injury in rats.- Study of the effects of intracerebral administration of opioids inrats.
Research Group Experimental Neurology
KU Leuven
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY - Suprasegmental control of pain sensation. - Chronic pain model. - Tridimensional correlation of medical images. Experimental spinal cord trauma. NEUROCHEMISTRY - Experimental allergy and encephalitis in a mouse model. - Study of lymphokines in human
inflammatory diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis. - Tropical spastic paraparesis associated with H.T.L.V.-1 infection.
Research Group Exegesis, Hermeneutics an
KU Leuven
Research Group Education and Lifelong Le
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Group Christian Self-Understand
KU Leuven
Research department SESO
University of Antwerp
Research department of Philosophy and Religious Sciences
University of Antwerp
Research department of History
University of Antwerp
Research department of Business Economics
University of Antwerp
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT IDEA
University of Antwerp
Research concerning the relationship between social processes and educational leaderschip in order to improve the quality of education. Research
topics deals with School management, ethnic minorities in Flemish education, marketing of educational institutions, organisational culture of schools
and the evaluation of school leader training.
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT FOR THE THIRD WORLD
University of Antwerp
The Department for Development Studies is a multidisciplinary research unit. Underlying the work of the department is the belief that the economic
reseach can contribute to a better understanding of development problems. This has led to give special attention in its research activities to the socalled 'interface' issues involving both the North and the South. Important areas under research are international trade, anti-dumping policies ,
economic integration , adjustment problems , informal sector , political economy issues , small and medium enterprises , social banking , nongovernmental organisations, gender issues , the debt problem and health economics. With respect to these areas , the department carried out
research for local, national and international organisations. Projects in these and other areas have been set up with universities in India , China ,
Nicaragua , Surinam , Kenya , Tanzania , Zaïre and Zimbabwe , mostly funded by the Belgian Administration for Development Cooperation and
coordinated through the Flemish Interuniversity Council. In the past few years , the department has been organising short term programmes (three
months) for specific target groups from developing countries , with respect to Small and Medium Enterprises , The Role of Women in the
Development Process and Project Implementation and Project Analysis. At the request of United Nations organisations such as UNIFEM and
UNIDO additional short term programmes have been set up for civil servants and entrepreneurs from resepectively French-speaking African
countries and Vietnam.
Research department for the study of the Third World
University of Antwerp
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT FOR PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS SCIENCES
University of Antwerp
The task of this department is to stimulate and to coordinate the research in the field of philosophy and religious sciences.Within this department,
the research is organised in the following research centres or study groups: °the centre for spirituality or Ruusbroec society; °the centre for
ethics; °the study group for metaphysics and philosophy of religion
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS ECONOMICS
University of Antwerp
The task of this department is to stimulate and to coordinate the research in the field of business economics .The research is concentrated on the
following themes or fields: //..Accountancy Finance //..Marketing //.. Strategic management //..Human Resource management //.. °Business logistics
and operations management //..°International Management //..°Business informatics //..°Quantitative Business management //..°Small and medium
sized enterprises //..°Audit //..°Business communication
Research centre Ruusbroec Institute
University of Antwerp
The aims of the Ruusbroec Society have been formulated as follows by its founders in 1925: 'a scientific research of the history of Christian
spirituality - both ascetical and mystical - in the Low Countries, from the conversion to Christianity until 1750.' Even though the methodology, the
way in which research topics are chosen, and the manner of publication of the results have developed in the course of the years, the original idea is
still the same.
Within the Society's research activities three main areas of study can be distinguished. First, critical edition of the texts that are the basis of our
research: the religious literature of the Low Countries. Next, interpretative and contextual study of those texts. Third historical research on the first
years of the Ruusbroec Society from both cultural and social perspectives, as well as codicological research is carried out.
Research Centre of Public Economics, Leu
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre of Monetary and Informat
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre of International Economi
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre of Energy, Transport and
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre of Economic History, Leu
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre of Econometrics, Leuven
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre of Development Economics
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre International Finance, L
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre Insurance, Leuven
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre for Women-studies
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Centre for Womens and Gender Studies is a multi-faculty research centre which aims to co-ordinate and stimulate research and education on
these issues within the VUB and to co-operate with other centres in Belgium and abroad. The centre has sponsored a lunch series on selected
themes on a yearly basis since 1997-98. In 1998-99 the Centre initiated a new course in the second cycle, An Interdisciplinary Introduction to
Womens and Gender Studies. It has published the series Rapporten en Perspectieven over Vrouwenstudies 1988-93 and prepared the basis for
the bibliography on Womens Studies in Belgium now housed at the Belgian institution Amazone. Affiliated researchers come from a wide variety of
disciplines including History, Language and Literature, Law, Politics, Policy, Sociology, Education and Psychology, and Development Studies.
Members of the Centre usually carry out their research within their respective disciplinary subgroups, but the Centre provides an important support
for exchange and the development of new research proposals. It assists in the dissemination of research results. Further, the Centre sponsors its
own research on issues in gender and education, policy family, equality, etc. and politics.
Research Centre for Women-studies
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Centre for Women's and Gender Studies is a multi-faculty research centre which aims to co-ordinate and stimulate
research and education on these issues within the VUB and to co-operate with other centres in Belgium and abroad. The
centre has sponsored a lunch series on selected themes on a yearly basis since 1997-98. In 1998-99 the Centre initiated a
new course in the second cycle, 'An Interdisciplinary Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies'. It has published the
series Rapporten en Perspectieven over Vrouwenstudies (1988-93) and prepared the basis for the bibliography on Women's
Studies in Belgium now housed at the Belgian institution 'Amazone'. Affiliated researchers come from a wide variety of
disciplines including History, Language and Literature, Law, Politics, Policy, Sociology, Education and Psychology, and
Development Studies. Members of the Centre usually carry out their research within their respective disciplinary subgroups,
but the Centre provides an important support for exchange and the development of new research proposals. It assists in the
dissemination of research results. Further, the Centre sponsors its own research on issues in gender and education, policy
(family, equality, etc.) and politics.
Research Centre for Visual Poetics
University of Antwerp
Poetics derives from "poiesis", or "active making". The poetics of an artistic medium places the artwork at the center of study and studies the
finished work as the result of a process of construction. It mounts explanations how the artwork works and why under certain circumstances it came
to look the way it did. It reveals, more specifically, the inextricable weaving together of representation and discourse, the imbrication of visual and
verbal experience at the core of performance and cinema.
Visual poetics doesn't constitute a distinct critical school. It has no privileged semantic field, no core of procedures for interpreting, no unique
rhetorical tactics. Any inquiry into the fundamental principles by which theatre and cinema are constructed, and the effects that flow from those
principles, can fall within the domain of visual poetics.
A research project in visual poetics may be primarily analytical, studying particular devices across a range of works or a particular work: it takes as
its object a body of conventions; observation of general tendencies with a scrutiny of particulars. Or it can be mainly historical: trying to understand
how theatre and cinema assume certain forms within a period or across periods.
Visual poetics considers critics of visual art to be makers too, and could analyze their materials, principles, and concerns with effect both from an
analytical and historical perspective. In this context the primary interest lies with "ekphrasis", or the engagement with performance and film through
language.
In poetics the choices of the artist will also be correlated with some purpose ¿ the design of the work, its function or effect on the perceiver. Poetics
is interested in wider cultural factors and intersubjective data, but only as they relate to the question at hand. It doesn't neglect the influence of
society, ideology, or culture on audiences or viewers, but assumes that cultural activities are mental in an important sense: learned, recalled and
rethought by the embodied minds of social agents. To study intent and effect of the artwork, a mentalistic poetics is proposed, provided by what we
broadly call the cognitive approach to mental life. The primary interest is a group of vision-competencies a human being can develop by seeing and
at the same time having and integrating other sensory experiences, what John Debes calls "visual literacy".
Research centre for Studies in Tourism Development
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Worldwide, tourism has already become the biggest economic sector and is still growing. In many developing countries tourism is the major driving
force behind economic growth and social improvement, thanks to its labour-intensive nature and the substantial side-effects it generates on other
economic activities. However, cultural and ecological disruption are never far away from tourism development. OSTO intends to study the
conditions for a harmonious advancement of the economic, cultural and ecological outcome of tourism development. Its composition is therefore,
evidently, of a multidisciplinary and interfaculty nature to cover the multiple aspects of the tourism phenomenon.
Research Centre for Quantitative Busines
KU Leuven
Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Campus Brussels (@ HUB)
Research Centre for Organisation Studies
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre for Operations Research
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre for Operations Managemen
KU Leuven
Operations management Mission statement and study domain In accordance with the mission statement of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and
the Department of Applied Economics, the mission of the research group Operations Management involves the delivery of academic education, the
performance of fundamental research and the delivery of services in the domain of operations management. Operations management can be
generally described as the management of the resources that are needed for the production of goods and services provided bythe organisation.
The production of goods and services occurs through atransformation process that transforms various inputs (raw materials, components, partly
finished products, information, customers, facilities,equipment, technology, human resources, ) in desired outputs (goods and services). The
operations management function holds the primal responsibility for the production of goods and services the fundamental raison dêtre of an
organisation. As
Research Centre for Mathematical Economi
KU Leuven
Research Centre for Marketing and Consum
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre for Management Informati
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO)
University of Antwerp
The Research centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO) originated from the Panel Study on Belgian Households (PSBH). After the
closure of PSBH, the research horizon widened to the broader field of family sociology, sociology of labour, social demography and sociology of
health and care. At this moment, the centre is active on several domains in the social sciences whereby the life course perspective is central, both
theoretically and empirically. Both fundamental and policy oriented research projects are carried out.
1. Data collection and methodology
First, all members of Cello have a strong methodological interest. Building on a long tradition, CELLO participates in several national and
international data collection programs. The centre has expertise in both CAPI-and PAPI-data collections. CELLO has an own pool of interviewers
collecting high standard academic data. Throughout the years, we have gathered a broad expertise in quantitative and qualitative research
methodology and analysis techniques. All professors in the centre participate in courses in research methodology or statistics. In order to unlock
statistical literature for students and researchers, practice-based textbooks have been published in the MTSO-INFO series and the Step in Statistics
and Research book series (Acco).
2. Sociology of the family
The research stream in the sociology concentrates on the study of causes and consequences of important life course transitions. In particular, we
study the causes and consequences of divorce and the meaning of new emerging household forms.
3. Social demography
This stream focuses on household transitions, family formation, fertility, and the position of immigrants in receiving countries. Particular attention is
devoted to the interrelations between demographic processes of variables on the on the hand and changing values orientations, economic and
(social) policy contexts on the other. Based on the VUB research tradition on family formation and fertility in Europe, this expertise will now be
continued in CELLO.
4. Sociology of labour
In the research stream in the sociology of labour, the emphasis lies on the analysis of careers and the consequences of individual career transitions
on the further development of the career. Other topics concern the quality of careers and the early leave problematic after the age of 50. On the
crossroad with the sociology of family, the research focuses on the work-life balance.
5. Sociology of health and care
Social scientific research on a variety of health-related topics with special attention to: organizational aspects of health care (hospital and home
care); task-shifting and interprofessional cooperation; quality of care and quality of life; sociology of chronic illness, HIV/AIDS care (antiretroviral
treatment adherence); and international comparative health systems research. This knowledge is applied to regional, national and international
(South Africa) settings.
Research Centre for Human Relations, Cam
KU Leuven
(URL:https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/nl/unit/52510384)Human Relations Research Group (HRRG), Campus Brussel (@ HUB) .
Research Centre for Globalization, Innov
KU Leuven
(URL:http://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/unit/52510387)Research Centre for Globalization, Innovation and Competition, Campus Brussels (@
HUB).
Research Centre for Finance, Accountancy
KU Leuven
Onderzoeksgroep Finance, Accountancy & Taks @ HUB.
Research Centre for Entrepreneurship
Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel
The Small Business Research Institute is focusing on applied research concerning small and medium-sized
enterprises in Belgium. In most of the projects theoretical hypotheses are tested on the basis of large scale
empirical fieldwork. The projects lead to concrete policy suggestions for SMEs, public authorities and supporting
infrastructure.
Research Centre for Educational Research
KU Leuven
Educational Research & Development (EERD), Campus Brussel (@ HUB).
Research Centre for Economics and Corpor
KU Leuven
Research Centre for Economics and Corporate Sustainability, Campus Brussels (@ HUB).
Research Centre Finance, Leuven
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Centre : Esthetics, Imaginary and Creation
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The ongoing research of CREI is concentrated in the fields of:
1. Hermeneutics of Poetry;
2. Relations between Pictural and Poetical Creation (XXth
cent.);
3. Aesthetics of Contemporaneous Arts;
4. Phenomenological, Semiotical ans Cognitive Approaches of
Creativity;
5. Esoterism in literature, fantastic literature
6. Pedagogy of Creativity.
Furthermore, CREI has special interest in: - Emile Verhaeren; Jean Cocteau; - Christian Dotremont
Research Centre Archives and Records Management
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research unit Archives and Records Management is an inter-university group (K.U.Leuven, U.Gent, V.U.Brussels). Research is done by and
under the supervision of the staff, with the help of Ph.D. students and graduates which have a job in the field. Research is done in records
management (all kind of topics).Two more specific research areas are:1. Historical and contemporary analysis of the institutional and administrative
structures of corporate bodies; 2. Archives and records management policies in universities and in science.
Research Centre Accountancy, Leuven
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Research Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Universiteit Hasselt
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Research Administration, Faculty of Theo
KU Leuven
Reproductive immunology and implantation
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Research Group Reproductive Immunology and Implantation aims to study different aspects of implantation of a human embryo and, more
specifically, the interaction between the endometrium and the embryo which leads to a successful implantation in natural and stimulated cycles for
IVF.
Reproduction and Genetcis
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The core business of REGE is the interphase between reproduction and genetics, a wide discipline covering several subdisciplines. Male infertility
and the search for genes involved in spermatogenensis is a first topic that is mainly investigated within the Centre for Medical Genetics. A second
important topic covers the (epi)genetics of embryos and embryonic stem cells, amongst others the investigation of chromosomal abnormalities,
epigenetic changes and the development of embryonic stem cells carrying a monogenic disease as disease models. Through our intensive
collaboration with the Centre for Reproductive Medicine , we have a special interest in human embryology with topics such as the pluripotency of
preimplantation embryos and the comparison with embryonic stem cells, cryobiology and the follow-up of childran born after medically assisted
reproduction.
The clinical activity within the CRG with continuing development of new infertility treatments and monitoring and fine-tuning of existing infertility
treatments has for years been extremely active and internationally recognised.
As historically developed activity, we have a link with neuropaeditrics for the investigation of mitochondrial pathologies and cortical malformations.
More recently, and with the arrival of Prof Brugada at our campus, an activity in cardiogenetics has been set up.
The interphase between genetics and reproduction is a specific hybrid branch of biomedical sciences in which the VUB and our group excel.
Rehabilitation Sciences, Campus Bruges
KU Leuven
Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI)
University of Antwerp
The research group REVAKI belongs to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, departement Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy.
The departement is integrated from October 1, 2013. Currently, the research group is fully engaged in the implementation of their research.
Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
University of Antwerp
Rehabilitation Research Center
Universiteit Hasselt
The MS Rehabilitation Research Center (REVAL) is the PHL-University College Department of Healthcare research institute. Furthermore, REVAL
PARTNERS are the Hasselt University Biomedical research institute (BIOMED) and the Overpelt Rehabilitation &amp; MS Center.&nbsp;<br> It
constitutes a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in neurological rehabilitation, motor control, (exercise) physiology, psychosocial
rehabilitation and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.<br>It focuses on fundamental &amp; appli
Rehabilitation Research
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Overview of the main research activities:
Pierre Lievens and Philip van der Veen
- Edema after mastectomy: In order to optimise the physical therapy treatment of edema after mastectomy, the existence of new formed lympholymphatic anastomosises is researched on animal models;
- The influence of physical means on the lymphatic vasomoticity is investigated;
- In the field of electrotherapy we are searching for the optimal parameters for electrical muscle stimulation;
- In the field of Laser therapy studies are done to detect the working mechanisms of biostimulation effects of this technique.
Peter Vaes: Ankle joint stability: Working together with a number of VUB departments and labs a number of studies have been carried out. The
most important research activities are: clinical studies of the diagnosis procedures and treatment outcomes of the acute ankle sprain,
Roentgenologic analysis of efficacy of ankle bandages and several ankle braces. Measurements of joint proprioception.
Eric Kerckhofs: Research on Neurological Rehabilitation (Stroke, Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis).
Romain Meeusen: Research in the field of: Neurotransmission, Diabetes, Sports rehabilitation, Cryotherapy.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Overview of the main research activities:
Pierre Lievens and Philip van der Veen
- Edema after mastectomy : In order to optimalise the physical
therapy treatment of edema after mastectomy, the existance of
new formed lympho-lymphatic anastomosises is searched on animal
models;
- The influence of physical means on the lymphatic vasomoticity
is investigated;
- In the field of electrotherapy we are searching for the
optimal parameters for electrical muscle stimulation;
- In the field of Laser therapy studies are done to dedect the
working mechanisms of biostimulation effects of this technique.
Peter Vaes: Ankle joint stability : Working together with a
number of VUB departments and labs a number of studies have
been carried out. The most important research activities are:
clinical studies of the diagnosis procedures and treatment
outcomes of the acute ankle sprain, Roentgenologic analysis of
efficacy of ankle bandages and several ankle braces.
Measurements of joint proprioception.
Eric Kerckhofs: Research on Neurological Rehabilitation (Stroke,
Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis).
Romain Meeusen: Research in the field of: Neurotransmission,
Diabetes, Sportsrehabilitation, Cryotherapy.
Rector Roger Dillemans Institute for Fam
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Rectorial Services
KU Leuven
Rectorial Offices
KU Leuven
Rectorate
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
support to general educational and scientific research
Reception and Logistics, Faculty of Arts
KU Leuven
RD Kulak
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Radiopharmacy
KU Leuven
The research of the group is directed towards the development ofnew radiopharmaceuticals for use in nuclear medicine and labelledwith
technetium-99m, carbon-11 or fluorine-18. On the other hand,part of the activities is also in the field of optimisation ofexisting radiopharmaceuticals
in terms of improved productionmethods, better methods for analysis, formulations with enchancedstability.The search for new
radiopharmaceuticals is situated in the fieldof development of specific radiolabelled products for the earlydiagnosis of (1) Alzheimer's disease, (2)
tumours on which anti-gens are expressed to which some peptides bind with high affinity(3) bone metastases, (4) hypoxic areas as an indication of
tu-mours.The search includes (1) organic synthesis of non-radioactive pre-cursors, (2) labelling with technetium-99m, carbon-11 or techne-tium99m, (3) development of methods for analysis, (4) biologicalevaluation on cell lines and/or in mice, rabbits and/or a baboon.Depending on the
results,
Radiology
KU Leuven
1. Experimental radiology :- Radiological study of the microvascularisation of normal andpathological tissues by microfocus microangiographic
techniques.2. Computerized Tomography :- Volumetric spiral Computerized Tomography- Three dimensional imaging- High resolution
Computerized Tomography of the lung- Geological applications3. Contrast agents :- Pharmacodynamics of experimental contrast agents for
Magneticresonance in normal and pathological tissues - animal experimen-tation.4. Magnetic Resonance :- Functional brain imaging- Magnetic
resonance angiography- Functional cardiac imaging- In vivo spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging at 1.5 Tesla- Analysis and correction of image
distortion5. Image processing : - 3-Dimensional display, stereotactic workstation- Stereolithography- Digital radiology6. Ultrasound :- Intravascular
ultrasound7. Simultaneous radioscopic and manometric registration duringthe study of swallowing and defecation act.
Quantum Chemistry and Physical Chemistry
KU Leuven
The methods of quantum mechanics are applied to the study of a wide variety of both organic and inorganic compounds. Molecular structure and
properties are predicted on the basis of theoretical calculations. Due to the recent developments in computer technology, the precision of the
calculation is often competitive with (and sometimes superior to) experimental measurements. Three categories of molecules are studied: 1.
Transition metal compounds (complexes of Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Rh, Pd, Pt,U...) Study of the relationship between molecular geometry and
the optical, magnetic, thermodynamic, kinetic and catalytic properties. 2. Organic heterocyclic molecules with pharmaceutical potential: study of
different reaction patterns (additions, substitutions, rearrangements). 3. Clusters of main-group elements: study of electron counts in relation to
chemical reactivity.
GAS-PHASE, ENVIRONMENTAL & SURFACE CHEMISTRY Gas-phase reactions involving free radicals are crucial in com- bust
Quantitative Psychology and Individual D
KU Leuven
1. Holistic modelling of personality functioning:(a) search for comprehensive, summary descriptions of stableindividual differences in response
profiles across situations.(b) search for structural and process-related psychologicalmechanisms at the basis of those individual differences.2.
Development of mathematical models (in particularclassification and decomposition models for binary data) andassociated algorithms; study of
Bayesian statistics to estimatemodels and to monitor their quality.3. Use of models in (2) for holistic study of personalityfunctioning as mentioned in
(1)4. The emotional structure of interpersonal relations and themultifaceted self5. Implicit rules and inference mechanisms in
psychiatricdiagnosisMATHEMATICAL PSYCHOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGICAL METHODOLOGY (L. Delbeke)* Methodological research:
Multidimensional scaling, in particu-lar scaling models for preference judgments. Estimation of reac- tiontime distributions, with applications in
multidimensionalscaling, and
Quantitative Models in the Human Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
In the research unit 'Quantitative Models in Human Sciences', research covers a wide range of models in Human sciences, among which are:
1. Boolean analysis, analysis of binary co-occurrence data resulting in implication schemes. Specific methods have been developed for
applications in human sciences research;
2. Mathematical models for manpower planning, modelling of manpower systems in large organisations to support management in making their
decisions;
3. Models for institutional management, development of methods and software for evaluation and management in institutes for higher education.
Quantitative Lexicology and Variational
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Quantitative Lexicology and Variational
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Public Law - Government - Electronic Managment
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
This research group has his main focus of interest on the public sector in general, and the different possible perspectives of studying this subject:
from a managments view, from the ICT-perspective, e-governement, local authorities ... All these views on the public sector are supported by the
multi-dsiciplinary composition of this research unit.
Public Health Care
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department GESG mainly develops research activities in the following domains:
1. Economical aspects of HIV/AIDS;
2. Terminal (palliative) home care: pain management;
3. Needs in potentially lethal conditions and in the elderly, stressing informal care;
4. Gerontechnology;
5. Health indicators in Youth;
6. Chemical and physical factors of occupational load, especially biological monitoring;
7. Evaluation of primary health care training for non-medical health care workers in developing regions.
Public Health and Primary Care, Campus K
KU Leuven
Public Governance Institute
KU Leuven
Careers and public personnel systems; task profiles and function description of the employees in Belgian medium-sized cities : study and
development of standards for personnel; state of the art of personnel and finance in Belgian municipalities. Auditing and organizational analysis in
public agencies and non-profit organizations; personnel policy-personnel management and human resources (career development, career planning)
; the organization of the civil service. Productivity, efficiency and affectiveness in public services. Political decision making. Training and
management development programmes for higher civil servants. Changing profile of top civil servants; the politicization of the civil service;
motivation of civil servants : a condition for an efficient and effective administration; fiscality : a comparative study of efficiency and effectivity of tax
collecting agencies. In the field of public management, policyanalysis, evaluation methods or techniques, public personnel mana
Publications, Faculty of Theology and Re
KU Leuven
Public Administration & Management
University of Antwerp
Both the practice and the discipline of public administration underwent a fundamental transformation over the last decades. Under the banner of
New Public Management (NPM), a multitude of reforms has been initiated in public sectors globally. Competition, 'agencification' and organizational
autonomy, performance-based contracts, measurement, flexibility and privatisation are some of the keywords of this globalization of reform ideas. It
is an explicit anti-thesis against Weberian bureaucracy. The controversy around managerialism in the public sector is a fertile ground to develop the
focus of our research group. However, rather than to engage in the dispute between 'old' public administration and 'new' public management, we
want to develop a theoretical understanding of the tensions that NPM has provoked. Moreover, we want to understand how NPM elements have
supplemented bureaucratic values and instruments and how the Post-NPM emphasis on interorganisational coordination and collaboration creates
tensions with NPM reform strategies. In our view, four inter-related perspectives remain underexposed in managerialism.
Law and administration
Administrative law is the tailpiece of Weberian bureaucracies. The administrative law serves to regulate the delegation of authority to bureaus as
well as the rights and duties of the citizen vis-à-vis government. NPM not only introduced more contractual relations in the public domain, it also
shifted roles; citizens become clients and administrations become providers. We study whether and how public law incorporates these changes. We
additionally study how the current emphasis on interorganisational collaboration between levels of government and between public and private
actors impact upon the nature of public law.
Politics and administration
The separation of politics and administration can be seen as one of the proverbs of public administration. NPM has taken the separation of politics
and administration to the extreme. Empirical evidence does however not support a clear-cut separation. Politicians interfere in the machinery of
government and bureaucracies assume considerable political roles. This crossover of tasks is even more prominent in the current era of
internationalisation as well as multi-actor and multi-level governance. We thus have to bring politics into the analysis.
Performance and administration
Although being an NPM mantra, two aspects of the concept of performance remain in our view understudied. First, we are doing research on how
performance indicators in the public sector are being used in practice. Secondly, we study the performance of performance measurement and
management. Do such managerial PA styles have an impact, either positive or negative, on results of organisations?
Multi-actor and multi-level nature of administration in a globalizing world
Current public sector reform trends (both NPM and Post-NPM) are disseminated at a global scale, affecting both developed and developing
countries. Together with trends of supra-nationalization, global reform ideas tend to disperse public authority into multi-actor and multi-level
constellations that are governed by mixes of hierarchy, market and networks. By international comparative research, we study how such global
reform trends impact upon domestic administration and how administrative-political regimes and country-specific idiosyncrasies influence the
adoption of reforms.
Psychopathology and Information Processing in Older Adults
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Research alliance between VUB (head Prof. Dr. Rossi) and UG (head Prof. Dr. De Raedt) on psychopathology and information processing in olders
adults
Psychiatry
University of Antwerp
1. Taxonomy.
During recent years there has been a considerable interest in validating hypotheses on the existence of subtypes of unipolar depressive disorders
(melancholic, vital, neurotic, reactive, minor ...). We use multivariate statistical techniques and clusteranalysis as tools to investigate issues of the
dimentional/categorical approach to classifying depressed patients.
2. Biological state markers of depressive disorders and the Serotine hypothesis.
L-tryptophan (L-TRP) is the precursor of serotonin and a deficiency in this neurotransmitter plays a part in the pathophysiology of melancholia. The
brain serotonin synthesis partly depends on the availability of L-TRP in the plasma and we showed that total L-TRP circulating levels were lower in
melancholic patients as compared with normal controls or minor depressives. The blunted thyroid secreting hormone (THS) responsivity to thyreot
ropin releasing factor (TRF) in severely depressed patients is determined by a lower basal TSH secretion. We study also the diminished ACTH
secretory response after corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CHR).
3. Psycho-Immunology.
During the last five years, our laboratory has provided strong evidence that severe depression may be accompanied by a systemic phagocytic
(monocytes, neutrophils) cells, T cell activation, B-cell proliferation, an "acute" phase response with increased plasma levels of positive and
decreased levels of negative acute phase proteins, higher autoantibo dy (antiphos-pholipid) titers, disorders in exopeptidase enzymes, such as
dipeptidy) peptidase IV and angiotensin converting enzyme, and increased production of interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-6 by peripheral blood
mononuclear cells. We have hypothesized that increased monocytic production of interleukins (IL-1B an IL-6) in severe depression may constitute
key phenomena underlying the various aspects of the immune and "acute" phase response, while contributing to disorders in other biological
markers of depression, such as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis hyperactivity, and decreased serotonin metabolism.
Prothet.Tand
KU Leuven
BIOMAT RESEARCH GROUPFibre-reinforced bioactive glass as a potential dental implantmaterial. Control of processing variables, designing
andhistological and clinical evaluation of these implants in dogs.Bioactive glass particles as a filler material for osseouslesions.Bone remodelling
around dental implants under load-bearingconditions.Hydroxylapatite plasma-sprayed oral implants and theireffectiveness in spongious jawbone.
Experimental studies ingoats.Surface roughness of oral implants and their effectiveness inspongious jawbone. Experimental studies in
goats.Clinical long term evaluation of dental osseointegrated implantsupported prosthetic reconstructions in man.Quantification and qualification of
forces on oral implants:in vivo and vitro studies.
Proteinchemistry, proteomics and epigenetic signalling(PPES)
University of Antwerp
The cluster Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signalling is active on three domains: neurodegeneration, infection and inflammation. For the
first part the cluster studies for example the effects of hypoxia/ischemia and the role of hemeproteins herein and how this is perceived in metabolic
active tissue such as brain. In the second part the virus-ghost relationship will be studie on intra- and extracellulair level. In the final part the effects
of external influences (like endocrine disruptors, hormones, oxidative stress, hypoxia, nutrients,..) will be studied in relation to the protein(signal)
function and (epi)genomic regulation of inflammation in immune cells (monocyte, macrophage), cancer cells (CLL, myeloma, breast cancer,
neuroblastoma, glioblastoma). All these studies will be performed at the protein, proteome and epigenome level.
Following topics will be handled:
¿ Intracellular anti-HIV responses that are mediated by TRIM19 are being studied at the level of protein-protein interactions. A short amino acid
sequence is attached to the PML protein, enabling the purification and characterization of PML-associated proteins from virus infected or uninfected
cells.
Expression and distribution of other anti-HIV proteins such as TRIM5a and APOBEC3G is being studied in immune cells (CD4+, CD8+,
monocytes¿) of uninfected, HIV-infected and HIV-resistant individuals (ESN or Exposed Seronegatives).
¿ Extracellular anti-HIV responses. Proteins and peptides of cervico-vaginal washings from healthy individuals are being studied in order to
catalogue the many different antimicrobial peptides and proteins that are present in the cervico-gaginal fluid. This work lies the basis for further
research on biomarkers for cervix carcinoma (comparison of samples from healthy patients versus samples from precancerous patients).
Furthermore, by comparison of cervico-vaginal proteomes from uninfected vs. ESN individuals, we aim to correlate proteome profiles of ESNs and
their anti-HIV status.
¿ Proteomics of human adult progenitor cells
In collaboration with Regenesys BVBA (Heverlee, Belgium) and Fertipro NV (Beernem, Belgium) we recently started a project wherein growth
conditions of human adult progenitor cells (MultiStem®), isolated from human bone marrow, are being studied. In order to meet European
guidelines, these cells must be grown in a complete synthetic medium without addition of animal substantia (eg. FCS) as is now the case.
Proteomics techniques are therefore applied to identify the secretome of these cells after which growth-promoting and/or differentiating capacities of
some characterised proteins on the progenitor cells will be investigated.
¿ Hypoxia/oxidative stress. The effects of hypoxia and the role of hemeproetins herein will be studied in metabolic active tissues such as the brain.
The neuroprotective role of neuro- and cytoglobin will be studied in vivo and in vitro using transgenesis (knock-out, overexpressing Mouse models
and cellular systems) and differential proteomicanalyses in hypoxia and ischemic mouse models.
¿ Study of the structur/function of globin based oxygensensors. The correct sensing of the oxygen concentration and its changes is of fundamental
importance to the cell. One of the potential techniques for oxygen sensing is the use of globin coupled sensors (GCS). Potential oxygen sensors
from bacterial systems, Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrates will be studied at the structural and functional level. The kinetics of ligand binding,
conformational changements upon ligand binding, the three dimensional structure and potential binding partners of these sensors will be studied
with the goal to perceive a better understanding of this process in the eukaryotic cell.
¿ Study of epigenetic programming of inflammation. Controlled inducible expression of inflammation responsive genes is essential during immune
responses and immune homeostasis. In contrast, deregulated chronic inflammatory conditions in various cell types frequently result in cancer,
cardiovascular or neurological disease. Selectivity, strength and time dependency of gene expression largely depends on activation and interaction
of transcription factors/cofactors (i.e. NFkB, AP1, Sp1, HDAC, HMT, SIRT, jmjd HDMT, dnmt, etc.) and their posttranslational modifications with the
chromatin environment. Furthermore, chromatin regulation (nucleosome dynamics, histone modifications), noncoding RNAs and epigenetic
modifications (DNA methylation of CpG motifs) integrate various input signals (infection, inflammation, stress, metabolism, nutrition) which are
ultimately recorded and imprinted into the epigenome. Unraveling the epigenetic interplay of the environment (diet, stress, pathogens, toxins, ...)
with the genome in inflammation-cancer models or cardiovascular disease is the major focus of this research topic.Identifying specific protein
interactions and signaling functions in relation to epigenetic marks in in different in vitro/ in vivo cell models, representative for cancer,
cardiovascular or neuroimmunological disease, is an absolute requirement for translational approaches aiming at identifying small inhibitor
molecules (for example derived from medicinal plants) for preventive or therapeutic applications.
Our cluster mainly uses proteomics, (epi)genomics and proteinscience technologies. For example we have available a flash-photolyses setup which
anables us to determine the ligandbindingkinetics which is unique in Belgium. Specific protein(signaling)functions can be analyzed using different
expression- and interactionstudies of recombinant proteins in vitro/in vivo. For the epigenomics studies we will apply new chromatin-proteomic
approaches (posttranslational histon/cofactor modifications) and new DNA-methylation-detectionmethods (pyrosequencing, MALDI, AIMS, RLGS,
MSPA, bisulfietsequencing)
Protein Chemistry
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research unit Protein Chemistry (SPRO) goes back to 1967 when it was founded thanks to the joint efforts of Prof. R. Jeener (ULB) and Prof. L.
Kanarek, who retired a few years ago. Originally, the research activities focused on the immunogenicity of hen egg white lysozyme and its
proteolytic fragments. Since the early seventies, the research topics diversified. Over the years the lab developed original technologies for the
purification of a wide range of proteins from bacteria, yeasts, animals and plants.
Today, the main topics of interest are:
1. Protein purification methodology;
2. Isolation, physico-chemical characterisation and organisation of enzymes belonging to energy metabolism pathways, especially the citric acid
cycle and the glyoxylic acid cycle;
3. Investigations on plant, invertebrate and bacterial lectins.
Protein chemistry
University of Antwerp
The scientific objectives of the research performed by the Protein Chemistry group is to elucidate the structure/function relationship in proteins as
well as their evolutionary connections. This objectives are realized in two research projects. 1. Study of the structure, function and evolution of nonvertebrate hemoglobin's. The major strategies within this project are: Tracing non-vertebrate hemoglobin's with exceptional structural and functional
characteristics. Determination of the primary structure of their constituent globin chains and their coding genes by a combined protein chemical and
molecular biological approach. Determination of the functional characteristics of the isolated hemoglobin' s (in collaboration with specialized
laboratories).
Compilation of the structural and functional data of non-vertebrate globins in a "Globin database". Deduction of the structure/function relationship
and the evolutionary and phylogenetic connections between the non-vertebrate hemoglobin's from the available data.
Future perspectives: Hemoglobin' s of bacteria/yeast/plants and unicellular organisms will be made available by expression cloning. Protein
engineering will allow to verify the proposed structure/function relationships. In collaboration with other labs the three dimensional structure of
interesting hemoglobin molecules will be determined. Special attention will be paid on the role of hemoglobin' s in the nitric oxide signal transduction
pathway. The experience on structure/function relationship in non-vertebrate hemoglobin's will be used to develop models of recombinant human
hemoglobin usable in the synthesis of hemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOC) for blood transfusion.
2. Study of proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease
This project wants to link the research of our group with the Antwerp expertise in neuro-degenerative diseases. The major strategies within this
project are:
Detection of proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease by comparison of protein patterns of control and pathological situations. As analytical tool
quantitative two dimensional electrophoresis is used. As pathological situations are used: 1) biological fluids (serum/CSF) of Alzheimer patients; 2)
brain tissue of mice transgenic in proteins expected to play a role in the disease. Future perspectives: Identification of the proteins, identified by two
dimensional electrophoresis as being involved in Alzheimer disease, by mass spectrometric techniques. Evaluation of the diagnostic value of this
proteins for the Alzheimer pathology. Establishing, in the "Proteomics" context, of a reference protein map of the human neuronal cell by two
dimensional electrophoresis.
Pro~L - professional learning
University of Antwerp
The research unit Pro~L focus its research on learning in a professional context (corporate training or training programs for professions). A key
theme in the research is (the mapping of) the effectiveness of (corporate) training programmes and factors influencing this effectiveness, such as
factor at the level of the trainee (approaches to study, perceptions,¿) factors at the level of the training program (goals, learning activities,¿) and
factors at the level of the organisation (learning climate, possibilities for on-the-job-learning).
Examples of current research projects (or projects in progress):
- Broadening the understanding of university students' approaches to learning
- Building an integrated measurement system for the effectiveness of corporate training programmes (in cooperation with UAMS)
- Effects of (corporate) training programs aiming for transfer (in cooperation with Maastricht University)
- Effects of new learning- and assessment environments (in cooperation with the universities of Leuven, Leiden and Maastricht).
Projects and Relationship Management Ser
KU Leuven
Programming Technology Lab
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Programming Technology Lab (Prog for short) is a research and teaching lab within the VUB's Department of Computer Science.
From a research perspective, Prog has always been active in the broad domains of software engineering and programming language engineering.
In the former domain, our research consists of designing, implementing and formalising meta level techniques that support programming and
modelling activities. In the latter domain, our research comprises the design, specification, formalisation and implementation of new programming
languages belonging to the dynamic paradigm. See our Research Topics for more detailed information.
From a teaching perspective, Prog has always taken a leading role in the design of the VUB's bachelor and master programmes in computer
science. Prog's early history in dynamic programming paradigms is very tangible through the omnipresence of Scheme in the bachelor programme.
Pico is Prog's homeground programming language for teaching. Throughout the years, Prog has been trying to disseminate its didactic values in
international programmes such as EMOOSE. More recently, in UbiLab, we try to project these didactic values onto teaching embedded and
ubiquitous systems. More details are found on the teaching pages.
PROG's current research activities are being conducted within two (non-disjoint) groups of people which study software engineering and
programming language engineering to ease the management of crosscutting phenomena and ambient phenomena...
Aspect Technology and Understanding Crosscutting Phenomena
Right from the start of the field in 1997, Prog has been active in aspect-oriented programming (AOP) and aspect-oriented software development
(AOSD). AOP tries to centralise code that crosscuts an entire system -- but that conceptually belongs together -- into a new kind of module that is
referred to as an aspect. An aspect weaver injects these aspects into a set of predetermined locations in the system. This set is described by an
expression in a pointcut language. The power of a particular aspect-oriented language is largely determined by the expressiveness of its pointcut
language: the easier and the more precise the injection locations can be described, the more complex systems the weaver can produce.
Currently the notion of crosscutting phenomena in software engineering transcends mere AOP. Prog researchers are working on languages and
techniques that strive for a better understanding and mastery of crosscutting phenomena.
Designing better aspect-oriented languages. We design more powerful AOP languages by designing richer pointcut languages based on executable
logic (e.g. Prolog's Horn clauses), by designing meta-aspect protocols and metacircular aspect languages, by inventing AOP for event-based
languages using temporal-logic pointcuts, and by designing aspect languages for system level technologies such as C and make-files.
Understanding crosscutting phenomena. We apply automated reasoning technology (e.g. Prolog, forward-chaining, abstract interpretation) on the
meta level in order to extract crosscutting phenomena from existing code. Research includes dynamic analysis of code in order to verify
crosscutting dynamic system properties, abstract interpretation techniques to enable behavioural queries over existing code, and meta-level
reasoning technology that verifies system-wide structural properties of source code.
Exploring non-aspect technologies to support crosscutting phenomena. Research includes the specification of how to convey inter-module
knowledge in the implementation of modular compilers for domain-specific languages, and the design of context-oriented programming languages
which allow us to express systems in which entire control flow paths (which crosscut a system) can be modified using a single instruction.
More information can be found on the Context-Oriented Programming portal, the Logic Pointcuts in Carma portal, the declarative meta
programming portal, and the intensional views portal.
Programming Ambient Systems and Open Networks
The term Ambient Systems is sometimes classified as euro-speak for "ubiquitous systems". The idea is that in the near future, human beings will be
surrounded by a processor cloud of cooperating devices that together form a Personal Area Network. Such ambient systems have to function in the
face of volatile connections, in the absence of shared infrastructure (like servers) and have to be highly aware of their context. Ambient-Oriented
Programming (AmOP) is a name for Prog's research programme that strives for the design and implementation of high level programming
technology that will facilitate the construction of such systems.
Ambient-Oriented Programming Languages We are designing a family of programming languages that is designed to operate in environments
where failure is the rule rather than the exception. We come up with new service discovery techniques, techniques to deal with managing facts (i.e.
knowledge) that are distributed over volatile connections, advanced remote object referencing techniques, replication and reversible computations.
Ambient-Oriented Virtual Machine Technology The programming languages conceived until now have been implemented on smart phones using
prototypical recursive implementations. More recently, we are also doing research in implementation technology for our languages. Research
includes distributed memory management in the face of volatile connections and lightweight virtual machines that are to be deployed on machinery
as simple as sensor network nodes.
Context-Aware Programming Ambient Systems are to be context aware. Instead of conceiving context dependencies by mere if-tests, we come up
with techniques in which multi-layered programs can be written in which layers correspond to contexts. Also the application of rule-based
formalisms is being investigated in this context.
More information can be found on the Ambient-Oriented Programming Portal.
Professional Learning & Development, Cor
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Production Engineering, Machine Design a
KU Leuven
PRODUCTION PROCESSES : Influence of machining processes onmaterial properties (grinding, EDM). Filament winding ofcomposites. Electrodischarge machining (wire-EDM and sinking).Five-axis milling. Rapid prototyping (stereolithographySelective laser sintering and other material
accretionmanufacturing.MACHINE DESIGN : Design of externally pressurized hydrostatic andaerostatic bearings. Design of multi-component forcetorquesensors for robotics and automotive applications. Design oftactile sensors for object recognition. Design of a grain flowmeter. Nonlinear static
analysis with finite element method.STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS : Experimental and numerical methods forvibration analysis. Optimization of
dynamic models. Life timeestimation of dynamically loaded structures. Study ofnon-linearities in mechanical structures. Holographical
vibrationmeasurement. Experimental and numerical methods for vibrationanalysis. Linear and nonlinear finite element analysis. Fatigueprediction.
Finite element model
Product Development
University of Antwerp
Product development
University of Antwerp
Product development stands for a total approach that aims to define products who are innovative on technological, economical and human technical
level, and able to control the product development cycle, which is a method for defining innovative products.
Because of the multitude of underlying disciplines and the rapid developments in the supporting knowledge domains and the industrial field, the
method for product development must be based on research and continuously be adjusted. In a strong collaboration with other scientific disciplines
and partners from industry, the academic orientation is a way to ensure efficiency in the process and a guarantee of the quality of the results. The
results of the study within the domain of product development also flow back to the actors involved: education, industry and academic research and
knowledge institutions. Research in the study product development is a way to students, teachers, researchers and the field to keep in touch with
each other and with current insights in the field of product development: design methodology and underlying knowledge.
Academic research in product development must be understood as applied research that may have an exploratory, descriptive or predictive
character and that has a strong design component, either by topic or by integrating design processes within the research process: "design inclusive
research".
Process Engineering for Sustainable Syst
KU Leuven
In this group physico-chemical and chemical thermodynamic principles, proces technology and methods of analytical chemistry are used in
studiesrelated to environmental problems. Research topics are:a. Physico-chemical treatment of process water, drinking water and wastewater and
of solvent streams by the use of membrane processes. Currently mainly nanofiltration and pervaporation are studied (also in hybrid processes e.g.
with distillation), using polymeric and ceramic membranes for the removal of organic components, ions, The aim is to obtain insight in the
separation characteristics and mechanisms, their modelling and the development of applications in various processes. Process intensification by
using membrane technology is also a point of attention.b. Metals in (solid) waste. Solidification of toxic metal containing waste and study of the
leaching behaviour; leaching of metals from fly ash, blast furnace sludge, and separation of the metals from the leaching liquid; use of solid
Probability Theory
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
TOPIC A : Mathematical Finance
Development of theoretical models of stochastic processes that describe prices of bonds and stocks. The
main difficulty is the modelling of the no-arbitrage condition. TOPIC B : Modelling of interest rates Design of a model of short term interest
rates, applying the general ideas of model building By the no-arbitrage theory this implies a model for the bond market TOPIC C : Risk Theory and
Life Insurance Pioneering work on new products in life insurance, long term saving as well as the need to introduce macro-economic factors in
classical risk theory. TOPIC D : General Theory of Stochastic Processes and Martingale Theory Development of theoretical problems in this
field and its applications in the aforementioned topics
Private Law
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Department for Private Law (PRIR) consists of a few full-time members (professors and research assistants) and a large number of part-time
members. Regarding the list of research topics below it should be noted that various sub-divisions of certain areas of the law are being researched
by more than one researcher, which is not reflected in the present summary, and that research by part-time members is not completely reproduced
for lack of space. Furthermore, whereas the Department is mainly concerned with "civil" law, some of the research topics are interdisciplinary.
Under the above mentioned proviso, the current research themes of PRIR may be summarised as follows:
1. All areas of the law covered by the Belgian Civil Code - Burgerlijk Wetboek: family law (including personal status, marriage and its dissolution,
pre-nuptial contracts, children and their legal status including adoption...), succession, contract law (including specific contracts), tort law, the law of
property, mortgages, and related topics; examples of main research projects in civil law are presently: - use of donor material in medically assisted
procreation: psychological, ethical and legal research, interdisciplinary project, the legal part of which concerns aspects of family law, health law,
social security law and bio-ethics regarding the use of extraneous genetic material; - patterns in parenthood and authority over children against the
background of new non-traditional family structures, research on the appropriateness and desirability of legal recognition of factual relationships
between children and social, i.e. non-biological parents (e.g. homosexual parents); - development of a general theory of mandatorily applicable
(compulsory) legal rules and public policy rules, their effects and their relationship with the basic rule of freedom of contract.
2. Private international law (in the broadest sense of the expression, i.e. including conflict of laws, international jurisdiction conflicts, nationality).
3. The law of carriage of goods, with specific focus on multimodal (combined) transport.
4. Rules of civil procedure and evidence.
Primary and interdisciplinary care Antwerp (ELIZA)
University of Antwerp
The scientific research in the department of Primary and interdisciplinary care (ELIZA) is focused on the following topics:
General Practice (diabetes, medical education, respiratory infections, sexual health, patient satisfaction/doctor satisfaction)
Geriatrics,
Palliative Care,
Care for disabled,
Skillslab.
Primary and interdisciplinary care
University of Antwerp
PraxisP Praktijkcentrum FPPW
KU Leuven
Practical Training, Faculty of Pharmaceu
KU Leuven
Power in History - Centre for Political History
University of Antwerp
The research unit uses a broad interpretation of the concept of 'politics', implying all attempts at consciously ordering society, and the conflicts they
can arouse. The field of the research unit encompasses, therefore, the study of political institutions and international relations, as well as that of
political theories, ideologies and cultures. Most of all, it tries to stimulate interdisciplinary research in which historians, political scientists, jurists,
philosophers, and others can add to our understanding of the past. It also wants to bridge the traditional gaps between the distinct historical periods,
even if in the actual research the attention is primarily focused on modern and contemporary history.
Concrete themes currently studied by members of the research unit include the history of the monarchy from the seventeenth until the twentieth
century, parliamentary culture in Western Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries, administrative collaboration during the Second World War, the
political representation of masculinity and femininity, the political impact of racial thought, Belgian diplomats during the Cold War, extreme-right
movements and ideologies, and determinants of voting behaviour in contemporary Europe.
Poverty and well-being as a (local) institutional process
University of Antwerp
This TG focuses on concrete human beings as both the "prime movers" and the final "beneficiaries" of development. It is the institutional
environment in its concrete local manifestations that fundamentally shapes opportunities and constraints faced by specific groups of people in the
development process. The TG analyses this environment as a set of social networks and organizations that allow people to call upon the
cooperation of fellow human beings, as a set of rules and norms that determine which resources can be accessed by whom and which actions are
socially (un)acceptable in function of each person's identity, and as a set of cultural heuristics used by people to assemble their identities and lifeworlds. A key theoretical claim is that poverty is not an attribute of certain people (the "poor"), but the result of a particular social situation produced,
re-produced (and potentially changed) by local institutional processes.
The research of the TG can be summarized as actor-oriented institutional analysis, trying to capture the complex interactions between human
agency and the local institutional environment. The TG wants to grasp the above mentioned interactions in order to design better policies and
intervention to promote aggregate development and reduce social exclusion and poverty. The policy process and the interventions by the
"development industry" are an integral part of the prevailing institutional dynamics and thus inevitably marked by social exclusion. The challenge is
thus to promote change processes from within the existing exclusionary and inefficient institutional realities of poverty-stricken areas.
Postgraduate Continuing Education Office
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Population Studies in Oral Health
KU Leuven
Polymer Chemistry and Materials
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Political Sciences Administrative Office
KU Leuven
POLITICAL SCIENCES
Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel
Political Sciences
POLITICAL SCIENCES
Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel
Political Sciences
Political Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Department of Political Science groups all the people involved in political science teaching and research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
The Department organizes a Bachelor in Political Science (in Dutch), a Master in Political Science (in Dutch) and it participates in the organization
of an Advanced Master in European Integration (in English).
Most of the research conducted in the Department fall under four major themes:
Political participation and Representation
The way in which citizens and the state are linked to each other is the topic of several research projects. Most of these are conducted within the
framework of the Interuniversity Attraction Pole PARTIREP. Projects in the Department pay special attention to political representation, the effect of
electoral systems on political behavior, the organization and the strategies of political parties in multi-level systems, deliberative democracy and
consociational democracy.
Nations, nationalism and ethnic conflict
The research on Conflict Resolution in Divided States and Nations covers the analysis of secessionist conflicts at the periphery of the European
Union and their resolution. It also includes doctoral projects on European policies towards China, Taiwan and the cross-Strait relations.
The politics of the European Union
The Department is active in research on the European Union's institutional evolution, its decision-making capacity, and the role of European interest
groups and lobbying. Special attention also goes to the EU's relationship with the other major world players (United States, China, ...). In its EU
research activities, the Department works in close cooperation with the VUB's Institute for European Studies, which has been awarded the
prestigious title of Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence by the European Commission.
Chinese politics and society
Several projects cover a variety of topics related to the both the domestic transition of Chinese society, economy and politics, and to the external
relations of China. For the latter we focus in particular on China's foreign and security politicy and on its relations with the European Union.
The research on Chines politics and soceity is conducted at BICCS, the Brussels Institute for Contemporary China Studies.
Political Representation in Diverse Societies
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Political representation is a crucial concept in political science. In essence, representation entails something or someone (the agent) standing for an
absent thing or person (the principal). Political representation thus places an intermediary (agent) between citizens (principals) and political
decision-making. These agents are called representatives.
The fact that every society contains different interests and nodes that want to be represented at the government level is clearly part of all
democratic processes. Political parties and their parliamentarians and ministers stand for different perspectives on society, and citizens vote for the
party or person that best represents their vision. This representation of classic groups and group interests is a familiar notion: liberal parties
traditionally appeal more to the liberal professions and the self-employed; socialist parties speak to the working classes; and regional parties
address issues that concern specific ethnically, linguistically, or geographically identifiable groups.
The political representation of societal groups that have surfaced more recently is a great deal more problematic. This concerns groups that are
distinguished on the basis of gender, age, ethic/cultural background, or sexual orientation. Classic fault lines such as class or education also rear
their heads in this regard. Different studies show that these groups are often insufficiently represented in political structures. This political
underrepresentation of socially disadvantaged groups is now more and more seen as a societal and political problem undermining the
representativeness of political institutions and, by implication, the democratic integrity of the decision-making process. The underrepresentation of
societal groups and the lack of representativeness of the political decision-making process can however manifest in different ways. The literature
points to the (im)possibility of participating in elections, the physical absence/presence in representative institutions, and the (lack of) substantive
representation of certain groups' interests as possible manifestations. These manifestations concern, respectively, the formal, descriptive, and
substantive dimensions of representation as a concept.
There has not yet been much research into the political representation of societal groups in Belgium, and the studies that do exist have often been
the work of one or a handful of researchers. In the last few years, however, several researchers have started to engage with these matters (or
elements thereof). By joining the forces of different researchers in this developing research domain we hope to further build on the scientific
research in this field and on the expertise these two partners have accumulated. This would then also solidify and further develop the leading role of
both partners in this research domain. By joining their potential, the concerned partners aim to realize three matters in their research:
First, to continue, structurally secure, and, where possible, advance the existing collaboration between their two research groups. Researchers from
both partner institutions will, where possible and when opportune, work jointly on journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. (Further)
co-advisorship of PhDs and joint memberships to supervisory research committees will also be sought where possible.
Second, the partners wish use their alliance to initiate new joint research into the political representation of social groups. Joint research proposals
will address the following well-known sources of funding: the specific research funds of both their institutions, the Research Foundation - Flanders
(FWO), the research projects of the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office, as well as ad hoc sources of policy-related funding.
We here envisage research that is more theoretical in nature, but also empirical research in Belgium and, as much as possible, research that takes
up an international-comparative perspective. The researchers concerned already have access to existing scientific networks and wish to further
develop these to use them for research purposes (e.g. ECPR Standing Groups on Gender & Politics, Committee on Political Sociology of
International Political Science Association, ECPR Standing Group on Political Parties).
Third, to realize these research objectives, investments will have to be made to further familiarize the two research groups with each other's
expertise. Meetings and discussions will make the partners more familiar with each other's research domains and current research projects. The
mutual consultation through these meetings and brainstorm sessions will also result in working out a joint research agenda and concrete initiatives
in terms of project proposals. Possible connections to the international research agenda will here too, as noted above, be an important criterion.
The main research themes for this joint research about the representation of social groups are rooted in the three dimensions of representation:
-Formal dimension: this, among other matters, concerns the election regulations and techniques that are used to determine citizens' preferences
and to convert those to the appointing of representatives. Relevant themes include the discussion about active and passive voting rights for certain
social groups, the extent to which these voting rights are exercised, and the extent to which political parties push forward candidates from these
social groups so that voters can express their thoughts on this.
-Descriptive dimension: this takes a closer look at who the representatives are, what their characteristics are, and to what extent they/these mirror
the population composition. Research themes here include mapping out underrepresentation, studying the roles of parties and voters in the
underrepresentation of certain groups in parliament, and examining the desirability and effects of introducing quota.
-Substantive dimension: This concerns the way the interests of social groups are represented in terms of content. The study of this dimension was
long limited to analyses of the ways parliamentarians take up their mandate in terms of content and of the actions representatives take to look after
the interests of the people they represent. Recent developments in the literature, however, argue for a broadening of this approach. On the one
hand, scholars are suggesting studies look beyond the parliamentary arena and include other actors that take part in substantive representation this would mean including civil society organisations, civil servants, and the media. On the other hand, some scholars defend the argument that
representation need not always be a one-way process that runs from the voter to the representative; representatives can also themselves define
interests and constituents that they wish to represent. Research around this dimension quite logically explores both these fields not just by mapping
out to what extent (other) actors engage in representation, what the effects of this are, and which factors influence this, but also by studying which
new groups are addressed by representatives, how this is done, what effects this has, and how people in these groups deal with this 'reverse' act of
representation.
POLITICAL PHYLOSOPHY
Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel
This group is in his start period, a lot of research is been taken, their is been a conferce in 1998.
Political history, political science
University of Antwerp
On the basis of research in the records, home as well as abroad, try to define Belgium's role at the beginning of the Cold War; decision-making
networks between European and national officials and diplomats in the framework of the decision process of the European Union; research into the
way in which young Flemish political, economic, cultural and social elites assess, experience and give shape and content to the Flemish identity.
Political Economy of the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa
University of Antwerp
Political economy is about "the distribution of income, wealth and power among the different groups in society" (Ricardo 1820). This TG applies this
intellectual tradition to the developments in Sub-Sahara Africa and more specifically in the Great Lakes Region. Both the inter-disciplinary nature
and the geographical scope are its defining traits. They allow studying transformation processes on different scales, from local development
experiences over regional conflicts onto issues of global interest. As the countries of the Great Lakes Region are witnessing different stages of
conflict and reconstruction, the research agenda of this TG can be captured under the heading "From conflict to inclusive development".
Policy Unit on Education, Internationali
KU Leuven
Policy in Sports & Physical Activity Res
KU Leuven
In the Department of Sport and Movement Sciences researchprojects are focused around the biocultural approach of men inmovement and the
movements of men. In recent years this area ofresearch is identified with the term kinesiology. Three researchunits are operational and deal with:
physical education and sportpsychology, sociocultural kinesiology and differentialdevelopmental kinesiology. The current research topics in eachof
these research units are briefly outlined:SPORT PEDAGOGY LAB: analysis of teacher and pupil behaviors andthoughts (Teacher Value
Orientation, beliefs, attitudes). Teachereducation (beginning teacher's problems and needs, use of port-folios in school practicum, teachers and
school management).Curriculum goals and didactics of the Flemish topsport schools.SPORT PSYCHOLOGY LAB: Physical activity in adults
(determinants,psychological effects, promotion). Personality of toplevelathletes (elaboration of a new intra-indivudal methodology).Goalorientation
(task and ego or
Policy Advisers on Education, Faculty of
KU Leuven
Polar Ecology, Limnology and Paleobiology
University of Antwerp
1. Ecology and palaeoecology of polar ecosystems (diatoms, thecamoebae, chrysophycaea, Rotifera, Tardigrada, higher plants,...), 2. Environment
and Quartary environmental evolution in Flanders, 3. Archaeobiology, 4. Palaeobiology of Echinoidaea from the Boreal and the Tethys Realms.
Pneumology
KU Leuven
- Lung and chest wall mechanics: respiratory function in health and disease and effects of drugs.- Lung toxicology: fundamental mechanisms and
epidemiologic research on occupational hazards.- Biochemical and metabolic functions of lung in health and disease and animal models.- Bronchial
carcinoma: PET-scan, therapeutic modalities.- Respiratory muscles: animal models and changes in disease.- Difficult asthma.- Pulmonary
embolism and hypertension.- COPD and rehabilitation.
Pl_Soc-wet.
KU Leuven
Pl_Rechtsgel
KU Leuven
Pl_Crim_wet
KU Leuven
Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling - Antwerp (PLASMANT)
University of Antwerp
In the research group PLASMANT we develop numerical models for
- gas discharge plasmas,
- the interaction between a plasma and a solid surface, and
- the interaction between a laser and a solid surface, with the aim to optimize the applications of plasmas and lasers (e.g., in materials technology,
analytical chemistry, environmental and medical applications).
For the gas discharge plasmas we have developed Monte Carlo models, particle-in-cell Monte Carlo simulations, fluid models, collisional-radiative
models and hybrid codes. We investigate various kinds of plasmas, such as direct current (dc), radio-frequency (rf), magnetron and dielectric barrier
discharges, in different kinds of gases (argon, helium, nitrogen, methane, silane, CF4, air, CO2,...). We describe the behaviour of different kinds of
plasma-species (e.g., electrons, ions, radicals, atoms, molecules, excited species, as well as nano-particles).
The interaction between a plasma and a solid surface (which is important e.g., for the deposition of thin films or for plasma catalysis) we try to
describe by molecular dynamics simulations, in which the trajectory of individual atoms is described by Newton's laws, and the interaction forces
between atoms are determined by an interatomic interaction potential. We describe the behaviour of atoms, molecules, radicals and ions,
bombarding the surface. In this way, we can calculate e.g., how a thin film is deposited, as well as the microscopic structure and composition of the
film.
For the interaction between a laser and a solid surface, we develop a set of models, which describe the behaviour during and after laser-solid
interaction:
- Heating, melting and evaporation of the solid surface by a heat transport equation;
- Expansion of the evaporated material plume: by Navier-Stokes equations;
- Formation of a plasma in the material plume: by Saha equations;
- Formation of nanoparticles: by a model for condensation.
Plasma-astrophysics Section
KU Leuven
Research is focused on the Magnetohydrodynamics of magneticplasmas in the sun and stars. It aims to explain fundamentalprocesses observed in
the sun and other astrophysical bodies. Itbuilds on and complements the laws of plasma physics that areinvestigated in magnetic fusion machines.
Current research topicsare:- Ideal and resistive MHD stability of magnetic arcades and loops in order to explain the remarkable stability and the
sudden disruptions of these plasma structures in the solar atmosphere.- Theory and numerical simulations of linear and non-linear MHD waves of
the different magnetic structures in the solar atmosphere.- Magnetic heating of plasmas by MHD waves and magnetic field reconnection.- Thermal
stability of magnetic plasmas and formation of cool condensations in the solar corona and in magnetic fusion machines.- Absorption and scattering
of acoustic oscillations by an isolatedflux tube and an ensemble of flux tubes in order to explain the observed absorption of power of g
Plant physiology, ecosystem investigation and palaeobiology
University of Antwerp
1. Palaeoecology and systematics of Echinoidaea from the Cretaceous; 2. Arctic Quartary ecology and biogeography of Protists, esp. thecamoebae
and diatoms; 3. Taxonomy, biogeography and ecology of Rotifera and Tardigrada; general limnology; 4. Plant physiology: effects of environmental
factors on cellular and subcellular level, esp. on plasma membranes.
Plant Physiology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Topic A : Biochemistry and molecular biology of plant cell wall degradation due to fungal and bacterial pectic enzymes (Fusarium, Pseudomonas)
(Koedam N.) Molecular cloning, gene (product) and regulation analysis Investigation of virulence factors in Fusarium oxysporum induced wilting
of chickpea and disease suppression by fluorescent Pseudomonas Topic B : siderophores of bacterial origin (Pseudomonas) : production,
regulation and interaction with potentially toxic metals (Zn, Cd, Al, Cu, Ni,...) (Cornelis P. and Koedam N.) Application of rhizobacteria as
biocontrol agents. Extension of these activities to the tropical environment (Sri Lanka) Plant growth promotion and fluorescent pseudomonads:
mechanism of inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris, causative agent of vascular wilt in Cicer arietinum
Study on the interaction between
plants and fluorescent pseudomonads within the rhizosphere : colonisational aspects, antagonism against fytophatogenes and effects on growth.
Development of the orientation Molecular Biology at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka Topic C : secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical
importance in Datura (productivity, regulation) and allelopathy. Extension to some tropical medicinal plants (Demeyer K.) Valorisation des
végétaux tropicaux par extraction d'huiles essentielles, alcaloïdes à usage pharmaceutiques, cosmétologiques et agro-alimentaire' Burundi Topic
D : physiology of new crops in marginal soils (saline environments) : Crambe, Aster and Salicornia. Stress phenomena in saline environments
(Bogemans J.) A contribution to the diversification of the production of vegetable crops by research on cultivation methods and selection of
halophytes Topic E : Educational project : establishment of a scientific self-study centre at the University of Nairobi (Neirinckx L.)
Plant physiology
University of Antwerp
Plant Physiology: investigation on the respons and defense mechanisms of plants to abiotic (e.g. heavy metals, ozone) and biotic (pathogens)
stress factors. Plant cell responses are investigated at the molecular and cellular level. Plasma membrane proteins are characterized and purified.
Plant morphology
University of Antwerp
The cellular basis of elongation and the control of elongation in cells of seed plants.
Different aspects are being studied in structure/function relationships. Apoplastic features are cell wall architecture, the biomechanics of cell walls
and the enzymatic remodelling of the wall during cell expansion. Symplastic features are the cytoskeleton, nuclear metabolism and the remodelling
of cell membranes and organelles.
Plant growth and development
University of Antwerp
Research topics of the laboratory of plant physiology and biochemistry:
· Hormonal control of cell cycle progression and programmed cell death in higher plants.
· Functional aspects of plant growth regulators in growth and development of higher plants.
·The role of phytohormones in plant-microbe interaction (bacteria (symbionts, endosymbionts, rhizosphere, pathogens), protists)
· Phytohormone synthesis by plant-associated bacteria
· Study of the metabolism, function and signal transduction pathways: cyclic nucleotides of cyclic nucleotides in higher plants
· Study of the cell cycle interactome via targeted proteome analysis
· Application of proteomics on industrial fermentation processes
· Effect of environmental parameters on root architecture and cellular responses in roots
· A multidisciplinary study of oxygen related stresses using advanced proteome analysis in higher plants
Plant Genetics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Research in the Laboratory of Plant Genetics concerns basic plant molecular genetics as well as applied research relevant to the plant
biotechnology and agricultural sector. The research is focused on the following themes:
·DNA repair and recombination mechanisms and methods to influence these processes. This may lead to development of improved plant breeding
techniques, improved plant transformation technology and new techniques for functional analysis of genes.
·Amino acid metabolism in plants and its regulation. Knowledge in this field is applied in new strategies to enhance the content of essential amino
acids in food and feed crops and thus to enhance the nutritional value of these crops.
·Adaptation mechanisms of plants to biotic and abiotic stress, with the long-term objective to create plant varieties with enhanced tolerance to these
stress factors.
·Molecular farming: the production of valuable proteins, including vaccines, in plant seeds.
For our fundamental research we make use of model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula and Nicotiana spp. whereas applied
research concerns important crops including rice, sorghum, potato, bean and pigeonpea.
Plant ecology
University of Antwerp
The research areas of the Focus Environment, whereto the research group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology (PLECO) belongs, are situated within
the foIlowing major topics: ecology, in particular terfestrial ecology, including stagnant and running inland waters and estuaries; the past as weIl as
the present of the changing ecosystems and landscapes are exarnined; this understanding combined with an experimental approach is used to
predict future expected (global, atmospheric, land cover, nutrient and watercycles, biodiversity) changes and to apply this knowledge for ecosystem
management); a multiscale approach: from individual organisms, via populations and communities towards ecosystems and landscapes.
The main objectives of the research group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology are a better understanding of the functioning, the dynamics and the
structure of plants, at the leaf, plant, community and ecosystem levels in present and future environments. At the autecological level the scientific
approach is to study physical mechanisms, their experimentation and understanding in relation to plant ecophysiological responses and/or
ecosystem physiological functioning. Response reactions of plants to their physical or physico-chemical environment (atmosphere, soil) are an
inherent part of this approach. To examine how plants and vegetations interact with their abiotic environment, the effects of global environmental
changes (as increased temperature, increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations, changed UV -B radiation levels, tropospheric poIlution, in
particular ozone) on plants and vegetations are primarily studied: Modelling and experimenting global climatic changes on ontogeny, development,
structural and process components of plants and plant canopies are used as suitable tools. The carbon, water and energy balances of vegetations
are focal points of interest and study. As the soil is considered an integral and crucial part of the plant's environment, this compartment is also
considered to a great extent. Applications include, among others, the improvement of potential crop productivity through cultural management
regime (e.g. high density, short rotations, intensive management, fertilization) or ecophysiology of genotypes. At the synecological level (vegetation
and community scales) theoretical aspects of habitat and landscape fragmentation, as weIl as of diversity measurements are studied. Aspects of
biodiversity, ecosystem function and stability are considered focal areas for a better understanding of the dynarnics of ecosystems. Spatial models
(at the plant and vegetation scales are developed for up-scaling, description and simulation purposes. Multi-species grassland,agricultural crops,
tropical and temperate forests have been chosen as primary study objects. The methodologies that are being used to achieve the above mentioned
objectives and approaches, include various ecophysiological and micrometeorological techniques, environment al physiology and physics,
modelling, numerical and multivariate analyses.
Plant biochemistry
University of Antwerp
The laboratory of Plant Biochemistry and -Physiology is specialised in the development of analytical techniques for the analysis of cyclic nucleotides
and plant growth regulators, paticularly measuring endogenous phytohormone concentrations and their metabolism, as well as the metabolism of
exogenously added phytohormones. Physicochemical techniques (GC-MS EI or CI, ESI LC-MS/MS, Micro and capillary ESI LC/LC-MS/MS, HPLCdiode array, HPLC-fluorescence) were developed and adapted for the analysis of cyclic nucleotides and phytohormones in minute plant or bacterial
samples. Immunochemical techniques were developed for purification and analytical purposes as well as for immunolocalisation of cytokinins and
cyclic nucleotides. The presence of this extensive analytical competence has ensured the group a rather unique position in the field of plant growth
regulators. This analytical specialisation is dedicated to physiological research topics on the role of phytohormones and second messengers in
developmental processes of higher plants covering : 1. The role of plant growth regulators in normal, mutant and genetically modified plants. 2. The
phytohormonal aspects of Plant-Bacterium Interaction 3. The role of plant growth regulators during cell cycling 4. Functional aspects of cyclic
nucleotides as second messenger during cell cycling 5. The role of cyclic nucleotides in chloroplast development.
Plant and Vegetation Ecology (PLECO)
University of Antwerp
The research group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology (PLECO) has an extensive and long-standing experience with the study of a wide range of
subdisciplines in the domain of ecology, in particular the ecology of plants and vegetations. The continuum of different spatial scales is being
bridged, ranging from the individual plant, over populations and plant communities (vegetations) to entire landscapes and regions. The present
research (and teaching) fits primarily in the ecophysiology, eco-physics, canopy micro-meteorology, ecosystem physiology, plant sociology and
landscape ecology. As much as possible experimental research is being coupled to exisiting or newly developed simulation models. The following
research topics are of primary interest to the group:
- Assessment of the carbon cycle at different organizational levels of the individual plant, vegetation and ecosystem. The expertise of the PLECOgroup includes a.o. carbon exchange measurements of the vegetation and the soil, as well as the development of suitable systems for the exposure
to global climatic changes (open top chambers, closed enclosure units, sunlit growth chambers).
- Impact studies of increased CO2 concentrations, enhanced temperature and tropospheric ozone concentrations (global climatic changes) on
individual plants, vegetations and ecosystems.
- Biodiversity: functional aspects of and changes in biodiversity, manipulation of diversity in synthesized grassland ecosystems for the study of
diversity-function relationships and for studies with regard to the impact of biological invasion, modelling, ecosystem resistance and resilience.
- Structure of plants and vegetations, and their impact on radiative transfer, and study of structures at the landscape level (quantification of habitat
fragmentation); application of landscape indices to tropical deforestation.
- Ecological modelling: carbon and nitrogen cycle, radiation interception by plant canopies, biodiversity and productivity, local extinction of species,
prediction of production, growth and wood quality of forests and trees, impact of elevated CO2 and/or ozone on plants.
- Ecology, energy and carbon balance of mixed, temperate forests.
- Ecology and physiology of poplar within the framework of short rotation coppice cultures for bio-energy production (ecophysiology, genomics,
clonal variability).
In terms of biomes, the group aims to study a wide variety of different biome types (present research activities in tundra, deserts, temperate
grasslands, temperate and tropical forests, but also in agricultural crops and plantations).
Plant and cell morphogenesis
University of Antwerp
Actually we keep to the study of cell elongation in cultured cells and try to advance on the levels of signalling, cytoskeleton, cell wall composition
and mechanics, nuclear physiology (endoreduplication), and to compare the data with the reality in real leaves and roots.
The main lines of future research will be on signalling, on cytoskeleton and cell wall, on wall mechanics, on nuclear physiology. These different lines
of research on elongating cells fit in the working hypothesis that normal plant(organ) development in terms of tissues and cells, is achieved by an
interplay of "leader tissues" that play a predominant role in shape and size definition, and "follower tissues" that rather passively develop in the
space defined by the former. Depending on their status in this system, cells can or cannot dedifferentiate easily when given the right clue. The
research is purely fundamental but bears possibilities for applications in plant manipulation.
Planning_ont
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Physiopharmacology (PHAR)
University of Antwerp
The research of the Laboratory of Physiopharmacology is focused on the cardiovascular system. A first line of research involves the morphological
and haemodynamic changes that occur during the development and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Various experimental models have been
established in rabbits and in genetically modified mice. Recently, we developed for the first time a model of atherosclerosclerotic plaque rupture in
mice with clinical end points such as stroke, myocardial infarction and sudden death. Access to human vascular material allows validation and
extrapolation of the data obtained in the animal experiments. The possible role of apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and neoangiogenesis in the
vulnerability of the atherosclerotic plaque is extensively studied by using immunohistochemical and molecular biological techniques. Functional
alterations of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic blood vessels are investigated in isolated vascular ring segments and with
electrophysiological techniques. Pharmacological manipulation of the above measured parameters, including the study of potential plaque
stabilising therapies, is also performed. This multidisciplinary approach might result in a better understanding of the various factors involved in the
etiopathogenesis and clinical consequences of atherosclerosis and might result in new therapeutic interventions.
In a second line of research, we study the physiology of the heart, in particular the role of intercellular communication in the heart muscle as an
autoregulatory system of heart muscle performance. We focus on the communication via the paracrine action of neuregulin-1. For this purpose, we
use animal models, cell culture, analysis of twitch performance of isolated heart muscle, echocardiography, haemodynamic pressure-volume
analyses and molecular biological and immunohistochemical techniques. This line of research is also translational and aims to develop new
therapies for left ventricle dysfunction and chronic heart failure.
Physiopharmacology
University of Antwerp
The main research is focused on the morphological, pathophysiological and haemodynamic changes which occur during the development and the
rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Various experimental models have been established in rabbits, i.e. feeding a cholesterol rich diet, placing a
silastic collar around the carotid artery , carrying out balloon angioplasty, and in genetically modified (knock -out) mice. Furthermore, access to
human vascular material allows extrapolation and validation of the data obtained in the animal experiments. The mechanisms involved in the
migration, proliferation, necrosis and apoptosis in various cell types present in the atherosclerotic plaques are studied using immunohistochemical
and molecular biological techniques.
Functional alterations of endothelial ceIls land smooth muscle ceIls in atherosclerotic blood vessels are studied in isolated vascular ring segments
with particular interest in the identification of various endothelium-derived relaxing (nitric oxide), contracting (hyperpolarizing factor), antiaggregating substances (prostacyclin) as well as the characterization of the various subtypes of the serotonin-receptor which are involved in the
vasospasms present in the early stages of atherosclerosis. CeIl culture of macrophages and smooth mustie ceIls is used to study the pathways
involved in ceIl death. Phannacological manipulation of the above measured parameters is subsequently investigated. This multidisciplinary
approach might result in a better understanding ofthe various factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis and might ultimately lead to
the development of new therapeutic interventions.
PHYSIOLOGY OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
University of Antwerp
E.coli infection is an important economic factor in pig husbandry, especially at weaning time. In several animal species it is shown that E.coli toxins
(endotoxin, enterotoxins) inhibit gastrointestinal motility, To study this effect in the piglet, electromyographic registration of the gastrointestinal
motility in the conscious animal is performed. In this model the influence of E.coli toxins is studied. The possible mediators in this pathogenesis are
also examined, e.g. gastriointestinal hormones, prostanoids, platelet activating factor, cytokines.. Also the effect of antagonists as well as of
synthesis inhibitors of these mediators on the effects of E.coli toxins are examined.
Physiology
Universiteit Hasselt
- Effects of membrane structure on the organization of membrane proteins in epithelial and neural tissues<BR>- Myelinization in physiological and
neuro-inflammatory conditions<BR>- Neurodevelopmental role of neurotransmitters<BR>- Physiological and pathophysiological roles of cys-loop
ligand-gated ion channels<BR>- Microglia and neurogenesis: involvement in CNS development and excitability disorders<BR>- Transepithelial
transport of solutes and water in excretion organs by means of electrophysiology and mic
Physiology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The focus of the Department of Physiology - Immunology is
directed
towards the application of basic immunological knowledge and
molecular biotechnology for the understanding, diagnosis and
treatment of human diseases, in particular haematological
malignancies and solid tumors. Molecular techniques and tools
developed in a research setting are made available for the
diagnosis and the follow-up of patients. Studies in preclinical
animal models are performed with the aim to develop strategies
for
immune intervention in human malignancies. Several phase I-II
clinical trials of 'active specific immunotherapy' of cancer
patients (i.e. cancer vaccine trials) have been initiated and
are
co-ordinated by the Laboratory of Physiology-Immunology. The
Laboratory participates actively in a collaborative project of
'Cell Therapy', using genetically modified dendritic cells as
therapeutic cancer vaccine. Since a major part of the laboratory
activities and efforts are oriented towards the application into
the clinic, the research can be best described as 'translational
R
& D'.
Physiology
University of Antwerp
We study the (patho)physiology of the heart as a muscular pump at the level of clinical medicine, mechanical muscle performance, cellular and
molecular biology. A central theme in the laboratory is that the cardiac endothelium modulates the muscular properties of the heart through direct
communication with cardiac myocytes. We hypothesize that cardiac endothelial activation/dysfunction is an important pathophysiological aspect of
heart failure.
Ongoing projects in the laboratory and hospital (AZ Middelheim) include:
- Comparison of cardiac muscle physiology in heart failure at preserved and reduced global pump function (rat and patients).
- Role of neureguline-1 as a paracrine messenger between cardiac endothelium and cardiac myocytes (in vitro).
- Benefits of endothelial protection during development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (rat).
- Interaction of cardiac endothelium with circulating stem cells in the normal and failing heart (rat and patients)
Physics, Campus Kulak Kortrijk
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Physics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The unit DNTK develops research activities in the following domains:
1. Astronomy;
2. Elementary Particle Physics;
3. Physical and medical instrumentation;
4. Optics;
5. Theoretical and mathematical physics;
6. Research on education in physics.
Physical Geography
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Research Unit of Physical Geography develops activities along two main fields:
1. Ice and Climate (contact P. Huybrechts): here the research concentrates on the dynamics of natural ice masses and their interaction with the
climatic system. Emphasis is laid on 3-D modelling of the continental cryosphere (Antarctica, Greenland and the Quaternary ice sheets), the
regional ice dynamics of the Antarctic ice sheet (higher-order modeling and inverse modeling, supported by field work and remote sensing) and
mountain glacier research (Alps, Himalaya, radar sounding, mass balance, GPS measurements, and modeling).
2. Volcanology and Natural hazards (contact M. Kervyn): In the field of volcanology, the research focuses on the geomorphology and spatial
distribution of volcanic edifices, the characterization of volcano-related instability processes and on the monitoring of eruptive processes at African
volcanoes. The emphasis is put on understanding hazardous processes at poorly known volcanoes from developing countries with low cost
methods including remote sensing tools, field work and analogue models simulating natural processes in the laboratory. Current applications are
concentrated on volcanoes in Africa. In a broader perspective the research also aims at studying the different geomorphologic hazards in these
regions, including landslides, in order to produce hazards map through the application of simulation models. The human perception and
management of the natural risks are also part of the research interests.
Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Objectives
The research activities of FYSC are focused on '(molecular and supramolecular) structure - processing - property' relations in polymers for
developing materials with improved performance. An important collection of analytical techniques and characterization procedures is available for
this purpose. New macromolecular microstructures are designed by polymer synthesis in collaboration with external partners.
A contribution to the international progress of thermal analysis for materials' characterization is aimed, especially in the field of Modulated
Temperature DSC (MTDSC), spatially localised thermal analysis (Micro-TA and Nano-TA), (ultra)fast thermal analysis (Rapid-scanning DSC and
Chip Calorimetry) and hyphenated thermal techniques (Rheo-DSC).
Education and training in thermal analysis for the academic and industrial community is also an objective.
Research orientations
Structure-processing-property relationships are characterized in different classes of polymeric materials by means of state-of-the-art analytical
techniques and characterization procedures based on a physical-chemical approach.
Current research projects in collaboration with academic and industrial partners are dealing with:
- Thermosets: reaction mechanism, kinetics, modelling, reaction-induced structure formation, IPNs, waterborne systems, pultrusion of thermoset
composites;
- Inorganic polymers: low-temperature synthesized materials, heterogeneous production mechanism and kinetics, molecular structure and thermal
properties, hybrid systems;
- Bio(degradable) polymers: thermal properties, barrier properties, slow crystallization processes, thermoplastic starch;
- Multi-phase polymers, polymer interphases and nano-structured polymer systems: micro- and nanocomposites, blends, stimuli-responsive
(aqueous) solutions, hydrogels, block copolymers, polymer/metal interfaces, smart polymer surfaces.
Recent and future activities are directed to:
- Novel trends in polymer science and technology, i.e. nano-structured (hybrid) multi-functional polymers, supramolecular organisation in polymers
and polymer (aqueous) solutions;
- A further extension of the thermo-analytical infrastructure with specialised equipment of ultimate performance (ultrafast, ultrasensitive, spatially
resolved, hyphenated) to allow nano-scale thermal analysis both in the bulk and at the surface of the polymer system;
- A continued collaboration with other research teams, gathering expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, theory, modelling, rheology and
processing.
Equipment & Infrastructure
FYSC has an extended infrastructure of thermal analysis equipment in combination with complementary techniques for the physical-chemical
characterization of multi-functional polymer systems:
- Thermal Analysis: DSC, MDSC, DDSC, (M)DSC with Tzero technology, TGA, TMA, DMA, DEA, Nano(micro)-TA with heat-cool stage,
Nano(micro)-calorimetry with titration mode; Rheo-DSC; Rapid-scanning DSC; Chip calorimetry for fast scanning and AC-calorimetry;
- IR-Spectroscopy: FT-IR, IR-microscopy, specular reflectance, HATR, NIR FT-Raman spectroscopy, TGA/FT-IR;
- Miscellaneous techniques: GPC with viscometry, RI and PDA detectors, dynamic rheometry, optical microscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy in
combination with hot stage, High-resolution Ultrasound Spectroscopy, AFM.
Physical and Colloidal Chemistry
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Colloid Chemistry in a nutshell is 'To mix what doesn't mix'.
It concerns the study of mixtures of chemically different materials that unmix spontaneously such as water and oil. Some
examples of colloidal materials are: aerosols, cement, various composites, dyestuffs, emulsions, foams, foodstuff, ink,
paint,
paper, pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, photographic emulsions, etc. The quality and the applicability of these
materials is mainly determined by colloidal physical properties such as particle size and shape and particle interactions.
These factors are studied with different experimental physico-chemical methods. To this end the laboratory is well equipped
with state of the art instrumentation such as static and dynamic light scattering spectrometers (determination of particle
size
and shape), electrophoretic light scattering equipment (zeta potential determination) mechanical spectrometers
(determination of the reological properties) and several other instruments (tensiometers, refractometers, density
measurements, dispersion equipment, ...).
Physical Activity, Sports & Health Resea
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Philosophy - Moral Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The logical en scientific-philosophic thinking investigates the formal and symbolic principles of the thinking process.
The political philosophical thinking teaches us how to read historical and modern philosophical literature.
The ethical and moral-scientific thinking investigates the moral issues of acting persons and society connexions.
Philosophy - Moral Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department SWIJ consists of four research units
developing
research in the areas of:
- Enlightenment and Freethinking (VERL) with a current
focus
on 'Left-Wing Nietzscheans';
- Empirical Epistemology (EMEP) dealing with the
interdisciplinary study of the philosophical problems in the
theory of knowledge, philosophical anthropology and the
philosophy of mind and language;
- Logic and Philosophy of Science (CLWF);
- Ethics.
Ph.D. School and Research Support, Facul
KU Leuven
Pharmacology
University of Antwerp
A major bottle-neck in the development of new therapeutic strategies for human disease is the lack of suitable experimental animal models. Our
objective is to develop models that mimic certain aspects of atherosclerosis and thrombosis in man. Once their pathophysilogy has been evaluated,
they are used to find new therapeutic approaches or to clarify the mode of action of old drugs with a poorly defined point of impact. The research
focuses mainly on the biology of blood vessels with emphasis on the communication between elements in the blood stream and the vessel wall, as
well as the communication between the various celltypes in the vessel wall. To this end we use isolated cells, isolated blood vessels and rabbits, in
which atherosclerotic lesions are induced by dietary or mechanical manipulation. The molecules which are secreted by the various cell types as
intercellular messengers (mediators) are measured by radioimmunoassay. HPLC with UV or electrochemical detection or chemiluminescence. A
special technique, the superfusion bio-assay, is used to detect biologically active entities, which either have not yet been characterized by physicochemical methods or molecules which are chemically too unstable to allow for a more conventional detection.
Pharmacology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department Pharmacology is mainly developing research
activities in the domain of Neuro-immuno-endocrinology: 1.
Development and differentiation of pituitary cells;
2. Regulation and quantification of PRL gene expression,
transcription, translation;
3. Purification and characterisation of PRL cell (sub)
populations;
4. Pathogenesis of pituitary gland tumours;
5. Role of PRL and GH in the lymphohemopoietic system.
6. PRL receptor signalling; termination of signalling
7. PRL gene regulation in the lymphohemopoietic system
8. Molecular cloning of transcription factors.
9. Signaltransduction and effects of IGF-I on apoptosis and
cytokine production in the immune system.
Pharmacognosy and phytochemistry
University of Antwerp
The main objective of the research team includes the pharmacological, chemotherapeutical and biochemical evaluation of traditional plant
medicines and the finding of lead compounds with new chemical structures and/or new mechanisms of actions, which can be used as source for the
development of new drugs. A second objective consists in the qualitative and quantitative analysis and standardisation of the traditional plant
medicines aiming at the production of therapeutically more active and safer traditional medicines, especially in developing countries. The
methodology for the investigation of traditional medicines as sources of new drugs includes the pharmacological screening of plant preparations
followed by a bioassay-guided fractionation leading to isolation of pure active plant constituents. Ideally, this methodology entails the in vivo testing
of the traditional drug for the claimed pharmacological activity. After experimental confirmation of this activity a corresponding in vitro method is
developed, which can then be used for the monitoring of activity during purification of the active plant constituents. Once these plant constituent(s)
have been identified, standardisation of a plant preparation can be developed or structure activity relationship studies can be started by partial or
total synthesis of the active plant substance(s) in order to increase activity, decrease toxicity and optimize bioavailability in animals.
New lead compounds isolated from traditional plant drugs include phenolics (flavonoids, quinonest hydrolysable and condensed tannins,
fenylpropanoids) alkaloids, terpenes (mono- and sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, steroids and saponins), lipids, polysaccharides and glycopólypeptides.
The isolated compounds exhibited chemotherapeutical properties against some pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses and parasites and were
active in the cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems. Some products showed antidiabetic, wound-healing immunomodulating and
antitumoural properties. The mechanism of action of antipicornavirus 3-alkoxyflavonest antiplatelet sesquiterpenes, anticholinergic 2-acylindole
alkaloids, schistosomicidal proanthocyanidins, cytotoxic dihydroberizofuran lignans, antiplasmodial alkaloids, 6-alkenyl salicyclic acids, antioxidative
and radical scavenging flavonoids, antimutagenic and molluscicidal triterpenoid saponins and anticomplement phenolics and their corresponding
structure-activity relationship studies have been studied. The standardisation of several traditional plant drugs has been investigated and positive
(pharmacologically active compounds) as well as negative (toxic plant compounds) have been identified and analysed (chemical profile and assay).
Pharmaceutics and biopharmacy
University of Antwerp
As the development of new, synthetic drugs becomes more and more complex and expensive, the optimisation of the dosage farms of present
medication is an important challenge. The improvement of the formulation and the packaging of the dosage farm is essential to increase the
therapeutic effect of the medication, to reduce side effects and to increase patient compliance.
Therefore, the objective is to investigate the relationship between technological and biopharmaceutical aspects of the delivery of drugs. The
projects focus on the optimisation of ocular medication by conventional techniques and new technologies for drug delivery. The ultimate goal is to
improve significantly the bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs by developing formulations weil accepted by patients. Moreover, attention is paid ta the
implentation of GLP (good labaratory practice) during reserach, because it represents an important part of the training of future industrial
pharmacists. Research strategies :
* Development of expertise on the technological aspects of ocular dosage farms (reproducibility of preparation; stability) and packaging. *
Improvement of know how in physical characterisation of preparations (e.g. rheology, surface tension measurement, particle sizing, zetapotential
measurement). * Preliminary studies of selected formulations on animals.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Within the FASC department two research groups are active.
The research group « Experimental Neuropharmacology » is involved in in vivo neurochemistry, neuropharmacology and pharmacokinetics in
animal models of a number of neurological disorders. The group is particularly interested in Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, focal transient brain
ischemia and more recently cognitive decline and depression. The aim is to study the pathophysiological changes in the brain at different levels in
order to define new strategies for drug development and drug testing.
In vivo microdialysis is used to sample different neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate and GABA from specific
brain areas in freely moving rats (or mice). The neurochemical data obtained with microdialysis are supported with behavioural tests (rotational
behaviour in parkinsonian rats, morris water maze, evaluation of seizure severity, ...) and immunological techniques such as immunocytochemistry,
ELISA and Western blotting (tyrosine hydroxylase, caspases, NOS, glutamate and GABA transporters...).
The group has a strong analytical background and is specialized in developing and validating microbore LC techniques with electrochemical or
fluorescent detection for the determination of neurotransmitters in microdialysates. It also has ample experience with the capillary electrophoresis
technique. More recently, capillary / nano LC-MS/MS was introduced to determine neuropeptides and drugs from microdialysates. For some of
these drugs such as anti-epileptics, the microdialysis technique is also applied to study their pharmacokinetics and brain distribution with the
ultimate goal to carry out PK-PD modeling.
The research group «Seamless Care» aims to gain a better understanding of the barriers to and possibilities of providing seamless care and
collecting evidence with a view to reducing the incidence of Drug Related Problems (DRP's) in the shift from the hospital to primary care. SeCa
investigates which organisation and communication models are suitable and to what extent a clinical pharmacist can play a role in the transfer of
care.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
MICH develops research in the following areas:
1. Fundamental research on the replication cycle of poliovirus,
research concentrates on the first steps of the cycle
(adsorption, uncoating) and the last step (assembly);
2. Development of new poliovaccines (also biotech vaccines);
3. Fundamental research on antiviral compounds (in collaboration
with Janssen Research Foundation);
4. Viruses on the origin of multiple sclerosis?;
5. Theiler murine encephalitis virus (TMEV), a mouse model for
multiple sclerosis.
Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department FAFY is mainly developing research activities in the following domains:
1. The use of hepatocytes in culture and co-culture as a model for toxicity and biotransformation studies of xenobiotics: - Evaluation of the isoenzyme pattern of hepatocytes in culture and co-culture; - Detoxification mechanisms of hepatocytes in cultures and co-cultures; Biotransformation and toxicity of isobutene; - Biotransformation and toxicity of anti-epileptic drugs.
2. Dermato-cosmetics: - Efficiency measurements of dermato-cosmetic products; - Evaluation and standardisation of new and existing methodology
for efficiency measurements of dermato-cosmetic products.
Pharmaceutical Analysis
KU Leuven
The laboratory develops methods for analysis of drugs. The tech-niques used are mainly chromatography and electrophoresis. Thedrugs studied
are mainly antibiotics.
Personal Rights and Property Rights
University of Antwerp
Through a social embeddedness as a two-way relationship, the research programme's mission is to conduct research to private legal relationships
from a comparative, interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary point of view.
Private legal relationships operate in a quickly changing social environment. These evolutions influence the way the State should regulate them.
Therefore, the research programme aims at conducting research to private legal relationships. The currently relevant research themes are divided
into research lines: private relations where an unbalance (in expertise, capital ...) exists between the parties, family relations, and private legal
relationships in art & culture.
Personality Disorders
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Research on personality disorders
Personality and Social Psychology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Some standard personality questionnaires (Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory - 2, Baron Emotional Quotient Inventory,
Millon Clinical Multiaxional Inventory) have been translated
into Dutch and research is done in order to construct local
norms and to validate the different questionnaires in different
clinical settings and with different groups of patients. At the
same time new scales are constructed to measure personality
disorders (DSM-IV taxonomy) and we are in search of 'types' of
different forms of psychopathology (alcoholics, paedophilia,
recidivists, etc.).
In addition, we are also exploring how people make causal and
dispositional attributions. In one avenue of research, we
investigate connectionist models of the cognitive process
underlying attributions, and related phenomena such as illusory
correlation and cognitive dissonance. We are currently moving
from a feedforward network approach to a (modified) recurrent
network approach. Another avenue of research is the spontaneity
of attributions.
Overview of main research topics of PESP:
1. Norms and validation of personality or psychopathology
questionnaires;
2. Structure of personality disorders;
3. Attribution Theory/Connectionist models.
Periodontology & Oral Microbiology
KU Leuven
The department of Periodontology conducts both clinical as well as morefundamental research. The clinical projects concentrate on anoptimization
of: non-surgical periodontal therapy, diagnostics inPeriodontology, planning and outcome of oral implants, diagnosis andtreatment of halitosis. In
1996 the department created the ResearchGroup for Microbial Adhesion. This new group covers research within abroad field of oral microbiology
including topics such as : bacterialadhesion to hard and soft tissues, bacterial-host interactions, biofilmcontrol via antiseptics, antibiotics, probiotics,
prebiotics andpredatory bacteria, biofilm formation, clinical oral microbiology,environmental effects on bacterial adhesion, colonization and
biofilmformation, microbiological communication, interaction of bacteria in badbreath formation. Close collaboration with other laboratories withinthe
university, as well as at an international level, forms a key-stonein our scientific approach. The department also h
Performance analysis of telecommunications systems (PATS)
University of Antwerp
Telecommunication systems, in particular broadband networks, are becoming more complex as technological progress permits high transmission
rates and very fast switching over high capacity links and fast switching nodes. Add the variety of services carried by these networks, and the result
is a highly difficult system to design, configurate and operate. Developing, building and operating such complex systems in a cost-effective way,
requires solid engineering principles. In particular for the assessment of the performance, traffic engineering principles, methods and tools are
indispensable to come up with systems which attain the required performance with a limited amount of resources (i.e. in a cost-effective way).
Aims of the Research Activities : to provide the necessary mathematical models to support performance evaluation and traffic; engineering
activities; to develop new traffic engineering methods, techniques and tools based on the above mathematical models; to apply the developed
methods, techniques and tools to relevant applications, in particular in the area of ATM network design.
Pentalfa
KU Leuven
Pediatrics
University of Antwerp
The biologic role of insulin-like growth factor bindings proteins (IGFBP's) is studied and the interaction between target cell, IGFBP's and certain
growth factors is being investigated in several cell line systems. The urinary excretion of purine and pyrimidine metabolites was investigated in
normal neonates. These values can now be used for the detection of inborn errors of this metabolism.
In an attempt to clarify the causes of bone disease in neonates, bone matrix is being investigated histomorphologically in this age group.
The ontogeny of different neurochemical markers in the adrenal of the pig fetus has been established and may now serve as a basis for the study of
the influence of different in utero conditions on this system.
Well-known methods for the measurement of the pulmanory function have now been adapted for the use in infant and small children with normal
and pathologic conditions. The influence of certain medications on the pulmanory function is also being studied.
Pediatrics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
PEDI covers most current clinical research topics in paediatrics. The staff of the department includes paediatricians, paediatric neurologists,
paediatric psychiatrists, etc. Clinical research is performed in all paediatric subspecialties. Main topics of interest are: intensive care in the older
child; high frequency ventilation, oscillatory ventilation, metabolic disease, adolescent medicine, psychosomatic disorders, bronchoscopy, cystic
fibrosis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, food allergy, endoscopy, diabetes, etc.
Pedagogics and Didactics in Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research unit DIWE is mainly developing research on the education of ß-sciences during the candidate years at universities and other institutes
of higher education, but also has research interests in the final years (3rd degree) of secondary education. Most research activities are oriented
towards the learning process of the student and the development or activation of capabilities stimulating self-learning, in-depth analysis and
knowledge development during the study of sciences. This research led, among other things, to an analysis of the learning process and awareness
of a more adequate learning process through the testing of foreknowledge, learning method inquiries and interviews. Within the subject-specific
interactive working groups (IWG), which are product of this research, the necessary capabilities can be acquired through a process-oriented
approach. This approach will continuously be tested for its effectiveness and its methodology will be adapted where necessary. This research has
already resulted in a number of different side-products, as the continuous education of teachers in secondary education. Since 1997 an important
part of research has been oriented towards problem-focused education. A fine example is the development of an electronic workbook in which the
student himself can acquire and process his knowledge (especially in the area of physics) according to a specific study trajectory.
Pathophysiology
University of Antwerp
The most important lines of research that are currently running in the Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology deal with the following subjects:
1. Bonemetabolism
- Effect of a number of factors on the in vitro bone formation.
- Research on the effect of a calcimimeticum on the evolution of renal osteodystrophy.
- Role of the osteoblast on the development of renal osteodystrophy. A proteomics approach.
- Effect of the uremic environment on the gastrointestinal absorption of lanthanum and its accumulation in a number of relevant organs and
subcellular localisation in the liver.
- Effect of the therapeutic use of lanthanum carbonate on the Ca-balance in comparison to other phosphate binding agents.
- Drug discovery: Experimental research on the effect of a number of compounds in the prevention of osteoporosis in the rat.
2. Vascular calcification.
- In vitro en in vivo research on the mechanisms underlying the development vascular calcification in chronic renal failure.
- Comparative studies on the effect of a number of pharmaca on the development/reversibility of vascular calcifications in the chronic renal failure
rat.
- The calcification paradox: Experimental research on the role of the bone turn-over on the development of vascular calcifications.
3. Cell biology of nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis.
- Research on the role of the tubular phenotype and the expression of number of relevant molecules in the development of tubular crystal retention.
- Research on the potential role and alternative use of already existing pharmaca in the prevention of nephrocalcinosis.
4. Characterisation and element mapping in mineral deposits of calcified tissues.
5. In vitro research on the renal transport and potential toxic effects of various pharmaca.
- Research on the effects of an iron chelating compound on the tubular creatinine transport.
6. Cell biological and experimental research on the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of a new erythropoietin compound in chronic renal
failure.
7. The role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition on the development of fibrosis in the transplant kidney.
8. Epidemiological study on the cumulative toxic or protective effect of moderately increased multi-element exposure to heavy metals on a number
of clinical/biochemical parameters.
Pathology
University of Antwerp
The main research activities can be summarized as follows:
1) studies on the growth and differentiation of bone and cartilage tissue, using an in vitro model system consisting of the organ culture of mandibular
condyles of neonatal mice.
2) studies on the role of the endocardial endothelium in cardiac failure in both humans and experimental animals, with special emphasis on the role
of growth factor receptors.
3) studies on the innervation of the ileocaecal junction in man and in experimental animals, applying immunohistochemical and neurohistochemical
techniques, with special emphasis on the NANC innervation.
4) studies on the expression of oncogene and suppressor gene products in malignant mesothelioma.
5) studies on the immunopathology of schistosomiasis.
Pathologic Biochemistry and Physiology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department of Pathologic Biochemistry and Physiology is responsible for (post)graduate teaching in this field. It also plays a co-ordinating role
in the organisation of courses and training in medical research. Within its own laboratories, the department offers training to Master and Ph.D.
students in research projects in the field of diabetes.
The research activities are undertaken within the broader framework of the Diabetes Research Centre.The team is composed of the university staff
of the department and personnel allocated by research programmes. It has developed technical expertise in flow cytometry, cell purification, cell
function and toxicity tests, protein analysis and assays, in vitro and in vivo disease models, autoantibody detection. Current projects are focused on
the following subjects:
1. The analysis of pathogenic processes leading to diabetes, in particular at the level of insulin-producing ß-cells;
2. The identification and biologic significance of disease markers, and their use in clinical biology;
3. The induction of human ß-cells neogenesis;
4. The testing of pharmacologic interventions at the level of the ß-cells;
5. The development of ß-cell transplantation for treatment of diabetes.
Pathological Anatomy
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The department is responsible for graduate teaching in
Pathologic Anatomy and (post)graduate training in Experimental
Pathology. The goal is to train (bio)medical students and
graduates in projects which address questions in Tissue and Cell
Pathology. Technical expertise is mainly in the areas of
histology, immunocytochemistry, mechanisms of cell death and
regeneration, in situ hybridisation, electron microscopy.
Issues in surgical pathology are further addressed in the
laboratory: currently, studies are undertaken on protein
expression in breast carcinomas. Laboratory projects are mainly
undertaken in the field of diabetes, in association with other
VUB departments and/or centres collaboration with the Diabetes
Research Centre (see previous pages). The department is
particularly focused on the following subjects:
1. Composition of ß cell grafts for transplantation;
2. The islet pathology in diabetes and during (auto)immune
destruction;
3. The regeneration of ß cells and other pancreatic cell types;
4. Genes, morphogens and markers of cell differentiation.
Parenting and Special Education
KU Leuven
RESEARCH ON PROBLEM BEHAVIOR:- Research on the relationship between parenting and the development of antisocial behavior in young
children.- Development of instruments to measure coercive parent-child interactions.- Research on different forms of aggressive behavior in
children.- Research on developmental trajectories of disruptive behavior in children.RESEARCH ON THE PREVENTION OF CHILD
MALTREATMENT:- Development of instruments to screen for early risks of child physical abuse and neglect.- Development of instruments to
measure parents' potential for maltreatment and parents' attitudes towards corporal punishment- Quality evaluation of secondary prevention
programs of physical abuse and neglect in families with young children.RESEARCH ON YOUTH CARE:- Research on developmental trends in
youth care in the EC.- Research on the outcomes of foster care.- Research on the optimisation of foster care in Flanders. -Meta-evaluation of
residential treatment programs for young offenders.RESEARCH
p-adic Analysis
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The research unit PEAD studies Non-archimedean functional analysis. The term "non-archimedean" refers to the fact that the scalars, which in
classical functional analysis are real or complex numbers, are now elements of a valued field K with non-archimedean valuation. I.e. a valuation that
satisfies the strong triangle inequality |x+y| £ Max{|x|, |y|}. The best known examples of such fields are the fields of p-adic numbers, p a prime
number (The theory is therefore known under the name "p-adic functional analysis"). In such a setting one can develop a theory of Banach spaces,
locally convex spaces, lineair operators etc..., just as in the classical case. This non-archimedean theory turns out to be completely different from
the classical functional analysis. Not only as far as the results are concerned but also with respect to the techniques needed for the proofs. Also the
results depend on the structure of the field of scalars. At this moment, research is concentrated on the study of the extension of p-adic compact
operators, inductive limits, Schauder bases, spaces of continuous functions, p-adic distributions and the Fourier Transform. This research is part of
an international project. (Belgium, Spain, Poland, Russia and the Netherlands).
Packaging Technology
Universiteit Hasselt
<P>The research frontier<STRONG> '<I>Packaging </I>Technology'</STRONG> is broadly defined and mainly oriented to optimize materials and
packaging. The research has a strong link with the unique Master IW Packaging Technology.</P>
<P><B>- Services-</B></P>
<P>Modern characterization and testing techniques and a proper scientific interpretation of the results supports the packaging center business in a
responsible choice or modification of packaging concepts.</P>
<P>The research activities are focused on
Other University Administration Units
KU Leuven
Orthopsychology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
(objectives in english forthcoming)
De vakgroep ORPS is verantwoordelijk voor de afstudeerrichting
Orthopsychologie binnen de opleiding Psychologie en legt zich toe
op de wetenschappelijke studie van en hulpverlening aan kinderen
en jongeren die zich bevinden in problematische opvoedings- en
onderwijssituaties. Eigen aan de orthopsychologie is dat ze
problemen situeert en aanpakt binnen de sociale context. De
hulpverlening richt zich zowel op kinderen en jongeren als op hun
(professionele) opvoeders en heeft aandacht voor de gehele
sociaal-culturele context waarin de kinderen en jongeren opgroeien.
Het onderzoek van de vakgroep is georganiseerd binnen twee
onderzoekslijnen, die verschillende subdomeinen omvatten. De
eerste onderzoekslijn is de studie van speciale opvoedings- en
onderwijssituaties. De tweede onderzoekslijn bundelt het
onderzoek naar orthopedagogische en psychologische hulpverlening.
Orthodontics
KU Leuven
- Studies on the role of the MSX1-gen in the ethiology of cleftlip and palate and hypodontia.- Hormonal interactions with craniofacial morphology
and growth.- The use of dental maturation score in forensic dentistry.- Periodontal condition in unilateral cleft lip and palate casesbetween 8 and 20
yrs of age.- The study of friction in orthodontic sliding mechanics.- Development of a computer-aided and education system for anorthodontic
training program of dental students.- Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible and the maxilla.
Organ Systems
KU Leuven
No English ResAct
Organisation, policy and social inequalities in health care
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
to do multidisiciplinary fundamental and apllied (evaluation) research in following domains
international comparative health systems research
comparative health services research (organisational models and interorganisational networking)
the use of technologies in health care
socio-economic inequalities in health
patient participation
knowlegde transfer methodologies between reserach and policymakers
focus on innovations in health systems and health service models in health care, focus on the city