Team

Ann now maintains the insect colonies in the Insect Pilot Plant and assists in research regarding insect optimisation and the use of by-products as insects feed.

Audrey conducts research with microalgae and is responsible for algae stock and lab-scale research.

In the past, Dorien worked as a freelance journalist and content marketer. As communications manager she ensures that our research is presented in the best possible light and that people find their way to our practice-oriented research.

Floris has a PhD in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Microbiology is his expertise and currently he is conducting research on microalgae.

Geert investigates the sustainable processing of insects and microalgae into biomass and derived biomaterials. Application and evaluation of the biomass/biomaterials in food, feed and technical applications lays also within his expertise.

Iris is responsible for preparing the financial reports of ongoing research projects and provides support to the research team.

Isabelle focuses on projects for the application of insects and algae as biomass and raw materials. She also co-develops analyses for the characterisation of this biomass and associated substrates and by-products.

Joost is a doctoral researcher in Bioscience Engineering, focusing on chemical valorization of biomass. Within the Downstream Processing team, he collaborates with CSCE-Biocon on scaling up the biorefinery and valorizing more complex biomass streams.

Kristel is responsible for preparing the financial reports of ongoing research projects and provides administrative support to the research team.

Lise obtained her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2023. In addition to being a lecturer in Biomedical Laboratory Technology, she is also closely involved in the research. She is responsible for the project management of several projects.

Lotte studied Bioengineering at KU Leuven and also obtained her PhD in Biology there in 2010. She works on optimizing insect farming, with a specific focus on the valorization of residual streams. In addition, she is a Business Developer.

Maaike helps maintaining the insect cultivation at the Insect Pilot Plant. Her research focuses on optimizing the rearing process.

Pieter is lecturer in chemical process technology and researcher in chemical process technology within the Downstream Processing team. Leveraging his expertise, he focuses on pilot-scale activities.

Sabine is the research manager of the Centre of Expertise. She obtained her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and is closely involved in research on insect and algae cultivation for novel biomass, as well as its processing and applications.

Sarah is researcher in the Downstream Processing team. She participates in projects on the processing of insects & algae and biomass analysis. 

Throughout his career, Steven has worked on sustainable projects within industrial agriculture and industry. As a researcher, he now aims to apply this process-oriented and innovation-driven approach to further develop the insect sector in Flanders.

Tom obtained his PhD in Bioscience Engineering, focusing on the use of microalgae in food applications. He contributes to research on cultivating and processing microalgae as a sustainable biomass for various applications.