Renaat Philippaerts, PhD

Head of Performance / Head of Sports Science | PhD in Physical Education and Sports Sciences

Oreye, Walloon Region, Belgium

About

As a Co-Founder of SpartaNova, now Hylyght, I have over 17 years of experience in creating and delivering innovative solutions for talent management, coaching, and physical conditioning in the sports industry. My mission is to help athletes and teams achieve their full potential by using cutting-edge technology and scientific insights. With a PhD in Physical Education and Sports Sciences from KU Leuven, and as Professor at Ghent University, I have a strong academic background and a proven track record of publishing high-quality research in prestigious journals. I also have extensive professional soccer experience as a Sports Science Manager and Physical Coach at KAA Gent, Club Brugge, Standard de Liège, some of the leading clubs in Belgium. I have worked with top-level players and coaches, and contributed to their performance, development, and well-being.

Experience

  • Sports Science / Physical Coach at STVV
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Founder at Philippaerts Sports Science Consult
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • RFC Seraing (Self-employed · 10 mos)
    • Strength & Conditioning Coach
      Sep 2024 - Apr 2025 · 8 mos

      Strength & Conditioning RFCS Jeunesse

    • Sports Scientist / Physical Coach
      Jul 2024 - Apr 2025 · 10 mos

  • Standard de Liège (5 yrs 6 mos)
    • Sports Science Manager
      May 2023 - Nov 2023 · 7 mos

    • Physical Coach
      Jun 2018 - May 2023 · 5 yrs

      2018-2019: * Group Stage Europa League 2019-2020: * Group Stage Europa League 2020-2021: * Group Stage Europa League

  • Co-Founder and Shareholder at SpartaNova
    2009 - Dec 2020 · 12 yrs