Gooik, Flemish Region, Belgium
With over 12 years of experience in lipid technology and a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences, I bridge the gap between fundamental science and industrial application. At Vandemoortele, I lead the Science & Technology team, where we manage long-term research initiatives aimed at better understanding fat systems to drive food innovations. My work is centered on turning complex scientific insights into scalable process technologies and new product formulations. This involves aligning R&D strategy with technical execution to ensure that scientific findings lead to industrial realisations. A major part of my role is managing a collaborative research ecosystem. This includes a close collaboration with the Vandemoortele Centre for Lipid Science & Technology at Ghent University, where I help to connect different technical levels - from fundamental academic research to practical applications. Over the past several years, our team has successfully implemented various new technologies, process improvements, and product innovations.
Lead the long- and mid-term Science & Technology research team, focusing on the strategic development of fat systems and lipid innovations. Coordinate and steer research projects in close partnership with the Vandemoortele Centre for Lipid Science & Technology at Ghent University, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application. Oversee the successful implementation of new technologies and process optimizations that improved production efficiency and product quality. Align scientific research goals with business needs to drive the long-term innovation pipeline.
Managed long-term R&D projects from concept to proof-of-concept. Led the design and development of new technologies and product formulations, ensuring technical feasibility for large-scale production. Acted as the technical lead between research teams and manufacturing to ensure smooth technology transfers.
Developed and launched new fat products tailored to specific customer and market requirements.
FWO Fellowship PhD entitled: "Modelling the growth and metabolic behaviour of lactic acid bacteria in complex ecosystems"
Research stay abroad at the ‘Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos’, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, 15 November 2008 until15 December 2008. Application of quantitative real-time PCR for the quantification of the relative gene expression of the mannitol dehydrogenase gene of Lactobacillus fermentum IMDO 130101.