Emeritus professor Microbial and Biochemical Technology which was responsible for the 'Cluster for Bioengineering Technology' at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the KULeuven University at the campus of Ostend and Bruges.Originally involved in research on the biosynthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics at the Rega institue for medical research (Devisions of Bacteriology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry) of the KU Leuven University (Belgium) and at the University of León (Department of Ecology, Genetics and Microbiology), Spain.Afterwards and in collaboration with local food industry, coordinator of several projects on the nutritional and microbial quality of frozen vegatables and potatoes, the desinfection of process water and the purification and reuse of wastewater. The main focus was on the recovery of various anorganic compounds with non-pressure driven membrane processes (various electrodialysis systems) and on the recovery of nutrients (N, P). Also involved in research on the stabilility, the use as natural sweeteners in food and the environmental fate of steviol glycosides (stevia, E960).For 12 years also member of the board of a water utility, the IWVA in Belgium.