In charge of the ResearchOffice to strengthen VITO's core research and innovation activities in the areas sustainable energy, chemistry, materials, health, and land use. We provide support to researchers from proposal idea to project audit, and pro-actively screen VITO opportunities at the regional to international research and innovation scene.

Organization of VITO research activities in the field of sustainable materials management by:- mitigating the pressure on primary raw materials by urban mining and the use of renewables- minimising material usage by resource effective material technologies and manufacturing- limiting material loss by closing lean and flexible material cycles- optimising the environmental impact by overall material life cycle thinking and trackingTo that end, expertise in advanced material technologies and related manufacturing is enriched with insights in supporting business concepts and societal transition.

Responsible for strategic research activities in the fields of plasma surface treatments, laser applications, powder processing, advanced characterisation & testing, and related international networking.

Responsibilities included:• The management of a research group of about 50 persons (over 50 % university degree) and annual budget of around 6,5 million Euro.• The technological areas of the Materials Technology Centre comprise plasma surface technology, laser applications, and powder processing of ceramics and metals. Modern analysis and test facilities are available within the centre to support this research.• Main activities included scientific strategic planning, technology watch, development of contract research, budgetary planning and follow-up, networking with industrial and academic partners, and people management.

This involved the operation and management of a laboratory for the micromechanical and tribological evaluation of thin surface coatings. Co-ordination of various national and international RTD projects in the fields of coating development and thin film test methods.