Doctoral School

Advanced Microscopy: Valorization and Collaboration with Industry

Target audience

We target Belgian and international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with a background in
earth and material sciences who are advanced in their research and are looking to further possibilities beyond the
academic field or want to collaborate with industry. No prerequisite required.
Disciplinary backgrounds: Natural Sciences, (Bioscience) Engineering, Life sciences and medicine, researchers from other
universities.

Organizing and scientific committee

Prof. Dr. Veerle Cnudde (Faculty of Sciences, UGent), Dr. Laurenz Schröer (Fac. Sciences UGent);
Dr. Wannes Goethals (Fac. Sciences, UGent); Dr. Florian Buyse (Fac. Sciences, UGent) and Dr. Flore Rembert (Fac. Sciences,
UGent)

Abstract

Current advances in imaging by X-ray and Electron imaging enhanced our understanding of materials. The outcome of our academic research has the potential for industrial applications. However, valorization is still too limited,
and more should be done. Thisspecialist course intends to close the gap between industry and academia and provide tools to valorize your research. The course will discuss the newest developments in the field of imaging and their use within
industrial applications and show the applicants how to bring their research to industry.

Objectives

The goal of this course is to bring industry towards academia and teach PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, how to valorize their research and bring it towards industry. The first goal of the course is to provide insights on the newest developments in the field of imaging by the manufacturers (e.g.,Tescan, Bruker) and to give examples of industrial processes and applications where imaging is essential (e.g., UMICORE, Boskalis, VITO).
The second part of the course will focus on the necessary skills to interact with industry and be able to valorize your research. We will teach the participants how to sell themselves and their projects using a pitch presentation. Furthermore,
we will focus on providing negotiation techniques and give them a better understanding of patents, contracts and data management. The last part will focus on spin-offs and will teach the participants how to create their spin-offs and the
challenges that come with them. We will also invite speakers who created their spin-offs in the past to give an honest view of their trajectory and the challenges that came with it.

Dates and venue

17./09/2025 – 19./09/2025

Campus Sterre, Building S8

Programme

  • Day 1: Wednesday (17.09.2025: 9:00-17:00)
    09:00 – 09:30 Welcome/course introduction (Veerle Cnudde – Ghent University)
    09:30 – 10:15 New developments in digital microscopy (TESCAN XRE)
    10:15 – 11:00 New developments in digital microscopy (Mostafa Borji – Bruker)
    11:00 – 11:15 Break
    11:15 – 12:00 Bringing research results into practice (Stijn Matthys – Ghent University)
    12:00 – 13:00 Networking + Lunch
    13:00 – 13:45 Application of microscopy for industrial purposes (Margarita Merkulova – Umicore)
    13:45 – 14:30 Application of microscopy for industrial purposes (Leon van Paassen – Boskalis)
    14:30 – 15:00 How cross-over in expertise can make a difference (Michèle Kint – Ghent
    University)
    15:00 – 17:00 Poster session and Networking
  • Day 2: Thursday (18.09.2025: 9:00-16:00)
    09:00 – 09:30 Welcome/course introduction (Laurenz Schröer – Ghent University)
    09:30 – 10:15 Data management – FAIR principles (Paula Oset – Ghent University)
    10:15 – 11:00 How to valorize your research (Jolien Coenraets – Gentrepreneurs)
    11:00 – 11:15 Break
    11:15 – 12:00 Computer Vision: A take on AI and Battery Recycling (Kris Broos – VITO)
    12:00 – 13:00 Networking + Lunch
    13:00 – 14:00 Presentation skills, how to make a pitch (Tom De Moor – Ghent University)
    14:00 – 14:15 Break
    14:15 – 16:00 Negotiation techniques (Karen Curé – Ghent University)
  • Day 3: Friday (19.09.2025: 9:00-17:00)
    09:00 – 09:30 Welcome/course introduction (Philippe Van Den Heede – Ghent University)
    09:30 – 10:00 UGCT as a Core Facility in practice (Matthieu Boone – Ghent University)
    10:00 – 10:45 The value of contracts and their implications (Peter Wauters– Ghent University)
    10:45 – 11:00 Break
    11:00 – 11:45 From research to spin-off: dreams don’t work unless you do (Ewout Van Steenkiste –
    Ghent University)
    11:45 – 12:45 Networking + Lunch
    12:45 – 13:15 Innovation-oriented European funding schemes (Frederik Vandecasteele – Ghent
    University)
    13:15 – 13:45 Testimonies of successful and less successful spin-offs (Frederic Van Assche –
    SpeXICAM)
    13:45 – 14:15 Testimonies of successful and less successful spin-offs (Denis Van Loo – TESCAN
    XRE)
    14:30 – 16:45 Lab visit (Laurenz Schroër, Florian Buyse)
    16:45 – 17:00 Closing

Registration

  • Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. We check if you are eligible to participate. Due to limited places, we give priority to PhD students. Your registration will be confirmed by separate e-mail (outlook invite).
  • Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

  • The no show policy applies.

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 50 participants

Language

English

Training method

The workshop will be a combination of lectures, poster presentations, practical sessions, network events and discussions. The main teaching methods will be lectures(13 hours). For the poster presentation (2 hours), every participant can showcase what they are doing and how this could be valorized.Furthermore, practical sessions (2,75 hours) will be organized to teach among others how to perform a pitch presentation and networking moments will be introduced for a total of 3 hours to bring PhD students closer to each other and the industry.

Evaluation method

After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.