Doctoral School

DIAH Academy - research results to animal health applications

Cluster

Research and Valorization

Target audience

Master students, PhD students, post-docs with research results that could benefit animal health.

Lecturers

Dr. Sven Arnouts, Ghent University

Contact email: sven.arnouts@ugent.be

Dr. Sven Arnouts is business developer at AUGent on innovation in animal health via the business development center PROVAXS. UGent PROVAXS has been headed by Sven since its start in 2006. Sven graduated in 1990 as Bio-engineer in animal breeding and cell and gene technology. In 1994 he obtained his PhD in avian growth physiology and immunology at the University of Leuven on an industrial project in collaboration with Solvay-Duphar. These experiences taught him how to develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability of animal production. From 1994 to 2006 he was global R&D Manager Agriculture at INVE where he was responsible for research activities in animal nutrition for pigs, poultry and ruminants with a special focus on the relation between nutrition and health. As of 2006, he aims through UGent PROVAXS to turn results from basic research into new applications in the sector of animal health and production. To do so, UGent PROVAXS has access to various commercial databases with regards to marketing (animal health life sciences) and patents. UGent PROVAXS is backed up by the Tech Trans Offices of Ghent University, which offer expert services (legal, IP, financial, funding). At an academic level, UGent PROVAXS is closely involved in numerous multidisciplinary projects for an industry-oriented validation of animal health assets. He is Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP, the International Standard for the Professional Competence & Experience of Knowledge Exchange/Knowledge Transfer/Technology Transfer).

Laetitia Cicchelero, Ghent University 

Dr. Laetitia Cicchelero is project manager at Ghent University. She supports researchers and business developers to translate research results into health applications via the Cross-Health platform. This platform joins several research groups at Ghent University (colleges) with expertise and technologies that can be the basis of new health applications. The goal of the Cross-Health platform is to evaluate these new technologies for applications in multiple species and to coordinate proof of concept studies for the benefit of human and/or animal health. Laetitia is veterinarian with a PhD in immuno-oncology. She worked as a project manager at Ghent University Hospital to help researchers with the practical aspects of performing studies, and she worked in medical affairs in pharma before returning to Ghent University to apply the obtained knowledge across species.

 

Jolien Coenraets, Gentrepreneur 

Jolien Coenraets is manager at Gentrepreneur. Her goal is to help entrepreneurial students & researchers in Ghent grow. She graduated in 2012 as a Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering at Ghent University, Belgium. During her first master she started her own company G-flux, which created smartphone applications with GPS technology, together with friends. She worked as a teaching assistant and entrepreneurial education coach at Ghent University where she sparked the innovation and entrepreneurial vibe in the students, teach a Lean Startup course and work at DO!, the Ghent University center for student entrepreneurship, which has now joined Gentrepreneur.

TBD, animal health experts from animal health companies

Abstract

The Discovery to Innovation in Animal Health (DIAH) academy is a coaching program from Ghent University. Its scope is to support young researchers in the development of animal health applications based on the results of their (PhD) research. Coaching will be provided by AUGent, Gentrepreneur, VLAIO/FIT and experts from animal health companies.

Objectives

The goals are twofold: (1) increase the chances of obtaining research funding for the further development of the application in animal health, and (2) inform researchers about valorisation (importance of IP, regulatory frame, understand the market for the envisaged application, business plan and funding).

Dates and venue

25/08/2025 - 20/03/2026

Varied: in Ghent, (Wintercircus, Miriam Makebaplein 2), Merelbeke (campus Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133) and online

Programme

  • 25 or 29/8: intake meeting

Pre-selection

  • 4/9: deadline registration Research Track Gentrepreneur
  • 18-19/9 (9:00 – 17:00): on campus Research Track training
  • 25/9 (9:00 – 12:30): online session Research Track training
  • 2/10 (9:00 – 12:30): online session Research Track training
  • 15/10: pitch for animal health companies
  • 17/11: announcement of selected candidates for DIAH academy 

Selected candidates (4)

  • 6/1 PM: coaching on valorisation
  • 13/1 PM: coaching on valorisation
  • 14/1-15/2: companies advise on project application (market, business plan, market fit, target product profile)
  • 16/2-23/2: intake meeting with funding agency (choice funding channel depends on maturity of the subject)
  • 2/3: valorisation brainstorm for project with all four candidates
  • 20/3: feedback draft application

Registration

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

There is no limit on the pre-selection phase, only 4 candidates will be selected for the second part of the program.

Language

English

Training method

The program will consist of a combination of introduction courses, workshops, coaching sessions and self-study.

Evaluation method

Active participation and writing a project funding application. 

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.