Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon has a master degree in Physical Education and in Physical Therapy, a PhD in Movement Sciences and co-leads the research group with Delfien Van Dyck. Her research focuses on understanding the determinants of physical activity, as well as identifying the most effective ways to promote physical activity in different age groups. She is/was involved in several European projects (e.g. ToyBox, DEDIPAC, Feel4Diabetes, Smartlife), a European training network on co-creation (Health Cascade) and leads the Interdisciplinary consortium "Ghent University Research on Aging Young (GRAY)"
Prof Cardon is among the Highly cited researchers since 2020.
Delfien Van Dyck obtained a Master in Physical Education and Movement Sciences and a PhD in Physical Education and co-leads the research group. Her research focuses on the determinants of physical activity and sedentary behavior in (older) adults, with specific attention to the importance of activity-friendly environments (parks, neighborhoods and the use of Virtual Reality within them). Furthermore, she supervises the PhD research regarding theory-based interventions through eHealth and mHealth to promote an active lifestyle in adults and a PhD study regarding the use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to identify the dynamic determinants of physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults. She is/was involved in two NIH projects: the IPEN Adult and IPEN Adolescent studies (PI: James F Sallis), and the eMOTION study (PI: Genevieve Dunton).
Prof.dr. Sebastien Chastin
Prof. Dr. Sebastien Chastin has a BSc in metrology, a Master in Rehabilitation Sciences and a PhD in Non-Linear Physics. He is a Professor at the Glasgow Caledonian University and is an unpaid visiting professor within the Physical Activity and Health research group at UGhent. His research focuses on human movement behaviour. Understanding why, when and how people decide to move or not, is crucial to promoting healthy movement behaviour. Research interests: 24 hour movement behavior across the life span; co-creation of physical activity intervention
dr. Sofie Compernolle
Education: Master in Physical Education and Movement Sciences – PhD in Health Sciences Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon and Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck
Research project(s): The research of Sofie focuses on sedentary behavior in adults and older adults. During her PhD, Sofie examined the socio-ecological determinants of sedentary behavior in adults. Currently, she works as a postdoctoral researcher on the Stand Up, Stay Top project. The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate an eHealth intervention aimed at the reduction of sedentary behaviour in older adults. During this project, the realist methodology will be used. Research interests: Sedentary behaviour, older adults, e- & mHealth interventions, self-monitoring, user engagement, realist methodology
dr. Julie Latomme
Education: Master of Science in Experimental and Theoretical Psychology at Ghent University Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon & dr. Tim Van Langenhove
Research project(s): Between 2017-2021, Julie worked on her FWO funded research project "Run Daddy Run". Run Daddy Run is a lifestyle intervention that specifically focused on fathers and their children (6-8 years old), aiming to increase co-physical activity by means of interactive exercise sessions and an online (website) component. Additionally, the intervention aimed to increase the level of physical activity of both father and child, as well as limiting their amount of TV viewing, and other outcomes such as the quality of the father-child relationship and psychosocial well-being. The intervention was developed using co-creation: an approach in which the target group (fathers) were actively involved in the development process, in order to meet their meet needs and preferences. Given the positive effects of the intervention (i.e. increases in (co-)physical activity of both fathers and children en decreases in their sedentary behavior), this project is currently being implemented in wider Flanders by Gezinssport Vlaanderen.
Currently, Julie is working on a project that aims to develop, implement and evaluate a cognitively enriched lifestyle intervention for older adults with a mild cognitive impairment (MCI), together with their children. This intergenerational program will be developed in a co-creative way, actively involving the target group in the development process of the intervention in order to optimally meet their needs and preferences. The aim of this intervention is to improve MCI patients' physical, cognitive and psychosocial well-being, as well as that of their children.
Research interests: overweight and obesity in children, prevention, (intergenerational) interventions, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, cognition, executive functions, (older) adults, children, MCI patients
dr. Laura Maenhout
Education: Master of Educational Sciences, Main Subject Special Education, Disability Studies and Behavioral Disorders (Ghent University) and PhD in Health Sciences Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck and Prof. dr. Gilles Pourtois
Research project(s): In 2024, Laura completed her PhD, which focused on promoting physical activity among youth with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Through co-creation sessions with the target group, she developed an intervention tailored to their specific needs, combining a buddy system with a supportive app. The effectiveness of this intervention was evaluated using a theory-based and single-case perspective.
Laura's current postdoctoral project focuses on deepening our understanding of affective responses to physical activity in individuals with intellectual disabilities. This research specifically investigates their affective responses during (treadmill) walking and compares these with responses from individuals without disabilities. Additionally, the project explores the potential impact of two external factors: social interaction and virtual reality exposure to green environments.
To capture a comprehensive view, Laura will use a holistic affect-test battery that includes innovative techniques like EEG/fNIRS and facial expression analysis.
Research interests: Physical activity, behavior change, psychophysiology, affect, intellectual disability, social interaction, environment, virtual reality
dr. Amber Van Puyvelde
Education: Master of Science in Health Promotion – PhD in Health Sciences Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon, Dr. Ir. Stefanie Vandevijvere
Research project(s): As a postdoctoral researcher, Amber supports the European Era4Health projects FOODPATH and YAHEE. FOODPATH identifies the commercial and political factors that influence the supply and accessibility of the food environment, and thus have an impact on the (healthy) food choices people make. This project has a specific focus on health inequalities within the food environment. YAHEE identifies factors that influence the dietary and physical activity behaviour of vulnerable young adults using the citizen science tool TravelTrack. In addition, opportunities for intervention in the food and mobility environments are identified through systems science and Group Model Building (GMB). Both projects are carried out in collaboration with Sciensano.
Research interests: Health promotion, environmental factors of health behaviour, physical activity, nutrition, co-creation
dr. Iris Maes
Education: Master of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Science, Master of Science in Health Promotion, and PhD in Health Science Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck en Prof. dr. Greet Cardon
Onderzoeksproject(en): In March 2025, Iris obtained her PhD with the title “Gaining insights into older adults’ physical activity to optimize digital health interventions.” In the first phase of her doctoral research, she focused on identifying the dynamics of the psychosocial determinants of physical activity among older adults (65+). To do this, Iris used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a novel monitoring strategy that assesses behaviors in real time, within participants’ natural environments. In a later phase of her PhD, she conducted smaller experiments, for instance exploring how older adults experience receiving multiple daily notifications through a smartphone application designed to encourage them to be physically active.
In her postdoctoral research, Iris continues to focus on digital interventions to promote physical activity, with particular attention to personalization.
Research interests: Health promotion, prevention, behavioral interventions, physical activity, EMA, personalization
dr. Sanne Stegen
Education: Master in Physical Education and Movement Sciences; PhD in Health Sciences
Position: Sanne coordinates the interdisciplinary research consortium (IDC) GRAY (www.gray.be), which stands for Ghent University Research for Aging Young. The main objective is to promote societal valorization and interdisciplinary collaboration across faculty boundaries. GRAY joins forces to better understand and support healthy aging. In this way, the consortium brings together expertise on the biology of aging, health promotion, healthy behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, mental well-being and cognitive behavior), geriatrics, environments that encourage healthy aging and the use of adaptive technologies within the field of aging. Sanne is passionate about people, health and society. The position of 'knowledge broker' suits her down to the ground and she likes to be at the crossroads where knowledge institutions, government, industry and society come together.
Julie Delobelle
Education: Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences – major Neurosciences, Master of Science in Health Promotion Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck, dr. Jelle Van Cauwenberg, Prof. dr. Evelien Carrette
Research project(s): Julie will investigate how physical activity (more specifically walking) can be increased in people with epilepsy, by optimizing the physical and social environment, without inducing anxiety and stress. First, qualitative walk-along interviews will be conducted to identify which physical and social environmental characteristics influence anxiety and stress, and therefore walking. Based on these results, a second observational study will use geo-based ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) to examine the time- and context-dependence of determinants of acute anxiety, perceived stress and walking during daily life. The results of these two studies will be used to evaluate the causal effects of specific environmental factors on anxiety, stress and attractiveness to walk, in a third, experimental study using virtual reality. Research interests: physical activity, health promotion, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), neuroscience, epilepsy, physical and social environment, virtual reality
Pieter-Jan Marent
Education: Master of Science in Physical Education and Movement Sciences – Research in Biomedical Kinesiology Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon and Prof. dr. Jannique van Uffelen
Research project(s): Pieter-Jan's project focuses on elucidating the role of daily activities on cognitive ageing. More specifically, in a two-year follow-up study, he investigates how physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep are related to cognitive functioning in adults aged 55 and above. To this end, he uses objective measurement methods such as accelerometers, but also questionnaires to gain more insight into these behaviours. More information about his project can be found at www.pasoca.be Research interests: physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, cognition, older adults, active ageing
Evelien Iliano
Education: Master of Science in Physical Education and Movement Sciences – Physical Activity, Fitness and Health Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon and dr. Julie Latomme
Research Project(s): The PhD of Evelien focuses on physical activity within the family context. As a first part of the PhD, she developed and evaluated an intergenerational physical activity intervention, “Ages Get Active”, for grandparents and their grandchildren (6 to 10 years). This program was developed using a co-creation approach, meaning all participants were actively involved in its development to comply with their preferences and needs. The main aim of the intervention was to investigate whether (co-)physical activity (primary outcome variable), general well-being, and quality of the family relationship (secondary outcome variables) of both generations were improved by doing activities together. A process and effect evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. As a second part of the PhD, Evelien will investigate to what extent parents and their children (aged 9–12 years) engage in physical activity together in different European countries, and whether this is related to the intensity of their physical activity. She will work closely with Julie Latomme, who has experience in intervention development and intergenerational activities.
Education: Master of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Main subject Audiology - Master of Science in Health Promotion, PhD in Health Sciences (defended january 2026). Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon & dr. Sofie Compernolle
Research project: Laura's project focuses on sedentary behavior in older adults by using the realist methodology. In a first phase, the current evidence on interventions concerning sedentary behavior in this population will be compiled into a 'realist review'. This way, we wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how, why, and in which circumstances interventions aimed at the reduction of older adults’ sedentary behavior work. Based on the findings of this phase, it was decided to delve deeper into the automatic processes underlying sedentary behavior. By means of an event-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study, we try to map how the habit of sedentary behavior is established. The overall aim of this project is to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms, in relationship to the context, that influence older adults’ sedentary behavior and therefore contribute to the development of future interventions. Research interests: Sedentary Behavior, Older adults, mHealth, Health Promotion, Healthy & Active ageing, Behavioral Change, EMA
Kim Cnudde
Education: Master of Science in Movement and Sport Sciences (Ghent University), Main subject: Physical activity, fitness and health, Bachelor in Nutrition and Dietetics (HoGent) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck, Prof. dr. Femke Ongenae and dr. ir. Femke De Backere
Research project: Overweight and obesity are among the greatest public health challenges of this century. A key cause is a disrupted energy balance (energy intake > energy expenditure). Kim focuses her research on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary behaviour and sleep, as these behaviours play a significant role in the energy balance. To measure this, validated activity trackers and a food diary are used. Additionally, consideration is given to time- and context-dependent determinants (e.g., social environment, emotions, stress, loneliness, …), as these factors can influence behaviours. The determinants are measured using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a new method that can capture factors at the moment they occur in their natural environment. The study targets adults aged 55 to 75 because the prevalence of overweight and obesity is highest in this age group. The aim of this project is to gain insight into the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary behaviour and sleep. This information is crucial to develop more effective, personalised health interventions to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity. You can find more information on the study's website: www.leefwijzer.ugent.be (in Dutch)
Research interests: Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary behaviour/nutrition, sleep, older adults, healthy ageing, EMA, network analyses, overweight/obesity
Sherihane Bensemmane
Education: Master of Science in Neuroscience (Aix-Marseille University, France), Master's degree in Public Health (Université Libre Bruxelles - ULB, Belgium), Master's degree in Political Science (Université Libre Bruxelles - ULB, Belgium) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon, Prof. dr. Stefan Heytens, mentor at Sciensano: Robrecht De Schreye
Research project: Physical activity (PA) reduces 19.5% of the attributable burden of chronic diseases (CDs), i.e. healthy life years lost due to morbidity and mortality. In addition, 29.5% of Belgians self-declared having at least one chronic disease. Moreover, almost 30% of the population above 15 years old is at health risk due to physical inactivity. Evidence shows physical activity on prescription (PAP) has a positive impact on PA level and metabolic health. General Practitioners (GPs) can use PAP as a prevention (primary and secondary) intervention. The first aim of the PhD project is to understand the current landscape of physical activity on prescription (PAP) in Belgian primary care. The second aim is to investigate how the role of general practitioners (GPs) in prescribing and promoting PA can be increased or improved by exploring patients' perspectives and discovering barriers and facilitators to PAP by GPs. The study is part of a project carried out within the Belgian Sentinel GP network (Primary Care Unit, Sciensano).
Research interests: Public health, Primary care, Physical activity, Health promotion, surveillance
Maria José Molina Cando
Education: Graduate in Chemistry and Pharmacy and Master in Biosciences with mention in Biodiscovery from the University of Cuenca, Ecuador. Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck, Prof. dr. Angélica Ochoa Aviles (University of Cuenca), Prof. dr. Benedicte Deforche.
Research project(s): María José's PhD is part of the VLIR-UOS project, which focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to designing active, safe, and inclusive parks in the Andean region of Ecuador. The project will examine the factors influencing residents' preferences for visiting parks in Cuenca, Ecuador, and how the built environment, including access to parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, affects the physical activity levels of children and adolescents in an urban area of Cuenca. In the quantitative phase of the project, observational instruments will be employed to describe user activities and park attributes in 10 parks in Cuenca. Subsequently, adolescents will be invited to complete an online questionnaire to investigate their park visits. The questionnaire will gather information on the parks they have visited, the usual activities they engage in, and the frequency and duration of their visits to the parks over the last three months. Finally, based on this information and the qualitative component of the project, culturally relevant factors will be incorporated into a virtual reality model (VRM). This VRM aims to inform policymakers about the specific and relevant factors to consider when creating or renovating a park from the perspective of adolescents.
Research interests: health promotion, built environment, physical activity, children and adolescents.
Cristina Ochoa Aviles
Education: Graduate in Chemistry and Pharmacy, Master in Biosciences with a mention in Biodiscovery from the University of Cuenca, Ecuador and Master in Immunology from the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil. Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck, Prof. dr. Benedicte Deforche, Prof. dr. Angélica Ochoa (University of Cuenca), Prof. dr. Hibbah Araba Osei-kwasi (Loughborough University).
Research project(s): Cristina's PhD is part of the VLIR-UOS project, which focuses on a multidisciplinary effort to create active, safe, and inclusive parks in the Andean region of Ecuador. The study will explore factors shaping residents' park preferences in Cuenca and how the urban environment, including park accessibility and recreational facilities, impacts physical activity and park visitation among children and adolescents. Cristina focuses on the project's qualitative component, which uses walk-along interviews, photovoice, and in-depth interviews with adolescents, parents, and non-governmental stakeholders to understand the factors influencing adolescents' park visitation and physical activity. In addition, work with stakeholders includes their perspectives on power dynamics and relationships to perform network analysis on the issue. Finally, the information on the project's quantitative and qualitative components will be incorporated into a virtual reality model (VRM) to inform policymakers about the specific and relevant factors to consider when creating or renovating a park from an adolescent's perspective.
Research interests: health promotion, physical activity, children and adolescents, immunology.
Evita van Duin
Education: Master in International Public Management and Policy (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Master in International Community Health (Oslo University) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon and dr. Ir. Stefanie Vandevijvere
Research project(s): Evita is conducting research on the commercial determinants of health, with a special focus on the food environment and health equity. This is part of the European Era4Health FOODPATH project, which is in collaboration with Ireland, Türkiye, Poland, Italy and the Netherlands. Evita focuses on the commercial and political factors that influence the supply and accessibility of the food environment and the food choices that people make. These topics are examined in relation to health equity and the effect of company practices on socio-economically vulnerable groups is studied. This PhD is a collaboration between Sciensano (Belgian Institute for Health) and Ghent University.
Research interests: food environment, health equity, public health, health promotion
Melina Kastrinou
Education: Bachelor Physical Education and Sports Science (University of Athens, Greece) – Master in Human Movement Science (Maastricht University, the Netherlands) - Master in Health Education and Promotion (Maastricht University, the Netherlands) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck & dr. Sofie Compernolle
Research project: This research project is part of INDEEP (INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours), an EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network. INDEEP aims to advance Physical Activity promotion through innovative research, focusing on determinants of activity behaviours, cutting-edge methodologies, and data analytics. The network seeks to develop a toolbox that integrates behaviour change theory, intervention co-creation, and evidence-based strategies to support effective, multi-level interventions. The PhD research will begin with a scoping review of existing literature on context- and time-dependent environmental determinants of physical activity behaviours (PABs) in youth to identify key variables for an assessment tool. Next, a geo-based assessment tool will be developed and pre-tested (using cognitive testing) with adolescents. Once finalized, an observational geo-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study will be conducted, focusing on location- and time-based sampling of triggers in adolescents. The findings will be integrated into the INDEEP dataset for inclusion in the INDEEP intervention Toolbox.
Research interests: physical activity, health promotion, environment, ecological momentary assessment, children and adolescents
Brandon Victor
Education: Bachelor Communication (UC Santa Barbara), Research Master’s [Health] Communication (University of Amsterdam) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon and Prof. dr. Maïté Verloigne
Research Project: This project is part of the Marie Curie doctoral network INDEEP (INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours). The research will first carry out a scoping review exploring intervention development based on a theoretical intervention development framework and merged with a co- creational approach. Next the research will conduct iterative testing of the physical activity behaviours intervention development methodology for adolescents using best practices from the scoping review in a sub-sample of INDEEP cohort participants. Finally, a toolbox will be created for the physical activity behaviours intervention development methodology. This toolbox will provide researchers and practitioners across Europe with an evidence-based best practice approach to intervention development, taking into consideration the interactions within a complex behavioural system.
Research interests: physical activity, health promotion, co-creation, children and adolescents
Ben Goedons
Education: Bachelor in Nutrition and Dietetics (AP University College, Antwerp), Master in Health Promotion (Ghent University) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon & dr. Ir. Stefanie Vandevijvere
Research Project(s): Ben’s PhD research focuses on the food and physical activity environments of vulnerable young adults (18-25 years). Using systems science, citizen science, and participatory methods, he collaborates with young adults, policymakers, and other stakeholders to identify factors that promote or hinder the creation of equitable and health-enhancing environments. This research is part of the European Era4Health YAHEE project, in collaboration with universities in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Taiwan. Its goal is to understand the environmental factors influencing the dietary and physical activity behaviours of vulnerable young adults using the UGent-developed citizen science tool TravelTrack. The project also identifies leverage points for intervention in food and active travel environments through systems science and Group Model Building (GMB). Finally, the project explores barriers and enablers for adopting evidence-based interventions and policies for healthier and more equitable environments using case studies and GMB. This PhD is a collaboration between Sciensano (Belgian Institute for Health) and Ghent University.
Research Interests: Health promotion, physical activity, nutrition, active transport, environmental determinants of health behaviour, health inequalities, citizen science, systems science, young adults (18-25 years).
Owen Soontjens
Education: Bachelor Exercise Science (Concordia University, Canada), Master’s Health and Exercise Science (Concordia University, Canada) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon & Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck
Research Project(s): This project is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network DATAVYSTS (Data2Action), which brings together data science, social innovation, and participation to address societal challenges related to health, sustainability, and inclusion. Within this network, research focuses on promoting active aging through a citizen science approach. The central goal is to identify the barriers, enablers, and needs of older adults regarding participation in resistance training. Although resistance training plays an important role in healthy aging, adherence to guidelines remains remarkably low. By actively involving older adults in the research process, we will investigate why this is the case and how participation can be supported in a sustainable manner. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the determinants of resistance training behavior and guide interventions and policies that promote active aging in the European context.
Research Interests: physical activity, strength exercise, active ageing, citizen science
Annette Botha
Education: Human Movement Science & Psychology (Noord Wes Universiteit), B(Hons) Biokinetics (University of the Western Cape), MSc Sport Science (Stellenbosch University) Supervisors: Prof. dr. Greet Cardon & Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck
Research Project(s): This PhD is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network DATAVYSTS (Data2Action), which combines data science, social innovation, and participation to address societal challenges around health, sustainability, and inclusion. The research focuses on identifying, evaluating, and amplifying the impact of social innovations that promote active ageing using participatory and data-driven methods. Through mixed-methods and co-design, the project aims to understand barriers, motivators, and needs of older adults and develop frameworks to support sustainable engagement in healthy ageing practices.
Research Interests: active ageing, social innovation, citizen science, physical activity
Lenka Leenknegt
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Theoretical and Experimental Psychology (Ghent University, Belgium); Master of Science in Psychology: Theoretical and Experimental Psychology (Ghent University, Belgium) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon, Prof. Dr. Jannique van Uffelen, Dr. Julie Latomme, Prof. Christophe Delecluse
Research project(s): This PhD is part of the CONSCIOUS project, which focuses on cognitive and physical activity in older adults. In her doctoral research, Lenka investigates the dose–response relationship of simultaneous physical and cognitive activity: which combinations of walking intensity and cognitive task difficulty (easy vs. challenging) produce the greatest acute improvements in cognitive functioning, and how does cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) influence this relationship? The findings will form the basis for feasible, group-based applications that support healthy cognitive ageing, co-developed through co-creation sessions with older adults and practice partners. The intervention will subsequently be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). In doing so, the project aims to bridge the gap between laboratory and real-world settings and provide practical guidance for promoting healthy cognitive ageing.
Research interests: Physical activity, Healthy ageing, Cognitive functioning, Prevention, Health psychology, Older adults, Interventions
Finished PhD projects
dr. Janneke de Boer
Education: Bachelor in European Public Health (Maastricht University, the Netherlands), Bachelor in Health Sciences (Maastricht University, the Netherlands), Master in Social and Organizational Psychology (Utrecht University, the Netherlands), PhD in Health Sciences (defended May 2025) Link to dissertation Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon, Prof. Dr. Maïté Verloigne, Prof. Dr. Benedicte Deforche, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Teatske Altenburg (Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands)
Research project(s): Janneke’s PhD was part of the European ITN project Health CASCADE, which focused on co-creation in public health. Her research examined the engagement of teachers in co-created school-based health promotion interventions. She first conducted a qualitative study interviewing teachers who had previously participated in such interventions to gain insights into their experiences and how these could be improved. Based on these findings, she developed a protocol for effectively involving teachers in co-creation. Subsequently, a co-created intervention was developed, implemented, and evaluated to promote healthy behaviors among adolescents through teacher involvement.
Research interests: Co-creation, health promotion, healthy lifestyles, behavior change, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics
dr. Lea Delfmann
Education: Master in Psychology (Research) – Major in Clinical Psychology, Minor in Brain and Cognition (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands), PhD in Health Sciences (defended June 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Maïté Verloigne, Prof. Dr. Benedicte Deforche, Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon, and Prof. Dr. Simon Hunter (Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland)
Research project(s): Lea’s doctoral research focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a co-created school-based intervention promoting sleep among adolescents. The project involved adapting an existing intervention to a new school context. In the first phase, the co-creation process was scaled using the Cascade Model. In the second phase, both an effect and process evaluation were conducted to assess the intervention’s effectiveness and explore the co-creation and implementation processes. This project was part of the European ITN project Health CASCADE.
Research interests: Co-creation, health promotion, mental well-being, sleep, sexual boundary crossing behavior
dr. Marga Decraene
Education: Master in Speech and Audiological Sciences – specialization in Audiology, Master in Health Education and Promotion, PhD in Health Sciences (defended August 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Marieke De Craemer and Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon
Research project(s): Marga’s doctoral work examined 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) among preschoolers with overweight. Together with parents of these preschoolers, she co-created an intervention focused on improving parenting skills, aiming to help more children meet the WHO 24-hour movement guidelines (2019). To analyze these behaviors, she applied Compositional Data Analysis to capture the integrated nature of daily activity patterns.
Research interests: Health promotion, prevention, intervention strategies and techniques, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, childhood overweight, 24-hour movement behavior, co-creation
dr. Flore De Vylder
Education: Bachelor in Nutrition and Dietetics, Master of Science in Sports Nutrition, Postgraduate in FODMAPs and IBS, PhD in Health Sciences (defended September 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Delfien Van Dyck, Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon, and Dr. Julie Latomme
Research project(s): Flore’s doctoral research focused on the individual and contextual determinants (e.g., emotions, environment, physical activity) of food cravings in adults. During the various phases of her project, she used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to measure these determinants repeatedly in participants’ natural environments, providing insight into real-time triggers and behavioral patterns.
Research interests: Health promotion, nutrition, prevention, e- & mHealth, obesity, food cravings
dr. Fien De Block
Education: Master in Movement and Sports Sciences – specialization in Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health, PhD in Health Sciences (defended September 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Delfien Van Dyck, Prof. Dr. Benedicte Deforche, Prof. Dr. Geert Crombez, and Dr. Louise Poppe
Research project(s): Fien’s doctoral project investigated whether increasing physical activity could positively influence daily cognitive functioning in older adults. In the first phase, she programmed and tested cognitive assessments to measure day-to-day cognitive performance. The MyDayPlan intervention, designed to increase physical activity, was then adapted to meet the needs of older adults and implemented. Cognitive functioning was measured daily during the intervention to examine the short-term effects of increased activity.
Research interests: Health promotion, physical activity, older adults, sleep, mental well-being, cognitive functioning, mHealth
dr. Pauline Hotterbeex
Education: Master in Clinical Psychology – specialization in Biological Psychology (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), PhD in Health Sciences (defended September 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Greet Cardon and Prof. Dr. Jannique van Uffelen
Research project(s): Pauline’s PhD research focused on the prevention of cognitive decline in older adults. She developed and evaluated “Walk with your brain”, a cognitively enriched walking intervention for adults aged 65 and over. During the walks, participants performed cognitive exercises to stimulate the brain. The project assessed the added value of combining physical and cognitive activity on cognitive functioning, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being. Older adults were actively involved in developing and improving the program to ensure it met their needs. This project was a collaboration between Ghent University and KU Leuven.
Research interests: Older adults, neurodegenerative conditions, healthy and active ageing, cognitive functioning, prevention, intervention, health psychology
dr. Benjamin Beirens
Education: MSc in Physical Education and Movement Sciences – specialization in Sport Management (Ghent University), PhD in Health Sciences (defended October 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Delfien Van Dyck and Prof. Dr. Benedicte Deforche
Research project(s): Benjamin’s doctoral research focused on creating safe and attractive environments for walking and cycling using virtual 3D environments. Initially, he examined associations between environmental perceptions and the perceived invitingness of streets for cycling, as well as participants’ sense of realism within virtual environments. Using the thinking-out-loud method, participant feedback was then collected to co-design optimal (safe and inviting) active transport environments.
Research interests: Physical activity, virtual reality, built environment, active transport
dr. Elien Lebuf
Education: Master in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy – specialization in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with a focus on Sports Physiotherapy, PhD in Health Sciences (defended December 2025) Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Delfien Van Dyck, Dr. Jelle Van Cauwenberg, and Dr. Femke De Backere
Research project(s): Elien’s doctoral research focused on sedentary behavior in older adults. She examined why older adults spend long periods sitting and whether these determinants change over time or across contexts. Using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)—collecting data several times per day over a longer period—she identified dynamic mechanisms underlying sedentary behavior, with the goal of informing the design of more effective, health-promoting interventions.
Research interests: Health promotion, sedentary behavior, prevention, chronic conditions
