VITO strengthens integrated water approach with research leader water
VITO takes the next step in the expansion of research into the water and energy transition with the appointment of Piet Seuntjens as research leader for water. He is responsible for the coordination of the innovation projects and academic collaborations with one clear goal: maximising the socio-economic impact.
As the water research leader, Piet maintains a helicopter view of VITO's research programme and supports the programme managers of the three water teams.
Inge Genné leads the team focused on the valuation of water and ecosystem services and the VITO Kennispunt Water. Her researchers work on cost-benefit analyses, socio-economic impact, and business model innovation among other things.
Karen Vanderstraeten and her team are working on technological innovations that make the use, reuse, and purification of water smarter and more sustainable.
Katrien Van Hooydonk takes over from Piet as the new programme manager for digital water and soil solutions. Her team develops solutions that combine data, sensors, and modelling to manage water and soil both quantitatively and qualitatively in a smarter way.
“Our strength lies in connecting technology with policy, and research with application, across domain boundaries. We like to call this working on 360° water solutions. This way, we build towards a water-resilient economy within the earth's carrying capacity.” says Piet Seuntjens.
VITO gains more profit from water
With over 1,300 experts and unique testing and scaling infrastructure, VITO is the science-to-technology partner for businesses, governments, and society. Through our innovation pathways, we accelerate the transition to a resilient and circular economy where water is used smartly, reused, and valued as a source of resilience.
About Katrien Van Hooydonk
Katrien Van Hooydonk is a bioengineer with extensive (international) water expertise. Within VITO, she gained experience in efficient water management and monitoring at the intersection of research, innovation, and policy. Today, as a program manager for digital water and soil solutions, she is taking the next step.
About Piet Seuntjens
Piet Seuntjens is a doctor-engineer and pioneer in Flemish water research. As the water research leader, he coordinates the strategic direction of VITO's water programmes, focusing on integration, valorisation, and collaboration within and outside Flanders.
