Researcher

Scientific innovation

VITO is the reference for independent, applied technological research to generate positive impact for a society in transition. Scientifically based, driven by collaboration and solution-oriented.

We combine our domain knowledge of people and the environment with technological innovations, (pilot) infrastructure and digital applications. This is how we realise a measurable impact in Flanders, Europe and the world, in three impact domains.

Impact in three domains

Every day, VITO researchers work on ground-breaking, innovative solutions that provide companies and policymakers with the answers to today's questions. We innovate with technological solutions and actively share our knowledge with companies and governments.

Duurzame grondstoffen

Economy and ecology in balance: we aim to drive economic prosperity through the sustainable use of resources while reinforcing planetary boundaries.

Impactdomein Klimaat

We help companies and governments with climate mitigation and adaptation solutions. We aim to create ecosystems that are more resilient to disasters, thereby enhancing our overall resilience and security.

Impactdomein Leefomgeving

A healthy and sustainable living environment for all is a core element of VITO's vision. Here, we focus on how to maintain a harmonious balance between the human environment, nature, agriculture, and industry.

Some pillars of our scientific research

LignoValue Pillar II

From state-of-the-art labs over unique pilot infrastructure to complete living labs, discover the infrastructure we use to meet your challenges.

VITO project meeting

VITO is involved in projects that support and accelerate the transition to a circular economy, locally and internationally. Find out more.

Onderzoek labo laptop

VITO's experts regularly publishe about their research in scientific and more popular journals to share our knowledge with the research community and society and thus help shape the path to sustainability. Below you will find a selection of these publications.

Data

Stimulating and facilitating data-driven research is the mission of the VITO Data Science Hub.

Let's work together

Find out how our research can help you transition to a more sustainable approach.

COOCK projects

‘Collective Research & Development and Collective Knowledge Dissemination and Transfer (COOCK)’ projects focus on (groups of) companies, with the aim of valorising research results of knowledge institutes by accelerating the introduction of technology and/or knowledge from these knowledge institutes to business cases.

Small and large companies seeking information on and/or wanting to participate in generic cases can apply.

Specific cases from their own business operations can also be proposed for development into innovative services or products using the knowledge of VITO and/or the COOCK partners.

Approved COOCK projects

SmartWaterUse is een collectief interclusterproject met als doel om waterrisico's in kaart te brengen en te verlagen binnen de sectoren van (zee-)voeding, aquacultuur, textiel en toerisme.

Dit COOCK project heeft als doel om de gehele waardeketen van autobatterijrecyclage (herlaadbare Li-Ion) en toepassingen voor stationaire energieopslag te onderzoeken vanuit een economisch, technisch, operationeel en maatschappelijk kosten/baten oogpunt.

VITO is partner in het ‘Open City’ project. Dit project richt zich op het ontsluiten van kennis over datamanagement, data-ontsluiting en datastandaardisatie die aanwezig is bij onderzoeksgroepen van imec, UGent, UAntwerpen en de VUB.

Het project ging op zoek naar oplossingen voor de volgende problemen: de moeilijke bereikbaarheid van bouwwerven, de toename van renovatieprojecten, hoge logistieke kosten en weinig opslagruimte op de werven zelf.

Recent news

boek draakjes toverkracht vito sustainable stories 4

With the release of the fifth activity book for children, "Dragon's Power Creates Wonders", Sustainable Stories vzw introduces young readers to SDG 12: sustainable consumption and production, in a playful and creative way. This book offers an accessible introduction to the circular economy, focusing not only on knowledge but also on action. Sustainable Stories’ mission is to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and “skills for the future” in children, such as confidence, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a focus on sustainability.

pervaporation pilot vito deltamem

VITO is set to expand its capabilities in sustainable separation technologies with the acquisition of an advanced pervaporation pilot unit from Deltamen AG. This innovative membrane separation technology is especially effective for separating liquid mixtures and recovering solvents, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional distillation methods.

innoptus solar car group photo vito energyville

On 20th September 2024, the Innoptus Solar Team won the most challenging solar car race, the SASOL Solar Challenge in South Africa. The solar car covered over 4,000 kilometres during the race. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of a wide range of experts, including those from EnergyVille in Genk. To show their appreciation, the team, along with the winning car, made a stop at EnergyVille in Genk.

mijnwater als warmtebron in Wallonië vito

At the end of 2021, the Walloon government launched three public tenders for feasibility studies on geothermal energy projects using the water in the basins of abandoned coal mines of Charleroi, Mons, and Liège. The proposals from VITO, in partnership with the Walloon universities UMons and ULiège, were selected as the best. These studies have now been completed, with the site centered on the CHC MontLégia and the LégiaPark in the Liège basin emerging as the most suitable for a pilot project to harness geothermal energy from mine water.

VITOpolis

Science isn’t just for scientists. At VITO, we believe it’s important to spark enthusiasm for science and technology across society.

Zandgroeve Donk

A tilting weir was recently installed in the overflow ditch of the Donk sand quarry in Dessel, from which sand is extracted by the international materials company Sibelco. The sand quarry can thus serve as a water buffer and add undeniable value to the economy, ecology and nature in the surrounding region.

More news and project updates >