Kritische demograaf en politiek ecoloog op het snijvlak van onderzoek, bestuur en klimaatdiplomatie. Ik analyseer hoe de manier waarop sociaal-ecologische uitdagingen worden geformuleerd, de mogelijkheden voor een rechtvaardige transitie bepaalt, waarbij ik rigoureuze wetenschap koppel aan beleidsinnovatie. Van het blootleggen van hoe demografische angsten klimaatactie beperken tot het ontwerpen van het Belgische kader voor een rechtvaardige transitie: mijn werk toont aan hoe kritische analyse kan bijdragen aan inclusief bestuur dat gemarginaliseerde stemmen centraal stelt en systemische verandering bevordert, gebaseerd op ecologische integriteit en collectieve zorg.

Mijn interdisciplinaire opleiding omvat demografie, politieke ecologie en menselijke geografie, voortbouwend op fundamentele expertise in communicatiewetenschappen en internationale politiek. In combinatie met twee decennia aan strategisch advieswerk, waarbij ik concrete oplossingen heb ontwikkeld voor beleidsmakers, stelt deze achtergrond mij in staat om methodologische benaderingen en onderzoeksvragen snel aan te passen aan nieuwe uitdagingen op het snijvlak van sociale rechtvaardigheid en milieubeheer.

Research & Advisory Socio-ecological Transformation · Just Transitions · Critical Futures

01/2026 – present Rabat - Barcelona - Brussels

1. Advisory support for sustainability and just transition initiatives
2. Research and policy analysis
3. Strategic foresight and scenario exercises
4. Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
5. Participatory futures and visioning processes
6. Workshops and training programmes

PhD Researcher Critical Demography & Political Ecology

Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies

10/2024 – 10/2025

1. Doctoral research on the persistence of Malthusian informed demographic governance.

Scientific Advisor

Belgian Climate Centre - Building bridges between science and

policy 05/2023 – 05/2024

Responsible for leading the organisation of the very first Belgian Science for Climate Action conference, bringing together climate scientists to address the critical issue of Extreme Weather Events. Development of the first online catalogue of scientists across disciplines working on climate change, enhancing collaboration and knowledge exchange. Member of the Belgian delegation at COP28 in Dubai and served as co-pilot Climate under the Belgian EU Presidency, contributing to high-level climate negotiations and policy initiatives.

Climate Diplomacy Advisor

IPCC Chair Elections - Belgian Candidacy 01/2023 – 08/2023

Led the election campaign for the Belgian candidate in the 2023 IPCC presidency race, crafting and executing a strategic diplomatic approach at both bilateral and supranational levels, including engagement with WMO, UNFCCC, and the European Commission. Designed and organized high-level roundtables and events across multiple countries, fostering dialogue on

science and climate diplomacy. Built and mobilised a global network of stakeholders, with a strong focus on engaging least developed countries, recognising their crucial role in mainstreaming climate justice and just transition into all IPCC work and activities. Navigated complex intercultural dynamics, leveraging diplomatic acumen and strategic communication to

strengthen support for the candidacy on the international stage.

Advisor & Member Steering Committee

Citizen's Agora for a Just Transition 06/2023 – 12/2023

Served as strategic advisor and steering committee member for Belgium's pioneering deliberative democracy initiative led by the Minister for Climate, the Environment, Sustainable Development and the Green Deal, and implemented by Particitiz and Democratic Society. This initiative successfully produced 24 conditions and 47 concrete recommendations for just transition policy. Provided oversight for a five-session citizen assembly process culminating in direct citizen participation at the Belgian National Conference for a Just Transition, where 20 Agora members presented findings to political actors, civil servants, and civil society representatives.

Within the steering committee guided by both implementing organisations, contributed to methodological design ensuring inclusive participation through multilingual facilitation, accessibility measures, and innovative deliberative techniques. The Agora's evidence-based recommendations, developed through structured citizen deliberation on complex socio-ecological challenges, directly informed national climate policy with a focus on social justice and ensuring no vulnerable populations are left behind in the transition. This governmental initiative established a replicable model for meaningful citizen engagement in climate governance, bridging grassroots perspectives with institutional decision-making processes.

Expert High Committee on Just Transition

Minister for Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development

and the Green Deal 05/2022 – 12/2024

The High Committee's overall mission is to share its expertise and advice the government and stakeholders in preparation for the Conference for a Just Transition. Made up of 24 experts specialising in social issues, economics, democratic innovation and environment issues, it was also tasked with publishing and distributing a special report that answered the question,

"How to organise and introduce a just transition in Belgium?"

https://justtransition.be

Visiting Scholar Universitat de Barcelona School of Economics

02/2022 – 02/2023

Political Ecology Lab - Department of Economic History, Institutions, Politics and World Economy

Research on populationism, degrowth and the political ecology of migration situated in debates on nation states and openness in the governance of the commons as a desired socio-ecological future.

PhD Researcher Interface Demography - Free University of Brussels (VUB) 10/2018 – 09/2022

The focus of this research project lies on the relationship between perceived population growth and pressure, economic development and international migrations on the one hand and the political and public discourse about climate migration on the other.

Economic TV Columnist LN24 2019 – 2020

On Wednesday mornings, during La Matinale, you can find my quick takes, analyses and micro/macro level views on all contemporary economics, financial and political events.

Director Urbanpreneurs 2017 – 2023

Urban incubator and knowledge lab where new insights on urbanism, circular entrepreneurship and innovation are put into practice.

1. Projects: Réseau Entreprendre, Hub.brussels (BeCircular), WeLoveBxl, EPIM, Migrant Policy Group, City of Antwerpen

Director - Strategy, Project and Program Management & Development Mayron 2015 – 2018

1. Projects: Voka Oost-Vlaanderen, Prins Filipfonds, Brussels Metropolitan, Voka West-Vlaanderen, City of Antwerpen, CME, US Embassy, Mouth Foundation, Open Society Foundation, VVSG, Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen, European Social Fund

Media & Communication Manager BECI Brussels Chamber of Commerce 01/2010 – 01/2012

Responsible for strengthening organisational visibility, reputation, and internal communication. Developed and executed communication strategies, oversaw media relations, content, and campaigns, and managed messaging across stakeholders. Led agencies and an internal team of 5, while handling the communications budget and ensuring overall effectiveness of the function.

Senior Manager - Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

Alter Partners 2010 – 2017

1. Assignments: Brussels Job Days, BECI, Izeo, IEC-IAB, CME, Brussels Hotels Association, Dolce La Hulpe, bMediation, Brussels Metropolitan, Watch Group

Founder - Diversity & Inclusion: Consulting, Research & Training Alter Consultancy 2007 – 2010

1. Clients: Selor, Stad Antwerpen, Railrest, AVV, Stad Gent, Digipolis, Cimic, Provincie Antwerpen, De Schoolbrug, CFE, Autogrill, Antwerp Ship Repair, De Acht, Resoc, Birm, Motief, Watch Group, Ferrero, Interplant