- Born in Antwerp on February 8, 1938
- Deceased in Edegam on January 7, 2014
- Doctorate in Sciences, Biology (RUG 1969)
- Emeritus Full Professor, University of Antwerp (UA 2003)
- Baron, personal title granted by the King on July 4, 2004
Career Highlights
Focused on societal engagement aimed at improving living quality and optimizing the quality of education, scientific research, and service in Higher Education.
Key Positions Held
- Honorary Rector-President, University of Antwerp (1996-2000)
- Honorary Chair, Board of Governors of Artesis Hogeschool Antwerp (2000-2009)
- Honorary Chief of Staff, Secretary of State for the Environment (1974-1977)
- Honorary Chair, Environmental and Nature Council of Flanders (MiNa-Raad, 1995-2004)
- Former Vice-Chair, Federal Council for Sustainable Development (2002-2006)
- Honorary Chair, Board of Governors, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO, 2000-2009)
- Chair, MIRA steering committee (since 2004)
- Member, NARA steering committee (since 2002)
- Former Member, Management Committee, Flemish Institute for Nature Conservation (until 2006)
- Honorary Chair, Foundation Leefmilieu KBC, later known as Argus, KBC’s environmental point (2000-2008)
- Vice-Chair, High Council for Nature Conservation (1984-2003)
- Vice-Chair, Royal Commission for Monuments and Landscapes (KCML), Chair of the Landscapes Division (1990-1996)
- Founder and Honorary Chair, Institute for Environment & Sustainable Development
University Assignment
- Department of Biology UA (since 1976)
- Responsible for developing education and research in animal behavior and nature management (2nd and 3rd cycles, 1976-1999)
- Member of research groups: Ecosystem Management (Prof. Dr. P. Meire) and Ethology (Prof. Dr. M. Eens) since 2000
Research Focus
His research aimed to better understand the distribution and functioning of (natural) ecosystems to predict human impacts on these systems. Studies were conducted at various biological organization levels (individual, population, community, ecosystem, landscape) and ranged from fundamental to applied research.
- Author and co-author of over 100 articles in internationally recognized peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Project leader of over 120 projects since 1980