homas More University of Applied Sciences (TM), established in 2012, is the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders, Belgium, with a community of 22,000 students and 2,200 staff. The university of applied sciences offers more than 40 bachelor’s programmes, 19 associate degrees, and 10 English-taught degree programmes across 8 areas: Business, Organisation, and Tourism; Biosciences and Chemistry; Health and Care; Media and Communication; Education; Design and Construction; Sports; and Technology and ICT. As a pioneer in the ‘learning by doing’ method, the university provides students with tailored learning experiences through innovative labs, hands-on course methodologies, and real-world project opportunities. Engaging in practice-oriented scientific research, TM stimulates innovation in companies, organisations, and society at large. In 9 centres of expertise, more than 250 researchers apply their expertise, practical knowledge, and experience to develop scientifically based innovative products and services in the areas Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry, Budget and Financial Well-being, Sustainable Business and Digital Innovation, Energy, Education and Learning, Design and Technology and Care and Well-being. They offer their knowledge, top-quality infrastructure, and living labs to practitioners, creating sustainable and useful solutions for major and current societal challenges. In this way, TM acts as a catalyst for regional development. The university is committed to greater diversity and inclusion at all levels and has been awarded the UN SDG Pioneer certificate. TM is a member of the KU Leuven Association and coordinator of the HEROES European University Alliance.
As someone who enjoys wearing many hats, I've spent the last 15 years exploring and connecting the dots across different areas of the tourism sector. I'm passionate about how diverse skills and experiences can create something more significant - whether through academic research, policy analysis, marketing, project management, or analysing participation processes and developing toolkits.
My focus has always been on enhancing tourism, whether through researching heritage and visitor experiences, conducting user research and service design, or exploring how immersive technology can improve people's experiences of places. I also have a soft spot for storytelling and how it can bring tourism to life.