Physicist Vincent Ginnis, who also works at Harvard, performs research into the interaction between light and matter with the help of artificially structured nanomaterials. For Kevin Smets, also active at Antwerp University, the research focal points are media production and experience in the context of migration and conflict, specifically in the Middle East.
Vincent Ginis: "The Young Academy combines a certain distance from daily practice and the interdisciplinarity that it is known for with the grinta of driven, young scientists with a passion to shape our society. It is a privilege to be a part of this institution.”
Kevin Smets: “I am truly honoured to join the enthusiastic team of the Young Academy, given the role it plays in shaping science and the university of tomorrow. I am equally thrilled that our university sees the Young Academy as an important partner in creating its future policy.”
Among the other new members are six scientists and two artists.
- Camilla Bork (KU Leuven) Analysis of the social significance of musical performances, particularly the construction of identity in musicians and audiences.
- Elke Cloots (UHasselt) Research into the role of national and constitutional identity in jurisprudence of the European Union and its member states.
- Lodewijk Heylen (UHasselt / PXL) Contextual artist, artistic entrepreneur and interdisciplinary researcher within urban and social influence spheres.
- Athar Jaber (Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen) Artist and researcher. Relations and associations between sculptural practice and socio-political, philosophical and physical realities.
- Sofie Verbrugge (UGent) Research into models that allow the weighing of costs and possibilities of different ICT solutions
- Katrien Verveckken (KU Leuven) How do Spanish speakers express a ‘quantity’? Analysis of metaphors, context and quantification in other languages.
- Sylvia Wenmackers (KU Leuven)
- Philosopher of science and physicist looking for the borderline between the improbable and the impossible.
- Nele Witters (UHasselt) Interdisciplinary research of nature based strategies for societal problems such as air and soil pollution.
The Young Academy
The Young Academy combines young top researchers and artists that have a unique view on society, science, art and policy. Through points of view, opinions and events on topical subjects it wishes to contribute to the public image of science and art as well as the debate concerning scientific policy.
The scientific members are tied to a Flemish university and/or Flemish or federal scientific research institution and have obtained their doctorate at least 3 years and at most 10 years prior to their induction. The member-artists are at least 25 and at most 39 years old and have a clear affinity with the topics of the Young Academy. Membership is set at five years. Candidates are nominated after an open call and elected based on a strong dossier and explicit motivation. The Young Academy strives to a broad representation of the various scientific and artistic disciplines.