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Projects

Pillar 3: Federal societal challenges

This pillar supports research that addresses current societal challenges (not covered by the other pillars). The topics funded in this pillar are selected in function of those challenges (e.g. health, security, ageing, economy...) that are considered a priority by the federal authority (as stated for example in Governmental Agreements, federal and interfederal plans...) and that align with international and European research agendas.

The ultimate goal is to develop a solid scientific expertise to support the competencies, strategic orientations and policies of the federal state.

Such expertise will clearly enhance the knowledge base around these challenges, reveal opportunities and possible caveats and provide useful recommendations for the federal level.

The topics of this pillar will encourage research that mobilises a large spectrum of disciplines, that are embedded in the international and European context and that will strengthen the participation of a wide range of stakeholders.

Committees members

PROJECTs

202CM
@ntidote 2.0 
BABEL 
B@SEBALL
BBOX 
BeCoDigital
BE-FAST
Be-ForIntel
BE-PARADIS
BEPIDS
BESWEP
BEvitalise
CAMBIUM
CHANGE
CIVEX
COLORBEL
DIGI4FED 
DIGIPOL
E4BEL
ELLIS 
EPIBEL 
FedDiverse
FUTURES4FOOD 
HAIOPOLICY
HELICON 
IPV-DACOVID 
INTERCEPT
LAMARTRA 
LAMIE
RE-BOrn
REFUFAM 
REGUIDE 
Re-InVEST.be
REMEDI 
SEAD 
SOLARIS
SUSFOODBEL
SUSHY
TRAHOME 


Thematic and non-thematic projects (co-funded) of the call 2022-2023

BeCoDigital -Digital Co-Creation of Public Services with Citizens: Understanding Pre-Conditions, Technologies and Outcomes

Thematic project
Keywords: Digital Government , Digital Co-Creation, Inclusion , Technologies, Citizens , Public Services

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2024
  • Budget: 593.032€
  • Coordinator: Simonofski Anthony (UNamur)     
  • Promotors: Saelaert Marlies (Sciensano), Snoeck Monique (KU Leuven), Verhoest Koen (UAntwerpen)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman

Documentation

BE-FAST - Data Infrastructure and Indicators for Fast Monitoring of Social and Labour Market Developments in Belgium

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Data infrastructure, register data, indicators , income, living standards , social protection

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2024
  • Budget: 425.734€
  • Coordinator: Van Lancker Wim (KU Leuven)     
  • Promotors: Marchal Sarah (UAntwerpen)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • BE-FAST Deliverable 2.1: Literature review and inventory of nowcasting approaches employed to perform distributional analyses in Belgium for the period 2020 - 2022
    • BE-FAST Deliverable 2.2: Data Infrastructure and Indicators for Fast Monitoring of Social and Labor Market Developments in Belgium

  • Event
    • 30.04.2025 | Conférence en ligne: BE-FAST
      BE-FAST signifie "Infrastructure de données et indicateurs pour un suivi rapide du marché du travail et de la protection sociale". Il s'agit d'un projet financé par Belspo, le SPF Sécurité sociale et le SPP Intégration sociale. L'objectif du projet est d'examiner comment les autorités belges peuvent, en cas de future pandémie ou crise, surveiller la situation du marché du travail et de la protection sociale, ainsi qu’évaluer les politiques mises en place. Que pouvons-nous apprendre de la pandémie de COVID-19 ? Et comment pouvons-nous améliorer nos répons aux défis futurs ?
      Pendant ce webinaire, les partenaires de recherche du projet BE-FAST présenteront leurs résultats. Le SPF Sécurité sociale réfléchira également à ces résultats et approfondira certaines recommandations politiques pertinentes. Bien entendu, un temps sera prévu pour la discussion et les questions. Le webinaire est prévu d’une traduction simultanée (NL/FR).
      Informations pratiques :
      • Quand ? Le 30/04/2025 de 12h à 13h30 ;
      • Où ? En ligne ;
      • Inscription ? La conférence est gratuite, mais l'inscription est obligatoire. Vous pouvez confirmer votre participation par mail à joanna.geertsdanau@kuleuven.be. Après votre inscription, vous recevrez un lien d'accès à la conférence en ligne ;
      • Langue ? Traduction simultanée (NL/FR).

    • 30.04.2025 | BE-FAST Online Conferentie
      BE-FAST staat voor ‘Data Infrastructure and Indicators for Fast Monitoring of Social and Labour Market’. Het is een project dat wordt betoelaagd door Belspo, FOD Sociale Zekerheid en POD Maatschappelijke Integratie. Doel van het project is om te onderzoeken op welke manier de Belgische overheid bij een volgende pandemie of crisis de arbeidsmarktsituatie en sociale bescherming kan monitoren, en hoe beleid geëvalueerd kan worden. Welke lessen leren we uit de coronapandemie? En hoe kunnen problemen aangepakt worden?  
      Tijdens dit webinar zullen de onderzoekspartners van het BE-FAST project hun onderzoeksbevindingen presenteren. De FOD Sociale Zekerheid zal daarnaast enkele reflecties bij de bevindingen geven en dieper ingaan op relevante beleidsaanbevelingen. Uiteraard wordt er ook ruimte voorzien voor discussie en vragen. Het webinar zal voorzien worden van simultaanvertaling (NL/FR).
      Concreet:
      • Wanneer? 30/04/2025 tussen 12u-13u30
      • Waar? Online
      • Registratie? De conferentie is gratis, maar registratie is verplicht. Registreren voor de conferentie kan door uw deelname te bevestigen via email aan joanna.geertsdanau@kuleuven.be . Na registratie ontvangt u een link naar de online conferentie.
      • Taal? Simultaanvertaling (NL/FR)

Be-ForIntel - Building the foundations of a forensic intelligence tool in Belgium

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Forensic Intelligence, Intelligence- led policing, Criminal Investigation , Crime intelligence, Data Integration, Forensic case data

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2025
  • Budget: 485.989€
  • Coordinator: Renard Bertrand (INCC-NICC)     
  • Promotors: Gason Fabrice (INCC-NICC), Vander Beken Tom (UGent), Vandeviver Christophe (UGent), Ribaux Olivier (UNIL - Switzerland)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

BEPIDS - Belgian Economic Potential in the Industry of Defence and Security

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Defence and security industry, public security, Database , competition policy

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2024
  • Budget: 321.449€
  • Coordinator: Du Bois Cindy (ERM-KMS)     
  • Promotors: Buts Caroline (VUB)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

BEvitalise - Revitalising the Belgian Circular Consumer: No time to waste food, nor electronics

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Consumer behaviour, Discrete Choice Experiments, Electronic waste , Food waste, Social desirability bias reduction, Belgium

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2024
  • Budget: 89.983€
  • Coordinator: Bjornavold Amalie (UAntwerpen)     
  • Promotors: Rousseau Sandra (KU Leuven)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Final Report: Revitalising the Belgian Circular Consumer: No time to waste food, nor electronics (BEvitalise)
    • Samenvatting: De Belgische consument naar een circulaire levensstijl: Geen tijd om voedsel of elektronica te verspillen (BEvitalise)
    • Résumé: Revitaliser le consommateur circulaire belge : Pas de temps pour gaspiller la nourriture, ni l'électronique (BEvitalise)
    • Summary: Revitalising the Belgian Circular Consumer: No time to waste food, nor electronics (BEvitalise)

CAMBIUM - CirculAr Material flows in BelgIUM

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Embedded materials in global value chains, Resilience, Material flow accounting and analysis , Critical raw materials, Multiregion input-output analysis

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2025
  • Budget: 247.500€ + 27 500 € (FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment)
  • Coordinator: Christis Maarten (VITO)     
  • Promotors: Orsini Marco (ICEDD)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman

Documentation

CHANGE - Changing work, changing incomes: designing a responsive social protection system for all

Thematic project
Keywords: Atypical employment, independent workers/self-employed, social inclusion , social insurance, targeting, vulnerability

  • Duration of the project: 01/02/2023 - 01/05/2027
  • Budget: 937.178€
  • Coordinator: Marchal Sarah (UAntwerpen)     
  • Promotors: Dumont Daniel (ULB), Van Lancker Wim (KU Leuven)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

DIGIPOL - Digitalizing the police: internal and external challenges for the police organization in an inclusive society

Thematic project
Keywords: Police, Procedural Justice, Digital Technologies , Organisational Justice, Legitimacy

  • Duration of the project: 01/12/2022 – 30/11/2026
  • Budget: 785.670€
  • Coordinator: Tange Carrol (NICC-INCC)     
  • Promotors: Bingen Aline (ULB), De Kimpe Sofie (VUB), Maskens Maïté (ULB), Melgaço Lucas (VUB), Renard Bertrand (NICC-INCC), Smeets Sybille (ULB)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

E4BEL - Equity, Environment, Energy, Economy: An investigation into the equity, efficiency and acceptibility of carbon pricing in Belgium

Thematic project
Keywords: Green Tax Reform, Computable General Equilibrium, Microsimulation , Redistributive taxation, Corrective pollution taxes, Acceptibilty of public policies

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2026
  • Budget: 1.011.775€
  • Coordinator: Van Steenbergen Alex (BFP-FPB)     
  • Promotors: Bachus Kris (KU Leuven), Decoster André (KU Leuven)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports:
    • State of the art 1: Equity, Environment, Energy, Economy: An investigation into the equity, efficiency and acceptability of carbon pricing in Belgium. State of the art on the economic impacts of carbon pricing (E4BEL)
    • State of the art 2: Equity, Environment, Energy, Economy: An investigation into the equity, efficiency and acceptability of carbon pricing in Belgium. State of the art on the economic impacts of carbon pricing (E4BEL)

FedDiverse - Ethnic diversity in federal public services

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Public sector recruitment, Diversity culture, Diversity management , Adverse impact, Applicants pool, Public service motivation

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2024
  • Budget: 315.000€
  • Coordinator: Verhaeghe Pieter-Paul (VUB)     
  • Promotors: Derous Eva (UGent), Desmette Donatienne (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

HAIOPOLICY - The impact of Covid-19 on heterogeneous households and businesses, and implied optimal policies

Thematic project
Keywords: Vulnerability, inequality, recovery , value chains, households, stabilization policies

  • Duration of the project: 01/02/2023 - 01/05/2027
  • Budget: 881.047€
  • Coordinator: Magerman Glenn (ULB)     
  • Promotors: Konings Joep (KU Leuven)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman, Chloë Rogiers

Documentation

INTERCEPT - Monitoring the trade of exotic animals, wild meat and the pathogens they carry

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Wild meat, exotic animals, trade , import, pathogens, trafficking

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2024
  • Budget: 323.787€
  • Coordinator: Gryseels Sophie(IRSNB-KBIN)     
  • Promotors: Leirs Herwig (UAntwerpen), Ramaekers Kaat (Sciensano), Smitz Nathalie (MRAC-KMMA)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website IRSNB-KBIN - Sciensano
  • Fedra

  • Reports
  • Event
    • 12-12-2024 - Workshop on the illegal importation of wild meat (Brussels)
      The Belgian Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, WWF and TRAFFIC are pleased to announce a one-day in-person workshop.
      It aims to bring together representatives from public authorities, scientific institutions, policy-makers, airports and airlines, civil society and the academia, to build a shared understanding of the characteristics and One Health risks associated to the illegal importation of wild meat, and of possible mitigative measures.
      Program overview:
      • Presentation of the current and proposed actions to monitor and deter illegal wild meat trade at Belgian and French level.
      • Presentation of the latest scientific data and information at the Belgian level (the INTERCEPT project).
      • Real-time discussions with different stakeholders, including from neighbouring countries.
      • Insights and expert discussions on the challenges that destination countries are facing and on possible solutions.
      • Discussion of priority actions and possible joint actions with neighbouring countries, NGOs and the private sector.

      [Invitation] [ Agenda morning sessions] [Concept note]

LAMIE - The labour market disadvantage of citizens with a migration background: from measuring to explaining and remedying

Thematic project
Keywords: Migration, Inclusive labour market, Employment , Employment quality, Second-generation migrants, Mechanisms

  • Duration of the project: 01/02/2023 - 01/05/2027
  • Budget: 535.004€
  • Coordinator: Baert Stijn (UGent)     
  • Promotors: Marx Ive (UAntwerpen), Rycx François (ULB), Volral Mélanie (UMONS)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

RE-BOrn- REturn to work after BurnOut

Non-thematic project (co-funded)
Keywords: Burnout, secondary prevention, return to work (RTW) , tertiary prevention, recovery, federal public services

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2025
  • Budget: 314.711€
  • Coordinator: Derous Eva (UGent)     
  • Promotors: Baert Stijn (UGent), Braeckman Lutgart (UGent), Hansez Isabelle (ULiège)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Chloë Rogiers

Documentation

SUSFOODBEL - Transitioning to healthy diets from sustainable food systems in Belgium: Priority policy actions and their multiple sustainability impacts

Thematic project
Keywords: Sustainable food systems, business impact assessment, healthy diets , burden of chronic diseases, food policy index, life cycle sustainability assessment

  • Duration of the project: 01/09/2022 - 01/12/2026
  • Budget: 945.657€
  • Coordinator: Vandevijvere Stefanie (Sciensano)     
  • Promotors: Achten Wouter (ULB), Berger Nicolas (Sciensano), Devleesschauwer Xavier (Sciensano), Dewulf Jo (UGent), Mathijs Erik (KU Leuven)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Chloë Rogiers

Documentation

SUSHY - Towards sustainable hybrid work: the study of hybrid work effects on well-being, productivity and environment

Thematic project
Keywords: Hybrid work, sustainability, well-being , productivity, carbon footprint, telework

  • Duration of the project: 01/02/2023 - 01/02/2027
  • Budget: 1.076.464€
  • Coordinator: Taskin Laurent (UCLouvain)     
  • Promotors: Castiaux Annick (UNamur), Vanroelen Christophe (VUB), Jeanmart Hervé (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman, Chloë Rogiers

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Survey: SUStainable HYbrid work" (SUSHY)
    Our objective is to understand how hybrid work is currently organised in Belgium and under what conditions it can be sustainable for people, organisations and the planet in the mid- and long-term. By hybrid work, we mean the possibility for workers to combine multiple locations to carry out work thanks to the use of ICT.
    Your input will be extremely valuable for us to gain insight into current hybrid work practices in Belgium


Thematic projects of the call 2020-2021

@ntidote 2.0 - Cyberviolence: defining borders on permissibility and accountability

Thematic project
Keywords: Cyberviolence, e-commerce, Hate speech, Internet service providers, Non-consensual distrubtion of intimate images, Social media

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020 - 15/03/2023
  • Budget: 457.557€
  • Coordinator: Walrave Michel (UAntwerpen)
  • Promotors: Franssen Vanessa (ULiège), Mathys Cécile (ULiège), Van De Heyning Catherine (UAntwerpen), Vrielink Jogchum (USL-B)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

BESWEP - The Belgian Short-time Work scheme: Economic and Psychological impacts

Thematic project
Keywords: Short-time work, Economic impact, Unemployment insurance, Socio-psychological impact, COVID-19 crisis

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020 - 15/03/2025
  • Budget: 646.495€
  • Coordinator: Dejemeppe Muriel (UCLouvain)
  • Promotors: Cockx Bart (UGent), De Cuyper Nele (KU Leuven), De Witte Hans (KU Leuven), Stinglhamber Florence (UCLouvain), Cahuc Pierre (Sciences Po Paris)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

EPIBEL - EPidemics and Inequalities in BELgium from the Plague to COVID-19: what can we learn about societal resilience?

Thematic project
Keywords: Pandemics, Resilience, Inequalities, Medium-and Long-term Impact, Differential Mortality

  • Duration of the project: 4 years
  • Budget: 841.788€
  • Coordinator: Soens Tim (UAntwerpen)
  • Promotors: Devos Isabelle (UGent), Eggerickx Thierry (UCLouvain), Greefs Hilde (UAntwerpen)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman, Chloë Rogiers

Documentation

FUTURES4FOOD - Connecting futures and stakeholders of food systems by designing effective transition trajectories

Thematic project
Keywords: Food systems, Stakeholders, Farm to Fork strategy, Inclusivity, Climate change, Sustainable agriculture

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020-15/03/2025
  • Budget: 1.140.806€
  • Coordinator: Vandamme Anne-Mieke (KU Leuven)
  • Promotors: Baret Philippe (UCLouvain), Mathijs Erik (KU Leuven), Van Looy Bart (Flanders Business)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the Art: Connecting futures and stakeholders of food systems by designing effective transition trajectories (FUTURES4FOOD)

    • Event
      • 26.02.2025 - Closing event FUTURES4FOOD
        Accelerating transitions in the agri-food sector, Looking back and moving forward
        In the framework of the Futures4Food programme -a transdisciplinary research project funded by BELSPO-, Flanders Business School, KU Leuven and Université Catholique de Louvain are pleased to invite you to their closing event on research in the field of food system transitions.  
        The Futures4Food project initiated, developed, supported and analysed two participative trajectories with a specific emphasis on building collective system knowledge as well as target and transformation knowledge. These two trajectories were conducted within the agri-food value chain in Belgium: the transition in cereal production from feed to food (“Futures4Food cereal dynamic”) and the transition in consumption from animal to plant proteins (“Flemish Green Deal Protein Shift on our plate”). 
        During their closing event, the Futures4Food team will share their insights through presentations and a panel discussion, with room for exchange: 
        - What is the status of these two transitions at the level of different stakeholders including policy makers? 
        - What initiatives are ongoing to accelerate these two transitions? 
        - How can food system stakeholders further accelerate these two transitions? 
        We welcome all types of food system stakeholders, including private actors, civil servants and academics.
        More information and registration.... - Presentation

HELICON - Unravelling the long-term and indirect health impact of the COVID-19 crisis in Belgium

Thematic project
Keywords: Health inequalities, Health economics, Delayed healthcare use, Socio-demographic resilience, Cohort, Excess mortality

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020-15/03/2025
  • Budget: 1.021.815€
  • Coordinator: Devleesschauwer Brecht (Sciensano)
  • Promotors: De Smedt Delphine (UGent), Gadeyne Sylvie (VUB), Speybroeck Niko (UCLouvain)
  • Follow-up committee
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the Art: Unravelling the long-term and indirect health impact of the COVID-19 crisis in Belgium (HELICON)

  • Events
    • 22-01-2025 - Webinar HELICON
      Health of children and young adults during the COVID-19 crisis in Belgium
      The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental and physical health and family dynamics of children and young adults in Belgium. Scientific research shows that they have faced unique challenges ranging from interrupted education and socialization to increased stress and anxiety.
      HELICON brings together four leading researchers to discuss the challenges facing children and young adults during the pandemic. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is essential to developing targeted and effective responses to protect the youngest.
       Join us as our experts explore the complexities of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of children and young adolescents, and share their insights on formulating effective health strategies. This webinar serves as a platform to equip participants with the knowledge needed to foster a more targeted response to the current challenges posed by COVID-19.
      More information, programme and registration....

    • 16-01-2024 - Webinar HELICON
      Beyond the virus: Addressing gender disparities during COVID-19
      Gender disparities during COVID-19 extend far beyond infection rates. Scientific evidence indicates that the indirect effects of COVID-19 have disproportionately impacted women. Gender intersects with economic, social, environmental, and health factors, creating a complex web of challenges. This webinar explores how these differences manifest across various facets of the crisis, spanning from the workplace to the home.
      HELICON has invited five leading researchers in the field to discuss the health risks faced by different genders during the pandemic. Recognizing and addressing these gender-specific challenges is not only a matter of equity but also crucial for developing targeted and effective responses.
      Join us as our experts delve into the intricacies of gender disparities and share their insights on formulating effective health strategies. This webinar serves as a platform to equip participants with the knowledge needed to foster a more inclusive and targeted response to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.
      The event is free, but registration is required.
      More information, programme and registration... 

    • 21-06-2023 - Webinar HELICON
      Impact of COVID-19 on Belgian health care
      The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the ability of the Belgian health system to adapt to external shocks. Different approaches were taken to manage the pandemic, such as postponing care, expanding capacity, reorganising care services, etc. In order to further develop a resilient health system, there is a need to understand the impact on the Belgian health care system and how well it has recovered since. HELICON has invited four leading experts to provide more information on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in general practices, care facilities and hospitals. The webinar is free but registration is required
      More information, programme and registration... 

    • 01-02-2023 - HELICONference
      Social differences in COVID-19 vaccination
      COVID-19 vaccination has been demonstrated to be an effective public health prevention tool during the crisis. COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to lower the risk of developing severe COVID-19 infections and of dying due to COVID-19. Although Belgium has a high overall COVID-19 vaccination coverage, there are still differences between population groups with regard to vaccination willingness and uptake. In this webinar, leading experts will provide more information on social differences in COVID-19 vaccination in Belgium, potential explanations for these differences and strategies to prevent them. The event is free, but registration is required.
      More information, programme and registration... 

    • 22-09-2022 - HELICONference
      Mental health reprecussions of the COVID-19 crisis
      The mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis is a major public health concern. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has placed unprecedented strains on society. Known risk factors for poor mental health heightened (e.g., insecurity, unemployment), whereas protective factors (e.g., social connections, daily routine) declined drastically. Impressive data collection efforts have been made early-on in the crisis to investigate the mental health burden of the crisis on the Belgian population.
      More information, the programme and registration... 

    • 27-04-2022 - Webinar HELICON
      Data needs during the COVID-19 crisis
      The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the scientific community. Belgian researchers have increasingly gained insight in procedures and tools needed to navigate this crisis and in this process, data has been vital to understand, manage and prevent the spread of the virus and its pervasive consequences. With creative approaches and unique collaborations, several data problems have been solved successfully. Other data needs, however, have remained unfulfilled. This webinar focusses on potential obstacles and gaps in the available research infrastructure but it also provides examples of innovative data use and research opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis. This knowledge may be instrumental for the ongoing COVID-19 research, as well as for managing potential future health crises. Together with leading data experts, we also discuss the challenging balancing act between data accessibility and data security.
      This webinar is organized jointly with the AHEAD project (Towards the development of a National Health Data Platform).
      Info and registration | Presentations & Recording Webinar Live Stream

    • 12-01-2022 - Webinar HELICON
       Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on cancer care
      Cancer care in Belgium has been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unprecedented policy measures were implemented to create extra capacity for COVID-19 patients, including postponing all non-urgent consultations, medical tests, and interventions for cancer patients. Recent increases in hospital admissions and sickness absence among hospital personnel present major challenges for cancer care. A clear understanding of the delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment is imperative to understand the health impact on cancer patients, a particularly vulnerable group within this pandemic. Three leading researchers in the field will share their latest findings on cancer care disruptions in Belgium and the related health effects.
      Info and registration

    • 30-06-2021 - Webinar HELICON
      Burden of post-COVID conditions in Belgium: current insights and future perspectives
      As the population of patients recovering from COVID-19 grows, it is becoming increasingly clear that COVID-19 has the potential of causing long-lasting health effects. Some people develop post-COVID health conditions after being first infected with the virus, even after mild or asymptomatic infections. Many uncertainties still exist regarding the causality, the onset of the symptoms, the combination of symptoms and the treatment of post-COVID. In the framework of the HELICON project, three leading Belgian scientists have been to share their views on this enigmatic disease. In this first #HELICONference webinar, they will unveil the latest insights into Post-COVID in Belgium and provide an outlook on the future developments in post-COVID research.
      Info and registration | Presentations & Recording Webinar Live Stream

  • Publications
    • HELICON is featured in the latest issue of Science Connection (page 32) in Dutch or French

  • Overview recent COVID-19 research in Belgium

IPV-DACOVID - Intimate Partner Violence: During and After COVID

Thematic project
Keywords: Intimate partner violence, Change, Public policies, Covid, Impact

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020-15/03/2023
  • Budget: 718.142€
  • Coordinator: Glowacz Fabienne (ULiège)
  • Promotors: Coene Gily (VUB), Fallon Catherine (ULiège), Vanneste Charlotte (NICC-INCC)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the Art: Intimate Partner Violence - During and After Covid (IPV-DACOVID)
    • Final Report: Intimate Partner Violence During and After Covid (IPV-DACOVID)
    • Samenvatting: Intimate Partner Violence During and After Covid (IPV-DACOVID)
    • Résumé: Intimate Partner Violence During and After Covid (IPV-DACOVID)
    • Summary: Intimate Partner Violence During and After Covid (IPV-DACOVID)

  • Event
    • 13-10-2023 - Journée d’Etude IPV-DACOVID
      Violences entre partenaires intimes pendant et après la crise Covid ( IPV-DACOVID). Impacts sur les pratiques des professionnel.les et les politiques publiques
      Nous avons le plaisir de vous inviter à une journée d'étude qui clôture la recherche IPV- DACOVID (financée par BELSPO) menée par les équipes de l'ULiege, de la VUB et de l'INCC. Elle se déroulera le 13/10/23 à la Cité Miroir à Liège. Résultats de la recherche, présentation de pratiques et projets professionnels autour de la thématique des violences conjugales mettront en lumière les impacts, les innovations et les enseignements d'après crise ainsi que les perspectives et recommandations pour le futur. Cette journée intersectorielle sera l’occasion d’échanger des connaissances et des bonnes pratiques.
      [Programme et inscription ].

      13-10-2023 - Studiedag IPV-DACOVID
      Intiem partnergeweld tijdens en na de Covid-crisis (IPV-DACOVID). Impact op professionele praktijken en overheidsbeleid
      We nodigen u graag uit op een studiedag ter afsluiting van het onderzoek IPV-DACOVID (gefinancierd door BELSPO), uitgevoerd door teams van ULiège, VUB en NICC. De studiedag vindt plaats op 13/10/23 in de Cité Miroir in Luik.Onderzoeksresultaten, presentaties van professionele praktijken en projecten op het gebied van huiselijk geweld zullen de impact, innovaties en geleerde lessen in de nasleep van de crisis belichten, evenals perspectieven en aanbevelingen voor de toekomst. Deze sectoroverschrijdende dag zal de gelegenheid bieden om kennis en goede praktijken uit te wisselen.
      [Programma en registratie ]

LAMARTRA - Bridging decarbonization and labour market in sustainability transitions

Thematic project
Keywords: Sustainability transitions, Labour market, Future of work, Scenario-building, Policy mixes, Environmental justice

  • Duration of the project: 4 years
  • Budget: 1.063.029€
  • Coordinator: Bauler Tom (ULB)
  • Promotors: Delvenne Pierre (ULiège), Ferreras Isabelle (UCLouvain), Lenaerts Karolien (KU Leuven), Sebastien Brunet (IWEPS)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Policy briefs & governance recommendations
  • Reports
    • State of the Art: Bridging decarbonisation and labour market in sustainability transitions (LAMARTRA)

  • Publications
  • Participation in seminars and conferences
    • Pel, B., Fransolet, A., Delvaux, S., Ferreras, I., Barslund, M., Delvenne, P., Lenaerts, K., Calay, V., Parotte, C., Callorda Fossati, E., Bauler, T. (2022), Lost in the Dual Transition: Theoretical, methodological and normative cleavages in Labour/Decarbonisation transition discourse, paper presented at 14th International Conference of the European Society for Ecological Economics (ESEE), Pisa (ITA), June 14-17
    • Pel, B., Fransolet, A., Delvaux, S., Ferreras, I., Barslund, M., Delvenne, P., Lenaerts, K., Calay, V., Parotte, C., Callorda Fossati, E., Bauler, T. (2022), Lost in the Dual Transition: Theoretical, methodological and normative cleavages in Labour/Decarbonisation transition discourse, paper presented at International Sustainability Transitions conference, November 21-25 2022, Melbourne/Washington/Stellenbosch + ONLINE
    • Delvenne,P. Delvaux,S. & Parotte, C. (2022), A deeper sense of urgency: a plea for responsible exnovation, paper presentation at workshop on 'Responsible Research and Innovation in/under urgency', Athens (Greece), June 2022
    • Delvaux, S. (2022), How do knots get tied? Ecological goods in environmental markets, the case of aquaponics in Belgium, paper presented at the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST) conference, Madrid (ESP) 6-9 July 2022
    • Ferreras, I. (2022), la contradiction capitalisme et démocratie au travail, inaugural lecture at Université Libre de Bruxelles, April 22 2022, Brussels
    • Ferreras, I. & Charles, J. & (2022), Seminar ‘Territoires Zéro Chômeur de Longue Durée’, seminar organized at Académie royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux, June 22 2022, Brussels
    • Pel, B. (2022), The interplay between digitalisation and the green transition, blog on webinar 14/12/2022
    • Barslund, M., & Apostel, A. (2022), Green employment in Belgium, Presentation of results from deliverable D3.4.1c at the Belgian Day for Labour Economists (BDLE), 07/10/2022
    • Barslund, M. (2023). Green employment in Belgium. Blog post on the presentation at the BDLE.
    • Ferreras, I. & Charles, J. (2022), Démocratiser l’emploi et le travail. Le cas de l’expérimentation Territoires Zéro Chômeur, paper presented at the CRIMT 2022 conference, October 27, 2022, HEC Montreal.
    • Ferreras, I., Countouris, N., Doorey, D., Eaton, A., Pulignano, V. & Fine J. (2022), The Critical Challenges faced by the Quest for Better Work, workshop at the CRIMT 2022 conference, October 27, 2022, HEC Montreal.
    • Ferreras, I. & Warren, J. (2022), Chaire SFPI Seminar “ESG Workshop”, seminar organized by the Chaire SFPI at Académie royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux Arts, December 14, 2022, Brussels.
    • Pérez Sepúlveda, S. (2022), Transition écologique et démocratization des entreprises : cadre sociologique de l’étude WP5-LAMARTRA, oral presentation in TED seminars (Travail, Démocratie, Enterprise), CriDIS, UCLouvain, December 8, 2022, Louvain-La-Neuve.
    • Ferreras, I. & Warren, J. (2022), Chaire SFPI Seminar “Limits of ESG”, seminar organized by the Chaire SFPI at Académie royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts, November 24, 2022, Brussels.
    • Ferreras, I. (2022), Seminar « Le Rapport Meadows a 50 ans. Des rapports Science, Technologie et Société », Royal Academy of Belgium, public session of the Class Technology and Society, October 22, 2022, Brussels.
    • Ferreras, I. (2022), « La démocratie pour regénérer l’entreprise », Trans-Mutation - L’Université d’été des dirigeants privé et public, August 30, 2022, Louvain-la-Neuve.
    • Ferreras, I. (2022), Workshop “Author Meet Critics”, SASE (Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics) Annual Meeting, July 10, 2022, University of Amsterdam.

  • Events
    • 26.05.2025 - LAMARTRA Final Conference:
      Towards a Green, Just and Competitive Future?
      Governing the Labour and Climate Transitions through Democratization
      About the Conference:
      Achieving sustainability within planetary boundaries requires profound transformations in how we produce, consume, and work. The LAMARTRA project has explored how these transitions can be governed to achieve both climate objectives and just work and employment opportunities.
      This conference will present key research findings and discuss how climate and labour transitions can be governed democratically—through social dialogue, consultation, and worker participation—to ensure fair and inclusive outcomes.
      Key themes include:
      Hosted by the LAMARTRA project, this event will dive into:
      - Employment risks and opportunities linked to decarbonization
      - Workers participation at firm level for the transitions
      - The role of social dialogue for governing the transitions
      - The role of visions about the future in selected sectors
      Full programme and registration available here: https://lamartra.be/lamartra-final-conference/

REFUFAM - From policy gaps to policy innovations. Strengthening the well-being and integration pathways of refugee families

Thematic project
Keywords: Integration policies, Migration policies, Refugees, Citizenship, Integration, Migrant family

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020 - 15/03/2025
  • Budget: 1.298.276€
  • Coordinator: Vandevoordt Robin (UGent)
  • Promotors: Beeckmans Luce (UGent), Berger Mathieu (UCLouvain), Desmet Ellen (UGent), Geldof Dirk (Odisee)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

REGUIDE - A Holistic, Restorative and Gendered approach to Guide Returnees to their Home country

Thematic project
Keywords: Returnees, Restorative justice, Reintegration, Gender, Holistic

  • Duration of the project: 5/12/2020 - 15/03/2025
  • Budget: 1.002.092€
  • Coordinator: Lechkar Iman (VUB)
  • Promotors: Detry Isabelle (NICC-INCC), Fadil Nadia (KU Leuven), Vrielink Jogchum (USL-B)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Emma Moerman

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: A Holistic, Restorative and Gendered approach to Guide Returnees to their Home Country
    • Rapport de recherche: Les parcours socio-judiciaires des returnees en Belgique : état des lieux des acteurs impliqués et des procédures mises en place
    • Onderzoeksrapport: De sociaaljuridische trajecten van terugkeerders in België : stand van zaken van de betrokkene actoren en van de bestaande procedures

  • Event
    • 04-05-2023 - Terugkeer van Belgische Syriëgangers
      Through our media research, which examines the perceptions and discourses on Belgians who went to Syria, and short animation films that visualize testimonies of returned children, under the supervision of Prof. Iman Lechkar and Prof. Gerrit Loots, we want to launch a debate about the Belgian men who are still imprisoned in Iraq and Syria.
      We are delighted to confirm the attendance of Mayor of Vilvoorde Hans Bonte, VRT war-journalist Rudi Vranckx and lawyer Aberrahim Lahlali who will go in dialogue with two REGUIDE researchers Hannan Jamaï (psychologist) and Jihane Sliti (political scientist). We look forward to welcoming you to our Dutch-speaking conversation which will be moderated by Sanae Jamaï, followed by a Q&A. We are confident that this discussion will be insightful and encourage you to subscribe now to join us! Don’t miss the exclusive intervention by Rebel-filmmaker Adil El Arbi!
      [Information - Registration]

  • Media


Thematic projects of the call 2019

BABEL - Basic Income in Belgium: stress-testing basic income in the digital era

Thematic project
Keywords: Basic income, Employment, Poverty, Welfare state reform

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019-15/03/2024
  • Budget: 846.926€
  • Coordinator: Van Lancker Wim (KU Leuven)   
  • Promotors: Marx Ive (UA), Marx Axel (KU Leuven), Vanderborght Yannick (USL-B)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: Basic income in Belgium: stress-testing basic income in the digital era (BABEL)
    • Media Report: Wie steunt welk type basisinkomen? Een analyse op basis van de Basic Income in Belgium Survey
    • Media Report: Quels sont les types de revenu de base les plus soutenus ? Et par qui? Une analyse basée sur le Basic Income in Belgium survey
    • Final Report: Basic income in Belgium: stress-testing basic income in the digital era (BABEL)
    • Samenvatting: Basic income in Belgium: stress-testing basic income in the digital era (BABEL)
    • Résumé: Basic income in Belgium: stress-testing basic income in the digital era (BABEL)
    • Summary: Basic income in Belgium: stress-testing basic income in the digital era (BABEL)

  • Events

B@SEBALL - Biodiversity at School Environments Benefits for ALL

Thematic project
Keywords: Biodiversity, Children's health, School environment, Environmental justice, Health inequality

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019-15/03/2024
  • Budget: 638.045€
  • Coordinator: Keune Hans (UA)
  • Promotors: De Clercq Eva (Sciensano), Lebeer Sarah (UA), Leonard Anna (GoodPlanet), Van Calster Hans (INBO), Vanwambeke Sophie (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

BBOX - OCMW/CPAS & new migrants/refugees: opening the black box of policy in practice

Thematic project
Keywords: Migrants, Integration, Social activation, Conditionality of rights, Street level bureaucrats

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019-15/03/2022
  • Budget: 578.497€
  • Coordinator: De Cuyper Peter (KU Leuven)
  • Promotors: Franssen Abraham (USL-B), Lafleur Jean-Michel (ULiège)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Final Report: OCMW/CPAS & new migrants/refugees: opening the black box of policy in practice (BBOX)
      • Annex: Newcomers Navigating the Welfare State
        Experiences of Immigrants and Street-level Bureaucrats with Belgium’s Social Assistance System
    • Samenvatting: De dienstverlening aan anderstalige nieuwkomers in Belgische OCMW’s (BBOX)
    • Résumé: Services pour les primo-arrivants dans les CPAS belges (BBOX)
    • Summary: OCMW/CPAS & new migrants/refugees: opening the black box of policy in practice (BBOX)
    • State of the art: OCMW/CPAS and new migrants: opening the black box of policy in practice (BBOX)
    • Publications BBOX: the findings of the research are available in various sources, including a peer-reviewed book, a report containing the survey results, a management summary with lessons for policymakers, and several presentations.
    • Publicaties BBOX: de resultaten van het onderzoek zijn onder meer terug te vinden in een peer-reviewed boek, een rapport met de surveyresultaten, een management summary met lessen voor het beleid en diverse presentaties.

  • Events
    • 15-10-2020
      The first meeting of the steering committee of this project will take place online, on thursday 15 October at 2pm.
      If you want to help us with this project and if you want to join the steering committee, please take contact with hanne.vandermeerschen@kuleuven.be.

BE-PARADIS - The Paradox of Belgian Inequality Studies: Belgium Less unequal than others?

Thematic project
Keywords: Inequality, Micro data, Redistribution, Distributional national accounts, Wealth, Poverty

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019-15/03/2024
  • Budget: 1.226.370€
  • Coordinator: Decoster André (KU Leuven)
  • Promotors: Decancq Koen (UA), Gobbi Paula (ULB)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: The Paradox of Belgian Inequality Studies (BE-PARADIS)
    • Final Report: The Paradox of Belgian Inequality Studies (BE-PARADIS)
    • Samenvatting: De ongelijkheidsparadox in België (BE-PARADIS)
    • Résumé: Le paradoxe de l'inégalité en Belgique (BE-PARADIS)
    • Summary: The inequality paradox in Belgium (BE-PARADIS)
    • Working Paper: Income Inequality in Belgium 1985 1985-2022 New evidence from Distributional National Accounts (BE-PARADIS)
    • You can also find published papers and the data that was used in the project on BE-PARADIS

  • Events
    • 03-12-2024 - Workshop
      The Paradox of Inequality in Belgium
      In this workshop we present the research results of a 4-year research project funded by BELSPO and carried out by the University of Leuven, the University of Antwerp and the ULB. The project started from the observation that the consistently low and stable level of Belgian income inequality, as reported in official statistics, seems at odds with how the public at large experience inequality and its evolution, and this is framed in the public debate. We have called this the Belgian Paradox of Inequality Studies (BE-PARADIS). To shed light on this paradox, we not only thoroughly reviewed the data used, we also tapped new data sources and broadened the concept of ‘inequality’ to include dimensions other than just income.
      More info...

    • 14-12-2023 - How to Move from Inequality to Shared Prosperity?
      As a part of the Global Economic Challenges Network initiative, the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, together with Georgetown University are happy to invite you to an afternoon academic conference on inequality, followed by a roundtable on "Towards Shared Prosperity in Europe", with Margrethe Vestager, André Sapir, and Gabriel Zucman, on Thursday, December 14th;
      This hybrid event will take place online and at the Thon Hotel EU in Brussels, from 12:00 to 17:00 (6:00 to 11:00 EST). The roundtable with Margrethe Vestager, André Sapir, and Gabriel Zucman will start at 16:00 (10AM EST).
      More info...

    • 19-05-2022 - Mid-project workshop on inequality
      We presented our preliminary findings on income inequality in Belgium, the Belgian distributional national accounts, and the importance of real estate valuation for wealth inequality. Prof. Antoine Bozio (Paris School of Economics, Institut des Politiques Publiques) and prof. Koen Caminada (Leiden University) presented new insights on inequality in France and the Netherlands respectively.
      [Slides and/or presentations ]

DIGI4FED - Digital Revolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain

Thematic project
Keywords: Big data, Trust, Artificial Intelligence, Open Government Ecosystem, Blockchain, Data management

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019 – 15/03/2022
  • Budget: 786.591€
  • Coordinator: Crompvoets Joep (KU Leuven)
  • Promotors: Fallon Catherine (ULiège), Van Dooren Wouter (UA), Vanderose Benoît (UNamur)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Final Report: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)
    • Samenvatting: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)
    • Résumé: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)
    • Summary: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)
    • State of the art: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)
    • Policy Brief
      • Policy Brief nr. 2: Digitale (r)evolutie in de Belgische federale overheid: een open governance-ecosysteem voor big data, kunstmatige intelligentie en blockchain (DIGI4FED)
        Policy Brief n° 2: (R)évolution numérique dans le gouvernement fédéral belge : Un écosystème de gouvernance ouverte pour le big data, l’intelligence artificielle et la blockchain (DIGI4FED)
        Policy Brief no. 2: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)
      • Policy Brief nr. 1: Digitale (r)evolutie in de Belgische federale overheid: een open governance-ecosysteem voor big data, kunstmatige intelligentie en blockchain (DIGI4FED)
        Policy Brief n° 1: (R)évolution numérique dans le gouvernement fédéral belge : Un écosystème de gouvernance ouverte pour le big data, l’intelligence artificielle et la blockchain (DIGI4FED)
        Policy Brief no. 1: Digital (R)evolution in Belgian Federal Government: An Open Governance Ecosystem for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain (DIGI4FED)

ELLIS - Monitoring and Mitigating Environmental Health Inequalities in Belgium

Thematic project
Keywords: Environmental Health, Health Inequalities, Monitoring, Health Impact Assessment, Residential Exposure, Environmental Inequalities

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019 – 15/03/2024
  • Budget: 493.810€
  • Coordinator: Devleesschauwer Brecht (Sciensano) 
  • Promotors: Bouland Catherine (ULB), Eggerickx Thierry (UCLouvain), Faes Christel (UHasselt), Masquelier Bruno (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle, Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: Monitoring and Mitigating Environmental Health Inequalities in Belgium (ELLIS)
    • Publication : Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in cause-specific premature mortality in Belgium, 1998-2019
    • Final Report: Monitoring and Mitigating Environmental Health Inequalities (ELLIS)
    • Samenvatting: Monitoring and Mitigating Environmental Health Inequalities (ELLIS)
    • Résumé: Monitoring and Mitigating Environmental Health Inequalities (ELLIS)
    • Summary: Monitoring and Mitigating Environmental Health Inequalities (ELLIS)

  • Events
    • 04-06-2025 | Défense de thèse - Bram Vandeninden
      Quantifying and Mitigating the Environmental Disease Burden and Health Inequalities in Urban and Transport planning
      Thesis presented by Bram Vandeninden and directed by Professor Olivier Vandenberg (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and Professor Christel Faes (UHasselt).
      More info...
    • 11-04-2024 | Webinar
      Introducing the Belgian Index of Multiple Deprivation (BIMD)
      We are delighted to invite you to Sciensano’s new webinar on the Belgian Index of Multiple Deprivation (BIMD), a new tool providing an overview of social deprivation in Belgium.
      The BIMD integrates six key areas — education, employment, income, housing, crime and health — providing a nuanced understanding of societal challenges. Computed at statistical area level, the BIMD ranks and groups areas from most to least deprived.
      In our upcoming webinar, we will delve into the BIMD’s methodological framework, detailing its development and the significance of each domain. In addition, we will showcase different practical uses of the BIMD.
      The BIMD was developed by the ELLIS consortium, which is coordinated by the Sciensano Health Information Service.
      This webinar will be organized in English.
      More information...

Re-InVEST.be - Investing in basic rights, capabilities and anti-poverty policies in Belgium

Thematic project
Keywords: Human rights, Poverty, Capabilities, Social protection, Social investment, Anti-discrimination

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019-15/03/2024
  • Budget: 1.530.000€
  • Coordinator: Nicaise Ides (KU Leuven)
  • Promotors: De Munck Jean (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: Social protection from a social investment perspective (Re-InVEST.be)

  • Events
    • 03-12-2021 | Seminar "Capabilities and poverty" (start 9:15 a.m. (opening 9:00 p.m.) - Ending 1:00 p.m.)
      The capability approach*, first conceptualised by the economist Amartya Sen, has since its inception greatly influenced development studies (Nussbaum, 2011) and has served as a foundation for a comparative and pluralist theory of justice (Sen, 2009). More recently, social scientists have implemented this approach in different fields of study such as social norms, inequalities and democracy (Bonvin et al., 2017). The Re-Invest.be research project aims at building upon this approach by combining it with an analysis of social rights and social investment, to analyse anti-poverty policies in Belgium. This seminar will serve as an introduction to the capability approach and to discuss its different applications and limitations in the sociology of poverty and human rights.
      It will explore the following questions:
      • How can we apply the capability approach in sociological inquiries?
      • How do capabilities and human rights interrelate?
      • How does the capability approach affect sociological definitions of poverty?
      • How can capability models be extended from static to dynamic, to include concepts such as ‘sustainable well-being’ and ‘social investment’?

    Presentations:
    Introduction “Basic capabilities and where to find them” – Matthias Rosenzweig (CriDIS UCLouvain)
    Jean-Michel Bonvin (Cigev, Geneva University): “Capabilities, Poverty, and the Welfare State”
    Ides Nicaise (HIVA, KUL): “Capabilities and social investment”
    Jean De Munck (CriDIS, UCLouvain): “Capabilities and social rights”

    *Capabilities reflect the set of opportunities that individuals dispose of to transform resources into a bundle of beings and doings that they have reason to value (Sen, 1985). Hence, capabilities depend on the amount of (material, financial, human, social, cultural) resources at one’s disposal, the conversion factors that determine the potential outcomes of the transformation process with given sets of resources, and the freedom one has to choose.

REMEDI - GPs' REcommendations to patients with MEntal health problems and DIverse migration backgrounds

Thematic project
Keywords: Unintentional discrimination, Migration background, Mental health (services), General practitioners, Mixed-methods, Vignettes

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019 – 15/03/2022
  • Budget: 447.694€
  • Coordinator: Bracke Piet (UGent)
  • Promotors: Ceuterick Melissa (UGent), Dauvrin Marie (UCLouvain), De Maesschalck Stephanie (UGent), Lepièce Brice (UCLouvain), Lorant Vincent (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: GPs' recommendations to patients with mental health problems and diverse migration backgrounds (REMEDI)
    • Policy Brief
      • Policy Brief nr. 1: Onderzoek naar de percepties en het doorverwijsgedrag van Belgische huisartsen bij patiënten met depressieve klachten en diverse migratieachtergronden
      • Policy Brief n° 1: Recommandations des médecins généralistes aux patients ayant des problèmes de santé mentale et divers antécédents migratoires
      • Policy Brief no. 1: GPs’ Recommendations to patients with mental health problems and diverse migration backgrounds
    • Final Report: GPs’ Recommendations to patients with Mental health problems and diverse migration backgrounds (REMEDI)
    • Samenvatting: Onderzoek naar de percepties en het doorverwijsgedrag van Belgische huisartsen bij patiënten met depressieve klachten en diverse migratieachtergronden (REMEDI)
    • Résumé: Recommandations des médecins généralistes aux patients ayant des problèmes de santé mentale et divers antécédents migratoires (REMEDI)
    • Summary: GPs’ Recommendations to patients with Mental health problems and Diverse migration backgrounds (REMEDI)

  • Media
  • Events
    • 11-09-2023 | REMEDI project symposium (General Practitioners’ recommendations to patients with mental health problems and diverse migration background).
      This dissemination event serves as a platform to present the insightful findings of our project, focusing on the decision-making of general practitioners regarding patients with diverse migration backgrounds and mental health problems, specifically depression. As a result of our findings, we will share several policy recommendations that have emerged from our research.
      [Programme - Inscription]

SEAD - Sustainable employment in the age of digitalisation: challenges, obstacles and opportunities

Thematic project
Keywords: Sustainable employment, Labour market policy, Occupational health and well-being, Social protection, Work organisation, Management

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019 - 31/03/2024
  • Budget: 1.385.627€
  • Coordinator: Vanroelen Christophe (VUB)
  • Promotors: Deschacht Nick (KU Leuven), Lamberts Miet (KU Leuven), Martinez Esteban (ULB), Pichault François (ULiège)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Bourgeois Emmanuèle

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • State of the art: Sustainable Employment in the Age of Digitalisation (SEAD)
    • Final Report: Sustainable employment in the age of digitalisation (SEAD)
    • Samenvatting: Sustainable employment in the age of digitalisation (SEAD)
    • Résumé: Sustainable employment in the age of digitalisation (SEAD)
    • Summary: Sustainable employment in the age of digitalisation (SEAD)

  • Event
    • 06-05-2024 | SEAD concluding symposium
      Sustainable employment in the age of digitalisation       
      On Monday the 6th of May 2024 in the afternoon, the SEAD consortium organises a concluding symposium as the culmination of four years of research on digitalisation in the Belgian labour market and the associated opportunities and threats for sustainable work.
      The main findings of the project will be presented and the research team will engage in a debate with stakeholders and the audience on topics such as changing occupations, work intensification and the platform economy. A detailed programme will be communicated in the coming weeks.
      Make sure not to miss this event and register
      When? 6th of May 2024 (12h until 16h30, including lunch)
      Where? U-Residence, VUB campus, Brussels
      Who? Everyone interested in the effects of digitalisation on employment, job quality and labour market (outcomes)
      What? Presentation of key findings from the SEAD project + a panel discussion on related policy-relevant topics

    • 22-04-2021 | Webinar - Online event
      Digitalisation and the world of work
      Are you interested in the process of digitalisation and its impact on jobs, occupations and workers? Do you want to know more about automation, workplace innovation, the platform economy and the social protection of workers in the digital age? Join our free webinar on Thursday the 22nd of April!

  • News
    • 14-03-2022 - Call
      The VUB would like to investigate the working conditions of platform workers in Belgium.
      We would like to know how you experience platform work! By answering a couple of questions, you will help us create a better understanding of how you work!
      Participate in this survey of about 15 min., and have a chance to win one of the 100 gift vouchers, worth €20!

    • 20-05-2021 - Call
      Looking for organisations that work with new digital technologies.
      Within the framework of the SEAD project (Sustainable Employment in the Age of Digitalisation) financed by Belspo and involving the VUB, ULiège, ULB and KULeuven, the research teams are seeking organisations using new digital technologies in order to integrate them into the project (see flyer). Please fill in the short online survey .

TRAHOME - Homelessness trajectories and non-take-up from a dynamic perspective

Thematic project
Keywords: Homelessness, Poverty, Mixed methods, Non-take up

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2019 - 15/03/2024
  • Budget: 788.425€
  • Coordinator: Hermans Koen (KU Leuven)
  • Promotors: Roets Griet (UGent), Wagener Martin (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Final Report: Homelessness trajectories and non-take-up of social rights from a dynamic perspective (TRAHOME)
    • Samenvatting: Trajecten van dak- en thuislozen en non-take-up van sociale rechten vanuit een dynamische benadering (TRAHOME)
    • Résumé: Les trajectoires des personnes en situation de sans-abrisme (PSA) et leur accès aux droits sociaux (TRAHOME)
    • Summary: Homelessness trajectories and non-take-up of social rights from a dynamic perspective (TRAHOME)

  • Event
    • 09-05-2023 - Deuxième conférence du Réseau Belge de Recherche sur le Sans-abrisme
      Le nombre de sans-abri a augmenté en Belgique et en Europe. Pour mieux comprendre l’actualité de ce problème social, le phénomène est étudié dans différentes universités, Hautes écoles, Instituts de recherche et Services publics. Ces projets se concentrent, entre autres, sur la nature dynamique du sans-abrisme,  sa quantification, les biographies des personnes concernées, le sans-abrisme caché, les expulsions, l'instabilité du logement ou encore les politiques mises en œuvre pour lutter contre le sans-abrisme.
      En 2020, trois groupes de recherche ont uni leurs forces dans le projet TRAHOME : LUCAS KU Leuven, Social Work and Social Pedagogy UGent et CIRTES UCLouvain. TRAHOME est un projet de recherche de quatre ans sur les trajectoires des personnes sans-abri basé sur une approche de méthodes mixtes, financé par BELSPO. C'est dans ce contexte qu'est née l'initiative de créer un réseau belge de recherche sur le sans-abrisme.
      L'objectif du réseau est de :
      - renforcer la coopération entre les différents chercheurs ;
      - échanger des connaissances sur le sujet ;
      - créer des opportunités pour échanges internationaux ;
      - créer un réseau inspirant pour les chercheurs ;
      - renforcer la contribution de la recherche à l'évaluation et à la formulation des politiques publiques.
      Pour réaliser ces objectifs, est née l'idée d'organiser une conférence annuelle d'une journée. Celle-ci a eu lieu pour la première fois en mars 2022, organisée par l'équipe de TRAHOME. Cette année, nous le faisons à nouveau, en collaboration avec le Service interfédéral de lutte contre la pauvreté, la précarité et l’exclusion sociale.
      Le matin (en plénière), nous invitons une chercheuse internationale pour donner une présentation, notamment dr. Elisabetta Rosa. Cette séance est suivie d'un état des lieux de la recherche TRAHOME. Pour la deuxième partie de journée, les chercheurs peuvent présenter leurs projets en cours en petits groupes. Pour conclure, nous nous retrouverons en plénière pour faire le bilan de la journée et réfléchir aux projets futurs du réseau (activités, projets de recherche, publications,...).
      [Programme] [Inscription]
      09-05-2023 - Tweede conferentie van het Belgisch Onderzoeksnetwerk Dak- en thuisloosheid
      Dak- en thuisloosheid neemt toe in België en Europa. Om een beter begrip te krijgen op dit sociale probleem vandaag, wordt het fenomeen vanuit verschillende universiteiten, hoge scholen, onderzoeksinstellingen en openbare diensten bestudeerd. Deze projecten richten zich onder andere op het dynamische karakter van dak- en thuisloosheid, de meting van dak- en thuisloosheid, de biografieën van daklozen, verborgen dakloosheid, uithuiszettingen, huisvestingsinstabiliteit en het gevoerde beleid om dak – en thuisloosheid te bestrijden.
      In 2020 bundelden drie onderzoeksgroepen hun krachten in het TRAHOME project: LUCAS KU Leuven, Sociaal werk en sociale pedagogie UGent en CIRTES UCLouvain. TRAHOME is een vierjarig onderzoeksproject, gefinancierd door BELSPO, dat de trajecten van dak- en thuislozen onderzoekt op basis van een mixed methods aanpak.
      In deze context ontstond het initiatief om een Belgisch Onderzoeksnetwerk Dak- en thuisloosheid op te richten.
      Het doel van het netwerk       is om:
      - de samenwerking tussen verschillende onderzoekers te versterken;
      - kennis uit te wisselen;
      - gelegenheden te creëren voor internationale uitwisseling;
      - een inspirerend netwerk te creëren voor onderzoekers;
      - de bijdrage van onderzoek aan de evaluatie en formulering van overheidsbeleid te versterken.
      Om deze doelstellingen te realiseren, is het idee ontstaan om jaarlijks een eendaagse conferentie te organiseren. Deze vond voor het eerst plaats in maart 2022, georganiseerd door het TRAHOME team. Dit jaar doet we dit opnieuw, in samenwerking met het interfederaal Steunpunt tot bestrijding van armoede, bestaansonzekerheid en sociale uitsluiting.
      In de ochtend (plenair) nodigen we een internationale onderzoeker uit voor een lezing, met name dr. Elisabetta Rosa* gevolgd door een inhoudelijke stand van zaken van het TRAHOME onderzoek. In het tweede deel kunnen onderzoekers in kleinere groepen presentaties geven over hun lopende projecten. Ten slotte komen we terug samen om in een laatste deel te reflecteren over de dag en na te denken over toekomstige plannen van het netwerk (activiteiten, onderzoeksprojecten, publicaties,...).
      [Programma] [Registratie]

    • 24-03-2022 - First conference of the Belgian Homelessness Research Network
      Homelessness is on the rise in Belgium and Europe. Research on the national and international level is needed to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness through better use of data and evidence. In the BRAIN-project TRAHOME, three research groups have joined forces: LUCAS KU Leuven, Social Work and Social Pedagogy UGent and CIRTES of the UCL. TRAHOME is a four-year research project on the trajectories of homeless persons based on a mixed methods research approach.
      Since homelessness research is also taking place in diverse research groups across the country and provides complexities, the TRAHOME team would like to organize an open-minded exchange between researchers dealing with homelessness, and associated historical and societal issues and processes leading to homelessness, in the Belgian welfare state.
      We are therefore pleased to announce the first conference of the Belgian Homelessness Research Network in Brussels. The aim of the network is to strengthen and cross-fertilize the knowledge and cooperation between different researchers, and to create an inspiring network of early stage researchers and PhD students.
      More info...


Projects funded in the frame of JPI Climate SOLSTICE

202CM - Overcoming Obstacles and Disincentives to Climate Change Mitigation: A cross-cutting approach by human and social sciences

  • Duration of the project: 01/12/2020 – 01/03/2024
  • Budget: 249.900€
  • Coordinator: Catellani Andrea (UCLouvain)
  • Promotors: Cougnon Louise-Amélie (UCLouvain), De Schutter Olivier (UCLouvain)
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website - Project website UCLouvain - Project website JPI Climate
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Newsletter n° 1: 2O2CM - The newsletter
    • Final Report: Overcoming Obstacles and Disincentives to Climate Change Mitigation: A cross-cutting approach by human and social sciences (202CM)

  • Event
    • 23-24 May, 2024 | International and interdisciplinary scientific conference
      Overcoming Obstacles to Climate Change Mitigation: a cross-cutting approach by human and social sciences
      This conference is an opportunity to present the results of the international 202CM project and provides a space for the presentation of other research projects - in the humanities and social sciences - on the effort to mitigate climate change and manage its inevitable effects. The presentations will focus on analysing the obstacles and disincentives to action and change in favour of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and finding ways and means of combating these obstacles.
      [Information ]  [Programme ]  [Registration ]

SOLARIS - SOLidarity in climate change Adaptation policies: towards more socio-spatial justice in the face of multiple RISks

  • Duration of the project: 15/12/2020 - 15/03/2024
  • Budget: 249.120€
  • Coordinator:  Crabbé Ann (Universiteit Antwerpen)
  • Promotors: -
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation


Projects funded in the frame of JPI More Years, Better Lives

CIVEX - Exclusion from civic engagement of a diverse older population: Features, experiences, and policy implications

  • Duration of the project: 1/10/2021 - 1/01/2025
  • Budget: 244.050€
  • Coordinator: Dury Sarah Tom (VUB)
  • Promotors: -
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Final Report: Exclusion from civic engagement of a diverse older population: Features, experiences and policy implications (CIVEX)
    • Samenvatting: Uitsluiting van maatschappelijk engagement van een diverse oudere bevolking: Kenmerken, ervaringen en beleidsimplicaties (CIVEX)
    • Résumé: Exclusion de l'engagement civique d'une population âgée diversifiée: Caractéristiques, expériences et implications politiques (CIVEX)
    • Summary: Exclusion from civic engagement of a diverse older population: Features, experiences, and policy implications (CIVEX)
    • Policy Brief
      • Policy Brief nr. 1: CIVEX: Uitsluiting op het gebied van maatschappelijk engagement van een diverse oudere bevolking: Kenmerken, ervaringen en beleidsimplicaties
      • Policy Brief n° 1: CIVEX: Exclusion dans l'engagement sociétal d'une population âgée diversifiée: Caractéristiques, expériences et implications politiques
      • Policy Brief no 1: CIVEX: Exclusion from civic engagement of a diverse older population: Features, experiences, and policy implications


Project funded in the frame of ‘Evaluation of a collective reduction of working time’

COLORBEL - Evaluating Collective Working-Time Reductions in Belgian companies

  • Duration of the project: 1/12/2023 - 1/07/2025
  • Budget: 75.000€
  • Coordinator: BLEYS Brent (UGent)
  • Promotors: -
  • BELSPO programme manager: Naji Aziz

Documentation

  • Project description
  • Project website
  • Fedra

  • Reports
    • Final Report: Evaluating Collective Working-Time Reductions in Belgian Companies (COLORBEL)
    • Samenvatting: Evaluating Collective Working-Time Reductions in Belgian Companies (COLORBEL)
    • Résumé: Evaluating Collective Working-Time Reductions in Belgian Companies (COLORBEL)
    • Summary: Evaluating Collective Working-Time Reductions in Belgian Companies (COLORBEL)

  • Event
    • 18.06.2025 - Webinar
      Belgium: the drivers and challenges of implementing collective WTR - A qualitative study.
      You can register here

    • 01.02.2024 - Webinar
      Deuxième webinaire gratuit sur la semaine de 4 jours avec réduction collective du temps de travail et maintien du salaire 
      Une entreprise française et une belge ayant introduit la semaine de 4 jours (32 heures) partageront leur expérience, y compris les avantages et inconvénients du système. Nous avons volontairement choisi une grande et une petite entreprises, car elles offrent des perspectives différentes. Par ailleurs, l’Université de Gand donnera de plus amples détails sur la méthode de recherche qui sera utilisée dans le cadre de l'étude pilote sur cette semaine de 4 jours.
      [Programme ]
      Daarbij zullen een Frans en een Belgisch bedrijf die de 4-dagenweek (32u) hebben ingevoerd hun ervaring delen net als de voor- en nadelen van het systeem bespreken. We hebben daarbij bewust gekozen voor een grote en een kleine onderneming, omdat dit een ander perspectief biedt. Daarnaast zal de Universiteit Gent meer details uit de doeken doen over de onderzoeksmethodologie die toegepast zal worden bij de pilootstudie rond deze 4-dagenweek.
      [Programma ]

  • Media
    • Persbericht: Vierdagenwerkweek met collectieve arbeidsduurvermindering en loonbehoud wekt weinig interesse op en hangt af van meerdere voorwaarden
    • Communiqué de presse: La semaine de quatre jours avec réduction collective du temps de travail et maintien des salaires suscite peu d'intérêt et sa mise en oeuvre dépend de plusieurs conditions
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