Elke Hermans

Hasselt University

Hasselt University is an independent university which is regionally anchored and has a pronounced international orientation. The university stands for excellence in education, top research in spearhead fields and active engagement in innovation and entrepreneurship. The overall objective is to combine academic excellence with economic and social relevance. Hasselt University targets students with attractive undergraduate, graduate and PhD programmes which are research-led and characterised by a high academic level and the integration of lifelong employability skills. The programmes are supported by a range of innovative and effective teaching/learning forms. University research policy is directed at top research in spearhead fields (electronic materials, ICT, life sciences, clean tech, biostatistics, traffic safety and mobility, open innovation and small businesses). In those multidisciplinary domains, the research institutes of Hasselt University combine fundamental and applied research, including contract research for regional and international industry and organizations. Technology Transfer Office is responsible for valorisation of research results and takes the lead in starting up several spin-off companies per year. The university assumes an active role in stimulating innovative economic activities in the region, including the co-ordination of regional thematic company clusters in domains such as life sciences, renewable energy and clean tech.