I have a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Leiden University, awarded in 1993, and a PhD in Biotechnology from Ghent University, awarded in 1998. I have been a lecturer at Ghent University since 2002. I was appointed full professor at the Faculty of Medicine and have been leading the Department of Human Structure and Repair since 2021. My research career has focused on molecular cell biology, using model systems such as genetically modified mice and human stem cells to study cell adhesion, signalling and cardiomyopathies. I am currently working at the interface of stem cell research, regenerative medicine and cardiology.