Silvia Lenaerts is a real innovator. She is a founder in industry as well as in academia. She wants to create impact by connecting people, growing together. In 2023, she was appointed as Rector Magnificus of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE). Previously serving as Vice-rector Valorisation & Development, she founded Antwerp Valorisation & Development (AVD) as a separate business unit within the Universiteit Antwerpen. By installing three multidisciplinary open innovation hubs that break down the silo mentality through intense collaboration between researchers, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, investors, citizens and policymakers, more impact can be created. An open innovation culture with respect for and recognition of each other's individual strengths, knowledge and competences is key.
In industry she founded a company on gas sensors and worked as lead assessor for management systems. She is board member in three companies and organizations. Already in her young years, she was pioneering as she was the first chemist to do her PhD at IMEC.
Term of office: 2022-2028
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