Introduction

I studied physics and obtained my PhD on rare earth doped sulfide electroluminescent thin films at Ghent University (Belgium). Since 2001, I have a permanent appointment at Ghent University, where I am leading the research group Lumilab. I am a full professor since 2012. I have experience in different fields of solid state physics research, including thin film deposition and optical characterization, photo-, electro- and cathodoluminescent materials, structural and electrical defects in semiconductors, photocatalysis for air purification, x-ray analytical techniques and human vision. I have (co)organized numerous conferences, such as EL2002 (Int. Conf. on Electroluminescence), ICTF14 (Int. Conf. on Thin Films) and "Phosphoros", the first international conference on persistent luminescence in 2011. In July 2022, I am chairing the ICOOPMA-EuroDIM conference in Ghent. I am member (and former chair) of the Belgian National Committee for Crystallography and hold several administrative functions at the university. In addition, I am lecturing numerous courses on Bachelor and Master level.