DS²BE is a joint initiative of the Belgian research groups working on sustainability issues in the built environment. It brings together eight universities: Université Libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, KULeuven, UCLouvain, Université de Liège, UHasselt, UAntwerpen and UGent.
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The 2025 edition will be jointly hosted by KULeuven and UCLouvain, and take place on the 22nd and 23rd of May.
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Theme
Action oriented research : supporting the sustainable transition of the building sector
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The sustainability of the built environment has been a topic of research for decades, resulting in the development of concepts, methods and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of buildings and cities. Nevertheless, the majority of these developments fail to gain traction within the building industry. In an increasingly unstable global context, where planetary boundaries are repeatedly crossed and social minimums are continuously challenged, it is imperative to emphasise the practical and societal relevance of research outcomes. Consequently, transdisciplinarity and engagement with stakeholders at the material, building, city and territorial levels are vital to address the existential challenge that we face.
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Programme
Doctoral seminars​​
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According to DS²BE’s mission, contributions during the seminar must tackle sustainability issues in the built environment. They can range from the scale level of a building product to that of a city or whole region. Theoretical and methodological developments, as well as empirical findings of technical and social nature, are welcome.
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For DS²BE 2025 the scientific and organizing committees invite contributions differentiated along the stage of the PhD research:​
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PhD researchers at an advanced stage (from year 3) are invited to present substantial research results, e.g. a case study, draft article, or thesis chapter. They submit an abstract (300 words, English) and a full paper (4000 words, English).
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To prepare their paper, researchers must use this paper template. In this template, some more detailed guidance is provided. Note that during the seminar, the paper will be presented using a slide deck.​
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PhD researchers at an early stage (years 1 and 2) of their research are invited to pitch key hypotheses, methods, and preliminary findings. They only submit an abstract (300 words, English) and a supporting poster.
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To prepare their poster, researchers must use this poster template. In this template, some more detailed guidance is provided. Note that during the seminar, the poster will be used to present your work (no slide deck).​
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The scientific committee of senior researchers will review all abstracts and papers, and written feedback will be given. Only abstracts will be published. This allows further development of the manuscript into a journal paper for example.
The added value of submitting an abstract or full paper is the constructive feedback provided by peers in a written format, and the interactive feedback following each presentation.
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Certificates of Participation will be issued to participants, which might be used to gain credits from their doctoral schools.
Timeline
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Fr. 10/02/2025 - Submission of abstracts & full papers or abstracts & posters
Fr. 28/03/2025 - Notification of peer review feedback
Fr. 14/04/2025 - Registration
Fr. 05/05/2025 - Submission of revised contributions for the book of abstracts
Th. 22/05/2023 - DS2BE day ONE
Fr. 23/05/2023 - DS2BE day TWO
Scientific committee
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Prof. Ahmed Z. Khan (ULB),
Prof. Luisa Moretto (ULB),
Prof. Geoffrey Grulois (ULB),
​Prof. Bernard Deprez (ULB),
Prof. Niels De Temmerman (VUB),
Prof. Waldo Galle (VUB),
Prof. Stephanie Van de Voorde (VUB),
Prof. Lars De Laet (VUB),
Prof. Karen Allacker (KUL),
Prof. Frank De Troyer (KUL),
Prof. Hilde Breesch (KUL),
Dr. Damien Trigaux (KUL),
​Prof. Nathan Van Den Bossche (UG),
Prof. Lionel Devlieger (UG),
Prof. Jelle Laverge (UG),
Prof. Arnold Janssens (UG),
Prof. Marijke Steeman (UG),
Prof. Griet Verbeeck (UH),
Prof. Elke Knapen (UH),
Prof. Rafael Novais Passarelli (UH)
Prof. Shady Attia (ULg),
Prof. Philippe André (ULg),
Prof. Sigrid Reiter (ULg),
​Prof. Jacques Teller (ULg),
Prof. Jean-Marie Halleux (ULg),
Prof. Geoffrey van Moeseke (UCLouvain),
Prof. Bernard Declève (UCLouvain),
Prof. Andre Stephan (UCLouvain),
Prof. Maider Llaguno (UCLouvain),
Prof. Tim De Kock (UA)​,
Dr. Matti Buyle (UA),
Prof. Bob Geldermans (UA).
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Organising committee
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Prof. Geoffrey Van Moeseke (UCLouvain)
Prof Emilie Gobbo (UCLouvain)
Prof Karen Allacker (KULeuven)
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Venue
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The first day will be held in the center of Leuven.
The second day will be held in the Halles Universitaires de Louvain-la-Neuve.
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There is a regular train connection between both cities, allowing for an overnight in Leuven and travel in the morning. The scheduled will of course be made accordingly.
More details to come.
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