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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. 05/05/2025 - Registration
Fr. 05/05/2025 - Submission of revised contributions for the book of abstracts
Th. 22/05/2023 - DS2BE
Scientific committee for the 2025 edition
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Prof. Ahmed Z. Khan (ULB),
Prof. Frank De Troyer (KULeuven),
Prof. Emilie Gobbo (UCLouvain),
Prof. Geoffrey van Moeseke (UCLouvain),
arch. Giulia Caterina Verga (ULB)
Prof. Griet Verbeeck (UHasselt),
​Prof. Jacques Teller (ULg),
Prof. Lars De Laet (VUB),
Prof. Karen Allacker (KULeuven),
Prof. Marijke Steeman (UGent),
Dr. Mattias Buyle (UAntwerp).
Prof. Waldo Galle (VUB),
​Prof. Nathan Van Den Bossche (UGent),
Prof. Shady Attia (ULg),
Prof. Tim De Kock (UAntwerp)​,
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Organising committee
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Prof. Geoffrey Van Moeseke (UCLouvain)
Prof Emilie Gobbo (UCLouvain)
Prof Karen Allacker (KULeuven)
Dr Nick Adams
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Venue
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The seminar will be held in the center of Leuven, Leercentrum AGORA.
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