eFFECT6 - Building a Stronger Tomorrow: a Resilient and Inclusive Chemical Industry in Flanders and Europe
Antwerpen, Belgium
For the sixth time, ie-net's expert group 'Chemical and Biochemical Technology' is organising the biennial lecture series eFFECT (events in Flanders Focusing on Engineering and Chemical Technology). eFFECT provides an inspiring platform for cutting-edge technological themes with clear societal relevance. Each edition brings together a unique mix of participants and fosters exchange between industry, academia and R&D in Flanders. eFFECT is thereby evolving into a meeting place where knowledge, experience, and vision come together and reinforce each other.
Each eFFECT cycle consists of multiple lectures and sessions, all centred around a single overarching technological theme with strong societal relevance which is carefully chosen to address current and future challenges.
Who is it for?
eFFECT is primarily aimed at:
- engineers working in the chemical industry and other industrial sectors
- engineers active in knowledge institutes and research centres
The event also welcomes engineering students in (bio)chemistry, as well as Master's and PhD students from all (bio)chemical engineering faculties in Flanders.
And by extension, anyone with a broad interest in technology and innovation is invited to attend and be inspired.
Themes of eFFECT6
Under the overarching theme 'Building a Stronger Tomorrow: a Resilient and Inclusive Chemical Industry in Flanders and Europe', the sixth eFFECT cycle will focus on 4 key themes:
- AI and digitalisation/robots in the chemical industry
- Competitiveness
- Education and training
- Flanders as incubator
With an appealing programme hosted at inspiring venues, ie-net aims to bring together a broad audience and create a network that will further support and advance these themes.
As a prelude to the sixth edition of eFFECT, ie-net is pleased to invite you to an exclusive introductory session on Thursday, 11 June.
Introductory session
The evening will begin with an inspiring keynote lecture, followed by an interactive panel discussion on the central theme 'Integrating the Value Chain'. The session will conclude with the unveiling of the full eFFECT6 programme. For this special occasion, eFFECT and Port of Antwerp-Bruges are pleased to welcome you to the iconic Port House — a unique setting where innovation and vision come together.
- 18:30 - Event reception
- 19:00 - Welcome word & panel discussion
Welcome and opening of eFFECT6
Steve Helfensteyn and Geert Reyniers (co-chairs of the ie-net expert group on Chemical and Biochemical Technology)
Keynote Lecture
Prof. MSc. Tomas Wyns (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Interactive panel discussion
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Ir. Florence Vermeire (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Ir. Liesbeth Stockman (Port of Antwerp-Bruges)
MSc. Pedro Vicente (BLOOM Biotech)
Ing. Geert Bogaerts (essenscia)
Dr. Ir. Isabel Vermeulen (Bluechem & Tomorrow Lab) (TBC)
Closing remarks
Prof. MSc. Tomas Wyns (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Following sessions
- AI and digitalisation/robots in the chemical industry – Thursday 15 October 2026 – 17:00 - 22:30
- Competitiveness – Thursday 19 November 2026 – 17:00 - 22:30
- Education and training - Thursday 18 February 2027 - 17:00 - 22:30
- Flanders as incubator - Thursday 18 March 2027 - 17:00 - 22:30
Entrance fee
Price per session (including company visit):
- €50 for non-members
- €35 for ie-net (corporate) members
Price for all sessions (including company visits):
- €200 for non-members
- €140 for ie-net (corporate) members