Arno Bouwens studied at the VUB from 2004 to 2009, specialising in photonics. At the VUB's graduation ceremony on 8 October 2024 at the Grand Place in Brussels, he acted as a speaker for the Faculty of Engineering. ‘Today's digital tools are really a huge advance,’ he said.
What exactly does your job entail?
‘I am R&D director at Perseus Biomics. When I started here four years ago, the team was small - just three people. Now there are 12 of us. Our work focuses on developing measurement methods for the microbiome; specifically gut bacteria that are linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's, for example. What fascinates me most is seeing the concrete results of our work. That continues to motivate me.’
What memories do you keep from your student days?
‘Professor Irina Vertenicof's classes really stood out. She described physics as a language - not just a subject, but a way of thinking. That perspective made a lasting impression on me. I also appreciated the small scale of the master's groups. We were only ten students, which created a close bond. Together, we built a water rocket, for example. I also made friends for life during that time. They were special years. I have very fond memories of my student days.’
And what connections did you retain from that period?
‘The friends I made then are still very important to me. We are still in regular contact, also about work. Those ties are very valuable.’
Which professors have stayed with you and why?
‘Several professors have made a lasting impression on me. Irina Vertenicof course, because of her unique way of teaching. I recently worked with Heidi Ottevaere on a laser module. That was quite a complex challenge. And Jan Danckaert, my master supervisor, inspired me with topics like non-linear dynamics and chaos theory.’
"It's not just about idealism. I want to see that my work really changes things."
Did you have a clear picture of what you wanted to do after your studies?
‘Not really. I did know I wanted to try academic research and had ambitions to go abroad. I ended up living and working in Switzerland for four years. This was followed by postdocs at KU Leuven and ULB, but an academic career still didn't seem to be my path. When I started working at Lambda-X, a company developing optical applications, I discovered how nice it is to work in industry. There, you see results faster. Later, in 2020, during the corona pandemic, I was approached for a position at Perseus Biomics. Without the boredom I felt during the lockdown, I probably wouldn't have started, but it turned out to be a great move.’
Are times different for students now, do you think?
‘Definitely. Education has become more international, which I think is only positive. My master's was already largely in English, and that has only evolved since then. Students now also have access to a huge amount of knowledge through online platforms like YouTube. During my student days, we still went to the library. Today's digital resources are really a huge advance.’
Has the VUB greatly influenced your thinking?
‘Yes, absolutely. I grew up in a liberal environment - my father also worked at the VUB - and that shaped my thinking. The VUB has a unique culture where faith and science remain separate. It is a place where you learn to ask critical questions and come into contact with all kinds of different perspectives.’
Do you see a difference with other universities? What did you find unique about the VUB?
‘The small scale and direct contact with professors were unique. At the VUB, you just ate a sandwich with your professor, that doesn't happen everywhere. In addition, Brussels offers enormous diversity - you get to know people from all over the world. That made the experience really special.’
How do you try to shift a stone in society?
‘As an engineer, you don't easily talk about ideals, but as a leader I do try to express my values. In my work, I focus on health and technology because I believe that's where the solutions to many big challenges lie, such as climate change and disease control. If you spend thousands of days of your life working, you better make it useful as well as fun.’
What are you still dreaming of in your career?
‘I don't have a set goal. For me, it's about continuing to work on new developments. That can be in any role, as long as I can contribute something to health and technology. It's not just about idealism; I want to see that my work really changes things.’
What golden advice do you have for students graduating today?
‘Focus on something you are really good at, and keep improving yourself in it. Then find a topic that inspires you and energises you. Getting and giving positive feedback is also important - it helps you grow.’
And specifically for students on your course?
‘As an engineer, you are lucky to have good career opportunities most of the time. Use that luxury to choose a job that really suits you. In the end, it's all about your work being fulfilling AND having impact.’
