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Wouter Van Gompel

Researcher in materials chemistry

Wouter Van Gompel

Wouter Van Gompel

Researcher in materials chemistry

I am a driven materials chemist with a passion for R&D and 6 years of research experience gained during my Ph.D. and postdoc.

Core business

2
Expertise and methods
Core business

Expertise and methods

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
During my 6 years in academic research, I have gained expert knowledge of my field. I have collaborated with other chemists, physicists, and engineers in the context of (inter)national research projects. Over the past years, I expanded my network to include internationally recognized experts in specialized analysis techniques. I have attended multiple international conferences where I showcased my work through poster contributions or talks. I have co-authored 10 peer-reviewed publications. I have been involved in the writing of proposals for (inter)national research grants. During my postdoc, I have acted as a mentor for 4 Ph.D. students, guiding them in their daily research work, aiding them in interpreting their results, and setting short- and medium-term goals.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 2 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Is familiar with recent progress in fields related to his own.

  • Is able to engage in dialogue and collaboration with experts in other disciplines or fields of activity.

  • Takes ownership of new research methods and techniques.

  • Is able to document and evaluate his activities using statistical methods where applicable.

  • Can formulate complex problems that correspond to new challenges.

  • Is able to develop arguments in support of new projects.

  • Knows how to adapt his arguments to his audience.

  • Advises and assists his staff in making appropriate use of investigative methods, improving their performance and enhancing their skills.

1
Information management
Core business

Information management

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
Having been involved in the writing of multiple scientific publications, proposals for research grants, and research reports, I have learned how to efficiently and thoroughly perform literature searches. I am skilled in using Google Scholar, Google Patents, Web of Knowledge, SciFinder, and Scopus to perform literature searches. I make use of citation alerts and a searchable RSS feed to be kept up-to-date on new progress in the field. I use EndNote to store and order publications. In the context of my postdoc research, I have set up a data management plan to ensure preservation of the data together with descriptive metadata.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to review the state of the art (SOTA) in a scientific topic.

  • Makes efficient use of information-gathering methods, identifies pertinent resources, particularly bibliographic resources.

  • Masters web-based research (e.g., bibliographic databases, patent databases)

  • Knows how to judge the pertinence of information, critique sources and check source reliability.

  • Designs and implements information-gathering and management systems using suitable technology.

  • Addresses issues relating to the security and life cycle of data.

  • Seeks out support from experts in information and data management.

1
Evaluation
Core business

Evaluation

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
During my postdoc, I have been involved in evaluating the progress and results of 4 Ph.D. students in our research group. I have also guided 4 bachelor/master students during their thesis/research stay, for which I critically evaluated their progress and their written report. I have acted as a peer reviewer for international scientific journals. My own research work and project proposals have been the subject of peer review, and I have received critique following presentations of my results at conferences. I appreciate receiving constructive critique, and I know how to revise my work and my point of view accordingly if required.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Evaluates the value of various documents concerning his field of expertise.

  • Is able to judge his own results in terms of both quality and added value.

  • Is willing to expose ideas to a critical audience; takes others’ opinions of his work into account.

  • Is willing to evaluate the work of other contributors and provides reasoned, realistic judgments of others’ work.

1
Skill development
Core business

Skill development

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have a clear vision of which types of functions match my skills and interests. I regularly attend workshops to enhance my transferable skills, including presenting, communicating, leadership, project management, writing, and teaching. I am in the process of expanding my professional network, on a national and international level.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Sets his professional goals to be ambitious yet realistic.
  • Identifies and develops means to enhance his employability throughout his career; manages his professional development.
  • Broadens and upgrades his skillset, personal qualities and achievements.
  • Uses his networks to expand his scope of competence.
  • Knows how to transfer his expertise to other fields of activity.
  • Realizes the necessarily international dimension of his career path.
  • Accepts input from a mentor or coach to benefit his professional development.

Personal and relational qualities

1
Analysis, synthesis and critical thinking
Personal and relational qualities

Analysis, synthesis and critical thinking

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I regularly present and defend my findings and ideas at group meetings and meetings with (international) collaborators. I am adept at condensing extensive research results into a few key conclusions. I have experience presenting the key findings of research projects with multiple collaborators to an audience of scientists from different disciplines and a user committee composed of interested parties from the industry. I am able to reevaluate my hypothesis and that of my peers when new results become available.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Analyzes his own findings and those of his peers.

  • Is able to synthesize; expresses key ideas clearly.

  • Can sort and rank information according to the goal.

  • Pursues his reasoning and hypotheses free of dogmatism or ideological bias.

  • Has the objectivity to consider various schools of thought; is able to modify his point of view.

  • Demonstrates intellectual rigor.

1
Open-mindedness and creativity
Personal and relational qualities

Open-mindedness and creativity

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have initiated collaborations with researchers from various disciplines in an international context, based on contacts at scientific conferences. I have also contacted researchers to collaborate based on an interesting publication where an analysis technique is employed that could benefit ongoing research in our group. Based on findings from preliminary experiments, I have explored new research directions that lead to publications and project proposals.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Demonstrates an ability to acquire knowledge; shows flexibility and open-mindedness. Engages in interdisciplinary activities.

  • Possesses a constructive style of questioning and scientific doubt.

  • Develops, takes ownership of and tests new ideas; is clever; seizes opportunities.

  • Interacts with and seeks the collaboration of professionals of different cultures; knows how to accommodate cultural differences.

1
Commitment
Personal and relational qualities

Commitment

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
The first two years of my Ph.D. were very challenging since I started in a new research group with 1 other beginning Ph.D. student. Together with our promotor, we had to discover research directions to make an impact in a fast-moving field of research. There were multiple setbacks, from which we learned. Towards the end of the second year, we identified areas of research in which we could contribute with original research. My main motivators are curiosity and creativity. I aspire to bring new ideas into the field by looking at issues and phenomena from a different perspective.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Recognizes and can clearly identify his sources of motivation.

  • Is able to sustain his commitment and motivation in the face of setbacks and adversity.

  • Deals efficiently with the routine aspects of his job.

  • Strives for excellence; shows determination.

  • Learns from his mistakes and bounces back from failures.

  • Relies on the support and assistance of his peers.

1
Integrity
Personal and relational qualities

Integrity

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
Working on multiple projects with different partners, I am well aware of the importance of intellectual property. I adhere to good practices with regard to data processing and dissemination.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Respects the standards and practices of his entity.

  • Demonstrates integrity in the processing and dissemination of data.

  • Demonstrates integrity with respect to his partners’ or competitors' contributions in accordance with intellectual property rules.

  • Upholds the confidentiality and anonymity of subjects taking part in studies and research.

  • Honors his commitments and ensures the congruence between actions and words.

  • Declares any conflict of interest.

1
Balance
Personal and relational qualities

Balance

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
Through my academic career, I have become well aware of my personal strengths and weaknesses and I seek opportunities to employ my strengths and cover my weaknesses. I highly value the possibility to learn from others and I am happy to support team members and collaborators whenever I can. I strive to have a good work-life balance and I find stress release in my hobbies.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Is aware of his aptitudes, knows how to take advantage of them and demonstrate them.

  • Expresses himself relevantly, confidently and didactically.

  • Recognizes the limits of his knowledge, skills and expertise, and knows where to find support when needed.

  • Is able to consider his practices and experience as part of the bigger picture.

  • Develops his strengths and knows how to correct his weaknesses by seeking the opinion of others.

  • Is aware of the need to reconcile career and personal life.

  • Develops mechanisms to cope with pressure and seeks support when needed.

2
Listening and empathy
Personal and relational qualities

Listening and empathy

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I am a good listener, and I aim to provide support to colleagues on a professional and personal level. I pick up on the frustrations of co-workers and try to mitigate these, either through my own actions (if possible) or by finding a solution as a group.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 2 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to engage in active listening in various situations.

  • Is careful to take his contacts’ needs and frame of reference into account.

  • Expresses gratitude regularly.

  • Takes the needs of his staff into consideration, is sensitive to signs of stress and able to provide support and advice when needed.

1
Collaboration
Personal and relational qualities

Collaboration

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have set up collaborations with researchers from different disciplines, working at national and international universities and institutes. On multiple occasions, I have brought into contact two groups in my network when I felt that both could benefit from their respective expertise. I frequently act as the representative of my group at meetings with collaborators and I host project meetings regularly.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Develops and maintains cooperative networks.

  • Knows how to build a professional network for his own and the company’s benefit.

  • Is considered an authority in his field of expertise.

  • Is able to envisage his work in a partnership framework; evaluates the benefits and limitations of a partnership and identifies shared and conflicting interests.

1
Communication
Personal and relational qualities

Communication

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I am experienced at presenting my work to colleagues, researchers in my field, broader audiences, and students. I have presented live and online, with and without a PowerPoint presentation. My online identity is based on my LinkedIn profile. I teach exercise sessions and student practicals, I have guided bachelor and master students, I provide training sessions to Ph.D. students to use the equipment for which I am responsible and I am a mentor for starting Ph.D. students in our group. I am proficient in English and I have an intermediate knowledge of French.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to put together a persuasive presentation and communicate about his project or his activity.

  • Understands, interprets and communicates appropriately in a register suited to his aims and his audience.

  • Masters a range of communication tools.

  • Masters his online identity.

  • Contributes to the dissemination of knowledge within the company, and demonstrates effective teaching skills.

  • Is proficient in at least English and one other world language.

1
Analysis, synthesis and critical thinking
Personal and relational qualities

Analysis, synthesis and critical thinking

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I regularly present and defend my findings and ideas at group meetings and meetings with (international) collaborators. I am adept at condensing extensive research results into a few key conclusions. I have experience presenting the key findings of research projects with multiple collaborators to an audience of scientists from different disciplines and a user committee composed of interested parties from the industry. I am able to reevaluate my hypothesis and that of my peers when new results become available.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Analyzes his own findings and those of his peers.

  • Is able to synthesize; expresses key ideas clearly.

  • Can sort and rank information according to the goal.

  • Pursues his reasoning and hypotheses free of dogmatism or ideological bias.

  • Has the objectivity to consider various schools of thought; is able to modify his point of view.

  • Demonstrates intellectual rigor.

1
Open-mindedness and creativity
Personal and relational qualities

Open-mindedness and creativity

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have initiated collaborations with researchers from various disciplines in an international context, based on contacts at scientific conferences. I have also contacted researchers to collaborate based on an interesting publication where an analysis technique is employed that could benefit ongoing research in our group. Based on findings from preliminary experiments, I have explored new research directions that lead to publications and project proposals.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Demonstrates an ability to acquire knowledge; shows flexibility and open-mindedness. Engages in interdisciplinary activities.

  • Possesses a constructive style of questioning and scientific doubt.

  • Develops, takes ownership of and tests new ideas; is clever; seizes opportunities.

  • Interacts with and seeks the collaboration of professionals of different cultures; knows how to accommodate cultural differences.

1
Commitment
Personal and relational qualities

Commitment

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
The first two years of my Ph.D. were very challenging since I started in a new research group with 1 other beginning Ph.D. student. Together with our promotor, we had to discover research directions to make an impact in a fast-moving field of research. There were multiple setbacks, from which we learned. Towards the end of the second year, we identified areas of research in which we could contribute with original research. My main motivators are curiosity and creativity. I aspire to bring new ideas into the field by looking at issues and phenomena from a different perspective.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Recognizes and can clearly identify his sources of motivation.

  • Is able to sustain his commitment and motivation in the face of setbacks and adversity.

  • Deals efficiently with the routine aspects of his job.

  • Strives for excellence; shows determination.

  • Learns from his mistakes and bounces back from failures.

  • Relies on the support and assistance of his peers.

1
Integrity
Personal and relational qualities

Integrity

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
Working on multiple projects with different partners, I am well aware of the importance of intellectual property. I adhere to good practices with regard to data processing and dissemination.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Respects the standards and practices of his entity.

  • Demonstrates integrity in the processing and dissemination of data.

  • Demonstrates integrity with respect to his partners’ or competitors' contributions in accordance with intellectual property rules.

  • Upholds the confidentiality and anonymity of subjects taking part in studies and research.

  • Honors his commitments and ensures the congruence between actions and words.

  • Declares any conflict of interest.

1
Balance
Personal and relational qualities

Balance

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
Through my academic career, I have become well aware of my personal strengths and weaknesses and I seek opportunities to employ my strengths and cover my weaknesses. I highly value the possibility to learn from others and I am happy to support team members and collaborators whenever I can. I strive to have a good work-life balance and I find stress release in my hobbies.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Is aware of his aptitudes, knows how to take advantage of them and demonstrate them.

  • Expresses himself relevantly, confidently and didactically.

  • Recognizes the limits of his knowledge, skills and expertise, and knows where to find support when needed.

  • Is able to consider his practices and experience as part of the bigger picture.

  • Develops his strengths and knows how to correct his weaknesses by seeking the opinion of others.

  • Is aware of the need to reconcile career and personal life.

  • Develops mechanisms to cope with pressure and seeks support when needed.

2
Listening and empathy
Personal and relational qualities

Listening and empathy

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I am a good listener, and I aim to provide support to colleagues on a professional and personal level. I pick up on the frustrations of co-workers and try to mitigate these, either through my own actions (if possible) or by finding a solution as a group.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 2 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to engage in active listening in various situations.

  • Is careful to take his contacts’ needs and frame of reference into account.

  • Expresses gratitude regularly.

  • Takes the needs of his staff into consideration, is sensitive to signs of stress and able to provide support and advice when needed.

1
Collaboration
Personal and relational qualities

Collaboration

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have set up collaborations with researchers from different disciplines, working at national and international universities and institutes. On multiple occasions, I have brought into contact two groups in my network when I felt that both could benefit from their respective expertise. I frequently act as the representative of my group at meetings with collaborators and I host project meetings regularly.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Develops and maintains cooperative networks.

  • Knows how to build a professional network for his own and the company’s benefit.

  • Is considered an authority in his field of expertise.

  • Is able to envisage his work in a partnership framework; evaluates the benefits and limitations of a partnership and identifies shared and conflicting interests.

1
Communication
Personal and relational qualities

Communication

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I am experienced at presenting my work to colleagues, researchers in my field, broader audiences, and students. I have presented live and online, with and without a PowerPoint presentation. My online identity is based on my LinkedIn profile. I teach exercise sessions and student practicals, I have guided bachelor and master students, I provide training sessions to Ph.D. students to use the equipment for which I am responsible and I am a mentor for starting Ph.D. students in our group. I am proficient in English and I have an intermediate knowledge of French.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to put together a persuasive presentation and communicate about his project or his activity.

  • Understands, interprets and communicates appropriately in a register suited to his aims and his audience.

  • Masters a range of communication tools.

  • Masters his online identity.

  • Contributes to the dissemination of knowledge within the company, and demonstrates effective teaching skills.

  • Is proficient in at least English and one other world language.

Wouter Van Gompel

Wouter Van Gompel

Researcher in materials chemistry

I am a driven materials chemist with a passion for R&D and 6 years of research experience gained during my Ph.D. and postdoc.

Business management and value creation

1
Project management
Business management and value creation

Project management

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have been responsible for the technical aspects of 2 (inter)national projects with partners from different universities, research institutes, and/or small enterprises. Based on the knowledge gained during these projects, I am currently the responsible person from our group for a new project. I keep track of the deadlines, goals, and deliverables. I manage the Ph.D. students working on the project together with me. I keep track of the collaboration with the other partners in the project and work together with them to mitigate the effect of unforeseen delays to keep the project on time.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Plans projects to meet goals in accordance with strategy and priorities, and taking quality, deadline and budget constraints into account.
  • Knows how to write specifications.
  • Is accountable for resources used and for meeting the deadlines and quality requirements of the deliverable.
  • Reacts efficiently and appropriately to change and unforeseen events.
  • Conducts his project within a framework of auditing and evaluation, deploying the appropriate systems.
1
People management
Business management and value creation

People management

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
For different projects, I am working as part of a small team that includes Ph.D. students and technicians together with external collaborators. I am well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of my team members and I endeavor to bring out the best in them through motivation and by generating a common cause. I am seen as reliable and skilled by team members, group leaders, and collaborators. We hold regular meetings to report on results.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Has experience with teamwork; knows how to encourage, support and recognize the contributions of each player.

  • Knows how to be a team player.

  • Is able to win the trust of his peers and his line management.

  • Can report on his activities.

  • Supports his peers when needed and can provide assistance.

  • Understands human resources policies and management tools such as recruitment, evaluation, remuneration and strategic workforce planning.

  • Takes safety, social responsibility and labor law requirements into account.

  • Upholds rules on non-discrimination and equal opportunity among employees.

1
Producing results
Business management and value creation

Producing results

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I was involved in the strategic decision to go for a patent application on the subject of my research (https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2019020612A1/en). I am experienced in going through the process from an idea to preliminary tests to extensive experiments to obtaining results to publishing results. By being involved in the Solliance initiative (https://www.solliance.eu/), which brings together universities, research institutes, and interested enterprises, I also gained experience in interacting with partners from the industry.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to transform ideas into innovations.

  • Quickly deploys prototype and test phases; involves internal and external customers in these phases.

  • Learns the lessons of the initial tests.

  • Understands the policies and processes involved in publishing and exploiting research outcomes in his entity.

  • Is able to determine the most appropriate means of exploiting his results (e.g., patent, publication).

1
Intellectual and industrial property
Business management and value creation

Intellectual and industrial property

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have been involved in writing the scientific basis for a patent application of my group leaders (https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2019020612A1/en). In the process, I learned about the different aspects of a patent application. I also received training in intellectual property through workshops during my Ph.D. and postdoc.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Has basic knowledge of the rules of intellectual/industrial property and copyright as they apply to his own activities.

  • Understands the advantages and drawbacks of filing a patent.
  • Is aware of the importance of controlling the release of information.
1
Project management
Business management and value creation

Project management

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have been responsible for the technical aspects of 2 (inter)national projects with partners from different universities, research institutes, and/or small enterprises. Based on the knowledge gained during these projects, I am currently the responsible person from our group for a new project. I keep track of the deadlines, goals, and deliverables. I manage the Ph.D. students working on the project together with me. I keep track of the collaboration with the other partners in the project and work together with them to mitigate the effect of unforeseen delays to keep the project on time.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Plans projects to meet goals in accordance with strategy and priorities, and taking quality, deadline and budget constraints into account.
  • Knows how to write specifications.
  • Is accountable for resources used and for meeting the deadlines and quality requirements of the deliverable.
  • Reacts efficiently and appropriately to change and unforeseen events.
  • Conducts his project within a framework of auditing and evaluation, deploying the appropriate systems.
1
People management
Business management and value creation

People management

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
For different projects, I am working as part of a small team that includes Ph.D. students and technicians together with external collaborators. I am well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of my team members and I endeavor to bring out the best in them through motivation and by generating a common cause. I am seen as reliable and skilled by team members, group leaders, and collaborators. We hold regular meetings to report on results.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Has experience with teamwork; knows how to encourage, support and recognize the contributions of each player.

  • Knows how to be a team player.

  • Is able to win the trust of his peers and his line management.

  • Can report on his activities.

  • Supports his peers when needed and can provide assistance.

  • Understands human resources policies and management tools such as recruitment, evaluation, remuneration and strategic workforce planning.

  • Takes safety, social responsibility and labor law requirements into account.

  • Upholds rules on non-discrimination and equal opportunity among employees.

1
Producing results
Business management and value creation

Producing results

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I was involved in the strategic decision to go for a patent application on the subject of my research (https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2019020612A1/en). I am experienced in going through the process from an idea to preliminary tests to extensive experiments to obtaining results to publishing results. By being involved in the Solliance initiative (https://www.solliance.eu/), which brings together universities, research institutes, and interested enterprises, I also gained experience in interacting with partners from the industry.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Knows how to transform ideas into innovations.

  • Quickly deploys prototype and test phases; involves internal and external customers in these phases.

  • Learns the lessons of the initial tests.

  • Understands the policies and processes involved in publishing and exploiting research outcomes in his entity.

  • Is able to determine the most appropriate means of exploiting his results (e.g., patent, publication).

1
Intellectual and industrial property
Business management and value creation

Intellectual and industrial property

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have been involved in writing the scientific basis for a patent application of my group leaders (https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2019020612A1/en). In the process, I learned about the different aspects of a patent application. I also received training in intellectual property through workshops during my Ph.D. and postdoc.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Has basic knowledge of the rules of intellectual/industrial property and copyright as they apply to his own activities.

  • Understands the advantages and drawbacks of filing a patent.
  • Is aware of the importance of controlling the release of information.

Strategy and Leadership

1
Strategy
Strategy and Leadership

Strategy

An aspect of your own experience that demonstrates this skill :
I have collaborated with individuals working at universities, research institutes, and small enterprises. I am aware of the differences in goals and approaches for each of these. Through experience, I have learned how to turn "my" projects into common projects by identifying shared interests.
I believe I have reached the PHASE 1 of development of this skill.
View this phase detail
  • Is aware of how his project fits into the organization’s strategy and the strategic directions of the sector or field of activity.
  • Understands relationships between entities and individuals (the role and drivers of each).
  • Is able to identify influent people that support his projects and understand what they stand to gain from it.