Hello, my name is Bertus Lavaert. At the beginning of March, I will start at your department as an assistant, where I will conduct research on 24-hour behaviour in patients with chronic respiratory diseases under the supervision of prof. Heleen Demeyer and prof. Marieke De Craemer. In 2022, I graduated as a physiotherapist specialising in internal disorders. To broaden my view on health, I chose to follow the master program in Global Health. In this course, among other things, I learned more about international health challenges and so travelled to Zambia to conduct research.
I currently live in Ostend and enjoy being active in my spare time. For instance, I regularly go running with friends. I have also been active for many years as a board volunteer at the Flemish Service for Playground Activities, where I give courses and training to young people to become (head) animators and develop further. I am very much looking forward to working with you. See you soon!

My professional background is in higher arts education and the cultural sector. In recent years, I played a coordinating role in the operational functioning of the International Opera Academy, a postgraduate course for opera singers and pianists.
From my keen interest in the international aspects of our field, I look forward to delving further into this within the multifaceted context of Ghent University. Moreover, as an avid athlete, I feel a strong connection with the themes of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.
When I am not running or cycling, I like to spend my free time with friends and family. I also derive great satisfaction from travelling, current affairs and culture, with a particular interest in music.