Researchers

Yves Van Seters

Coordinator of the MarSec Research Group

Yves Van Seters is a Belgian maritime innovation strategist, researcher, and technology evangelist specializing in the intersection of maritime security, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. As Valorisation Manager at Antwerp Maritime Academy, he plays a pivotal role in connecting academic research with industry, government, and technology partners to accelerate innovation within the global maritime sector. Originally trained as a historian, he began his career in international communications, marketing, and ecosystem development for leading high-technology organizations. This multidisciplinary background enables him to translate complex technological concepts into practical solutions that resonate with policymakers, researchers, and operational stakeholders alike. At Antwerp Maritime Academy, he focuses on developing strategic research partnerships in areas including maritime cybersecurity, autonomous shipping, critical maritime infrastructure protection, digital resilience, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins. He actively contributes to European research initiatives and promotes collaboration between academia, industry, ports, and public authorities to strengthen the resilience of the maritime domain. A frequent speaker at international conferences, he is recognized for advocating a human-centered approach to maritime digitalization. His work emphasizes that technological innovation must be accompanied by appropriate education, training, and operational readiness to ensure that seafarers remain at the heart of increasingly automated and connected shipping operations. Through his publications and public engagements, he highlights the growing cyber risks facing modern vessels and the importance of preparing the next generation of maritime professionals for an era in which digital resilience is as critical as navigational excellence.

Jonas Joos

Researcher

Jonas Joos is

Pieter Maes

Researcher

Pieter Maes is

Sophie Limbos

Researcher

Sophie Limbos is

Inez Houben

Research Communication Coordinator

Inez Houben is

Filip Reyniers

Researcher

Filip Reyniers conducts research into maritime security and maritime strategy, with a particular focus on public-private partnerships within the maritime sector. Such partnerships will be essential to tackling the major challenges of the 21st century, which is increasingly set to be a ‘maritime century’. These include the new maritime security environment, the growing blue economy, and global challenges such as the changing world order and the effects of climate change on shipping. He is director of the IPIS research centre and is affiliated with the Department of International Politics at the University of Antwerp. In addition, he is an associate researcher at the Royal Higher Institute for Defence, where his work focuses, amongst other things, on maritime issues. He studied Law and Modern History at Leuven, and International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Antwerp. He also completed the Advanced Studies in Security and Defence programme. Between 2009 and 2012, he took modules on the Bachelor’s programme in Nautical Sciences and undertook work placements on various merchant ships.