Prof. Ingmar Nopens is an expert in model-based process analysis and optimisation. He develops and uses mechanistic models to fundamentally understand processes and subsequently optimise them. Next to plain kinetic models based on mass balances, he makes use of powerful frameworks such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Population Balance Modelling (PBM) to achieve this. Next to operational optimisation, model-based design for new technologies is of interest as it can significantly speed up time to market of novel technologies.