Looking over walls

If you truly want to understand how the world works, the boxes modern science has pigeonholed won't get you there. That's why Jef has continually ventured into areas where experts don't feel at home... across disciplines. To search for fruitful connections there: from chemistry to environmental management, from natural sciences to philosophy and social sciences, from social work to sustainability and ecology... and now economics.

Reclaiming the economy

With a PhD in chemistry, Jef began teaching at the Regaschool, where he helped shape the environmental management program, among other things. Later, he earned a master's degree in philosophy, which led him to the social philosophy and ethics program at the Social School. Jef was also active in several social organizations focusing on social understanding, particularly sustainability issues. For example, he is a member of Oikos, a think tank for social-ecological change. This connection to social engagement resulted in research into the relationship between social work and sustainable development and two books on the subject. Since his retirement, he has been a volunteer researcher at KU Leuven and UCLL. Bringing together the social and ecological dimensions of sustainability led Jef to the realization that this can never be achieved without changing the dominant economic paradigm. Concretely, this means that citizens and their organizations must take back control of the economy. (Publications: http://lirias.kuleuven.be/cv?Username=U0017674)

Music, poetry and walking

You can be a student, but your mind needs to be away from books and computer screens every now and then. Spending time with friends, singing, walking, and playing badminton... gives life meaning. Poetry and music reveal the beauty of the world in a special way.