1992, LLM (Hons), University of Antwerp; 1998, PhD in Public Law, Fund for Scientific Research Flanders. From 2000, Professor, University of Antwerp. 2001-07, Vice-Chairman, Social Service Department, Antwerp. 2003-08, Vice-Chairman, Christian Democratic Party. 2004-08, Member of the Flemish Parliament. Former staff to former Minister-President and Prime Minister Yves Leterme; was closely involved with the formation of the Flemish government (2004-09), as well as with the negotiations in order to form a new federal government at the end of 2007 (Leterme I). 2007-08, Member, Antwerp City Council. Since 2008, Governor of the province of Antwerp. Member of the Board of Trustees: Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITG); HETPALEIS; the Foundation of the Conservatorium; Campus Vesta; High Council of the University of Antwerp; Consultatory Commission for the award of Noble Favours. Author of several prize-winning books. Has also published books and papers on a wide range of policy topics.