Jana obtained a PhD in political science at University of Antwerp in 2012 with a thesis on the intersection between public administration and European politics. She then worked for the city of Antwerp for seven years as innovation manager in the field of urban development, energy and environment. Since 2021, she has been working again at the University of Antwerp, more specifically as coordinator and valorization manager of the Design Sciences Hub (DSH), an innovation and valorization unit linked to the urban development research group.
DSH is the bridge between the academic world and practitioners in public and private organization, between researchers, policy makers and designers. The core is valorization of academic knowledge in the fields of urban development and architecture, spatial planning and mobility.
Favorite (place in the) city
My favorite place in Antwerp are the quays. I love running and the quays are perfect for a short energizing tour. From the quays you have “views”, you can capture the sun if it is there, water and clouds give oxygen. From at the dry docks to new south, with the new pleasant public space and playgrounds, the quays are really ‘used’ by young and old, here people meet and interact. There is always something to see, to experience. It gives me the vibrant feeling I love about Antwerp.