Filip Van den Abeele

Speaker
Dutch
English
Photo of Filip Van den Abeele

Who is Filip Van den Abeele?

Filip is a self-employed pipeline engineer in the oil and gas industry and his expertise is in great demand. When he was Head of Science at the VRT, he could perfectly explain science and technology in an understandable manner, with plenty of room for humour. In every panel discussion or lecture, he thus invariably presents some rather remarkable conclusions. So it comes as no surprise that Filip is greatly appreciated as a presenter of events or moderator of study days and debates.

But he recently also discovered his sense of entrepreneurship. In addition to his copywriting bureau and production house for radio, TV and multimedia, he founded Subseawolf in 2012, a steadily growing consultancy firm that offers engineering services for the design, installation and management of pipelines and offshore infrastructure.

In 2009, together with Lieven Scheire he published a book called Wat als de olie op is? (What happens when the oil runs out?), in which the two friends addressed the issue of our energy supply. “The aim was to move away from cynicism and encourage people towards realism.” Oil, gas, coal, nuclear energy, solar panels, wind energy, bio fuels, hydro power and hydrogen: the pros and cons of all types of energy are considered. This involves dispelling certain myths, without being patronising.

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    The Fourth Industrial Revolution: the digital transformation customised for your company

    Huge advances in technology are leading to a fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 is an ecosystem of closely connected smart machines and objects, which enable mass production that caters to the needs of the individual consumer. The fourth industrial revolution is as unavoidable and far-reaching as the emergence of the loom, production lines and robots. We are facing a new era, in which innovation is disrupting and destabilising the economy as we know it. Filip, who is an engineer and entrepreneur, uses this keynote to highlight the shockwaves which Industry 4.0 could cause in a variety of domains, like the production industry, material technology, agriculture and foodstuffs, ICT, medicine, healthcare, green energy, mobility, finance, etc.

    What happens when the oil runs out: energy transition can change the world

    The climate crisis has affected everyone and triggered an energy transition from fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) to renewable sources like solar panels, windmills and bio energy. But what is needed to cut back fossil fuels? How will we heat ourselves, how will our cars run and how will our planes fly? Which types of energy will save our lives? Can nuclear energy ever be safe? And is every type of alternative energy environment-friendly and worthwhile? And what about the climate?
    In this lecture, Filip places our existing energy production using fossil fuels under the microscope and examines the alternatives. He demystifies the relevant statistics on energy demand and production, and introduces his audience to various hidden aspects of alternative energy sources. He simply presents facts, which everyone can use to form their own opinion. During this exciting and dynamic presentation, he introduces you to the positives and negatives of our energy needs, as well as the challenges and opportunities that accompany the energy transition.

    Like past geniuses: standing on the Shoulders of Giants

    In this keynote, Filip, who is Head of Science at VRT, provides a fascinating insight into the minds of our most renowned geniuses. He has used a whole heap of bibliographies, references and books to compile a number of concise and well-founded assertions. From Euler, Euclides and Da Vinci, to Gauss, Feynman and Hawking. The profound words of scientists offer us a compass for new innovation, progress and growth. Filip uses this surprising lecture to look over the shoulder of some of the world's most famous scholars.

    Working in the Connected World: pour yourself a cup of ambition

    The workplace of the future promises to be an extremely fascinating arena, where CEOs and HR managers will have to investigate new strategies to maximise the potential of their very diverse human capital. This will require brave choices, to overcome the conflicting visions of various generations and ensure that everyone is pursuing the same commercial objectives.

    In this keynote, Filip uses his knowhow as engineer and entrepreneur to offer a surprising insight into the future of the New World of Work. He shows how new technologies can serve as a catalyst for the creativity and productivity of your employees, but also pays attention to the social repercussions. With Industry 4.0 in mind, he paints several scenarios what allow managers and employees to collaborate effectively in our Connected World.

    Walking the tightrope of knowledge: you can learn to innovate

    The 21st will certainly be the century of science. Technological and scientific developments continue to gather pace. With a doctorate and over ten years’ experience in a knowledge centre behind him, Filip Van den Abeele is the perfect guide in today's wonderful world of science. Besides a wide range of fascinating anecdotes and factoids, he offers you an overview of the biggest and most exciting plans currently in the pipeline; from new medicines, ultra-efficient engines, nuclear fusion, space travel, human clones and genetics, to the hope and ambition of achieving immortality. This keynote is a great source of knowledge and offers many different practical tips about thinking outside the box and learning how to innovate.

    Science and maths: a real party! Discovering the wonderful world of science

    During this amazing and surprising journey through the world of maths and science, Filip is pleased to show you a side of physics that not many people get to see. He uses expressive and enlightening language to reveal secrets of the theory of relativity and the day-to-day uses for electromagnetism. He takes you on a fascinating journey through the universe and offers you an insight into the astonishing forces concealed deep inside atomic nuclei. Probability, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and cosmology: this lecture offers well-balanced and accessible insights for discerning people who are hungry for knowledge!

    Technology also doubts

    Scientific advances and technological innovations are increasingly creating well-being and prosperity. Smart hoovers and self-learning lawnmowers make our lives lighter and more enjoyable. Fitbits and wearables monitor our health, while smart pills can significantly increase life expectancy. Our smartphone points the way to the best restaurant, the shortest route and the most exciting book. Soon, the self-driving car will relieve us of steeringlessness, traffic jam frustration and the agonising search for a parking space. Artificial intelligence will then step in when our limited brains fail us. And thanks to big data, stunning breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, but also at work and in our leisure time will soon be within reach.

    But how do we deal with the downside? How can a self-driving car choose between protecting its passenger or colliding with a passerby? Can a robot babysit children? Do self-learning machines relieve us of boring jobs or do they just become a threat in the labour market? And where is the line between big data and big brother? This book asks these and other questions unflinchingly and with an open mind. It dwells on the ethical dilemmas of innovation and shows that even technology sometimes hesitates.

We engaged with Filip as a moderator for the Ethical Technology Institute launch webinar. Filip did this tremendously well. He knows his business, prepared thoroughly and was very fluent during the webinar. He responded smoothly to what was said during the keynote and panel discussion and at the same time kept the interaction with the audience.

Mathias Vercauteren

Founder & Board Chairman ETI

Photo of micro

Filip Van den Abeele presented an excellent keynote at our event for around 300 supply chain managers!

Jan Proot

Value Chain

Filip Van den Abeele successfully oversaw our research day in a determined, efficient and humorous manner.

Tine Rams

Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen

Filip exceeded all expectations when overseeing Gent BC's networking evening. He is a skilled scientist who uses appropriate humour and passion to captivate his audience. We saw Filip effortlessly deliver the kind of quality that you do not even see in well-rehearsed TV programmes: a strong and accessible story, which captivated the audience and immediately created the right atmosphere for networking afterwards.

Jens Pas

General Director Gent BC

Thanks to Filip, our event was a great success: there were so many registrations!
We have received only positive feedback from all participants, and it's all thanks to your involvement and expertise. Your contributions have inspired everyone at Luminus, igniting a collective enthusiasm to pursue innovation.

Tim Brouns  

Innovation Manager Luminus

micro

A very engaging and very nicely delivered keynote. We get nothing but praise from our customers and employees. It was interesting, an eye opener, entertaining, worth repeating, perfect balance between learning and entertaining. These are just a few of the terms that came up for review.

 

 

Tom Van Varenbergh

Wave Group