Dominique Adriaens
The research of Prof. Dr. Dominique Adriaens focuses on the early identification of deformations in finfish, such as skeletal deformations (cranial, opercular, postcranial) in seabass and gilthead seabream. These deformations significantly lower the market value, especially in countries where fish are sold head-on. Prof. Dr. Dominique Adriaens and his group have documented both the onset of deformities in larval stages, as well as methods to identify them and the mitigation potential of nutrition.
Prof. Dr. Adriaens uses an integrated approach, focusing on the interaction between ontogeny, musculoskeletal performance and environment (e.g. phenotypic effects due to differences in diet or link between phenotypic variation, feeding ecology and bio-pollutants). He also applies his expertise in ‘design from nature’ projects where he uses for example the seahorse skeleton to identify applications in the industrial design. As part of the biomimetic research, Prof. Dr. Adriaens focuses on both the proper integration of evolutionary principles in the bio-inspired design thinking approach, and the actual study of biomimetic applications derived from vertebrate systems.
Prof. Dr. Adriaens uses a wide array of techniques such as 2D- and 3D-shape analyses, high-speed video recordings, 3D-reconstructions, modelling of kinematics, finite element modelling, multi-body dynamics, micro-CT-scanning, serial histological sectioning and graphical 3D-visualizations.
Prof. Dr. Dominique Adriaens realizations include:
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PI of BOF projects:
- ‘Ontogenetic changes in feeding performance in dimorphic European eel (Anguilla anguilla) : implications for artificial rearing and conservations’
- ‘Head dimorphism in European eel (Anguilla anguilla): Onset, functional morphology and implications for natural recruitment’
- ‘Variation in cranial morphology of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in relation to its trophic ecology and pollution’
- PI of IWT project: ‘Biomimetics and robotics inspired by a serially segmented musculoskeletal system in seahorses and their allies’
- Task leader in ProEel (EU FP7 project) – ‘Reproduction of European Eel: Towards a Self-sustained Aquaculture’
- Co-PI in FWO project – ‘Design from nature: study of the seahorse skeleton and its possible application in industrial design’
Prof. Dr. Adriaens’ fields of interest are evolution, science communication, biomimetics, biomimicry, bio-inspired design thinking, morphology, musculoskeletal deformities and 3D-graphics design.
