There is a fresh breeze blowing through the Victoris office. Robin Decottignies joins the team as a strategic sounding board and communication lead. With a background that bridges the gap between scientific labs and the corporate world, he will work closely with Kristof De Mey and the team to further strengthen the vision of Victoris.
A passion for movement and strategy
Robin is no stranger to the world of movement sciences. After completing his studies at Ghent University, he began his career at Energy Lab, specializing in biomechanics and movement analysis. “Those years in the lab were essential to understanding how data and science form the foundation for performance,” Robin explains. However, he soon felt the drive to apply that knowledge on a broader organizational level.
His career evolved toward project management and leadership in the private sector, where he managed teams within corporate wellbeing. He now brings that experience back to Ghent University, where he will play a central role in streamlining communication and providing strategic support for the various consortia and initiatives within the department.
The role of “translator” within Victoris
At Victoris, Robin will not only focus on what we share with the world, but especially on how we bring our innovations to the market and society. In this capacity, he acts as a strategic point of contact for Kristof De Mey. “I see myself as a translator,” Robin says. “There is an incredible amount of valuable research happening here. My goal is to convert that complex subject matter into clear strategies and stories that resonate with our partners in the sports and health tech industry.“
His role is multifaceted: from acting as a sounding board for the future direction of projects to managing our communication channels. This combination of domain expertise and strategic insight is designed to help Victoris further solidify its position as a key player in sports innovation and valorization.
“My ambition is not just to tell the story of what we do, but to actively help build the strategies that increase our impact.”
An endurance mindset
Those who follow Robin on LinkedIn know that movement is more than just work for him. As a passionate endurance athlete, regularly found at the start of a marathon or triathlon. He lives by the principles he promotes professionally. That focus on consistency and long-term vision is exactly what he intends to apply to the Victoris ecosystem.
“The drive you see among the researchers at Victoris is incredibly inspiring,” he concludes. “I am very much looking forward to contributing to this story and working with the team to take the next steps in sports technology and valorization.”
In addition to supporting a range of projects at Ghent University, Robin will help further develop and expand the Sports Tech Research Network (STRN), a network that originated from the Victoris project.
Welcome to the team, Robin!
Do you have questions about our strategic direction, our communication, or would you simply like to introduce yourself? You can reach Robin at robin.decottignies@ugent.be or feel free to drop by our office at the Watersportlaan in Ghent!
