In 2008, with the support of BOF funds, I founded the Ghent Interdisciplinary Centre for Art & Science (GICAS), a lab for scientific research of art objects, specialized in imaging techniques (high resolution VIS, IRR, UVF, photogrammetry and 3D scanning). This lab is used both for personal research, and for research commissioned or in collaboration with museums, as well as for art dealers, auction houses and collectors. In addition, MA students learn analysis and visualization techniques there. This makes UGent the only art science program in NW Europe to offer technical art history at the educational level. 

Since then, the equipment has been systematically supplemented and partially renewed on the basis of income generated from research for third parties. Since some equipment and software are now obsolete and some newer analytical techniques are missing (such as hyperspectral analysis), the lab is in need of a new investment.  

It is my intention with the basic funding to leave the lab in an optimally functioning state to my successors (Prof. Dr. Anna Tummers and Prof. Dr. Jaya Remond) upon my retirement.