New head for science centre Technopolis
The Mechelen science museum for young people has announced the appointment of Stephane Berghmans as director, after his predecessor stepped down in February
‘Innovative and enthusiastic’
Berghmans is a doctor in chemistry who has made his career in the private sector, for oil company Total, chemicals group Milliken & Company and Janssen Pharmaceutica. He comes to Technopolis from CommScope Connectivity Belgium in Leuven, where he was innovation manager.
“Stephane Berghmans gained his experience in the academic and business worlds,” Muyters said. “He is a man who can build bridges between those worlds and the public. Above all, he came across as an enthusiastic and innovative manager. He is someone with a dynamic leadership style who is capable of approaching the challenges Technopolis is facing.”
One of Berghmans’ first jobs will be to motivate staff following their long dispute with his predecessor, Erik Jacquemyn. Accusations of mismanagement led to Muyters suspending working subsidies last year. Staff called for Jacquemyn’s resignation in May last year; he stepped down in February.
“With Berghmans as leader, Technopolis will be able to build for the future,” said Luc Van den Brande, chair of the Technopolis board. “Above all else, he attaches great importance to strong co-operation with all of his colleagues.”
Photo courtesy Technopolis
