Hans Willems has extensive experience in science policy and research management, currently serving as Secretary General, Director of Research Policy, and Policy Advisor at Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) since February 2007. In this role, Hans Willems advises on science policy for the funding body that supports fundamental research in Flanders, focusing on young researchers and established research groups. Prior to this, Hans Willems worked as a researcher at both the University of Antwerp and SCOB-UA from October 1998 to October 2006. Hans Willems holds a Master's degree in History from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, earned between 1994 and 1998.