Ares Lagae is a scientific advisor specializing in computer science with extensive experience in evaluating industrial research and development projects. Currently employed at Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship since January 2016, Ares Lagae manages the ICON programme, which facilitates interdisciplinary research collaborations. Previous roles include scientific advisor at the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology and caseworker for Strategic ICT-Advice at Enterprise Flanders, where Ares Lagae contributed to various ICT policy initiatives and European projects. Ares Lagae's academic background includes a PhD in Computer Science from KU Leuven, complemented by postdoctoral research experience at KU Leuven and Inria in France, as well as a solid foundation in computer science education at KU Leuven.