David Beckwée

David Beckwée is a full professor in rehabilitation sciences. He obtained his MSc in Physiotherapy in 2004 and worked clinically before transitioning to academia in 2009. He earned his PhD in 2015 and has since developed a research profile that consistently bridges rehabilitation science, engineering, and implementation-oriented research. In 2021, David was selected as a fellow of the EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy.

Career Path and Research Profile

Vision and Interdisciplinary Positioning

David’s research is rooted in evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation to support Active Ageing, with a clear focus on translating scientific innovation into meaningful real-world impact. His work is characterised by a strong interdisciplinary orientation, integrating rehabilitation sciences with engineering, behavioural science, and clinical decision making. This vision has resulted in a solid portfolio of competitively funded research projects at the intersection of (p)rehabilitation and nutrition (KETOLOCK, UNLOCK), engineering and technology (KARMA, ISHA, SAFER, EXOAIM, REVALEXO, GHOSTLY+), neuroscience (KOAPAIN), and biogerontology (KOAPAIN, GERONTOPOLE, ACTIVAGE@HOME).

Gerontechnology 

Gerontechnology constitutes a central and unifying pillar of David’s research profile. Within this domain, he focuses on the development, evaluation, and implementation of technology-supported interventions that enable older adults to remain physically active, functionally independent, and engaged in daily life. His work explicitly addresses the gap between technological innovation and sustainable application in clinical and community settings.

• Robotics and Wearable Exoskeletons

Robotics and wearable exoskeletons form a highly visible research line within David’s work on gerontechnology. His engagement in this field began through collaboration with Eva Swinnen (PI RERE), where he initially contributed methodological expertise to pioneering research on robotics in neurorehabilitation. During this period, David recognised the strong potential of wearable robotic technologies to support Active Ageing and Ageing in Place.

Over time, he has played a key role in strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between rehabilitation scientists, engineers, and end-users, particularly through his involvement with BruBotics. These efforts led to being selected as one of five finalists for the KUKA Innovation Award 2022 at the Medica Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2021, David became a member of the BruBotics steering committee and has since primarily acted as a liaison between developers and clinical stakeholders. His current focus lies on guiding robotic technologies from development towards robust clinical validation and sustainable real-world implementation.

In recognition of his expertise in gerontechnology and robotics for ageing populations, David was invited as a keynote speaker at the Geriatronics 2025 conference in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where he addressed the role of wearable robotics in supporting functional independence and implementation in real-world care contexts.

• Exergaming and Technology-Supported Physical Activity

A second major research line within gerontechnology focuses on exergaming and technology-supported physical activity interventions for older adults. Initially, David’s role in this domain was mainly conceptual and methodological, contributing to the design and evaluation of an exergame-based intervention. Over time, his work evolved towards implementation-oriented research, explicitly addressing the translation from controlled research environments to routine clinical and community practice.

This research is characterised by a strong emphasis on user-centered design and co-creation, involving older adults, healthcare professionals, and technology developers throughout the innovation process. David lcontributes to funded exergame implementation research, including the GHOSTLY project, with a specific focus on determinants of engagement, and sustained use. In addition, he previously acted as working group leader within the completed COST Action PHYSAGEnet, where his work focused on identifying factors that contribute to adherence to technology-supported physical activity interventions for older adults.

Across both robotics and exergaming, David consistently integrates principles of evidence-based clinical decision making, ensuring that gerontechnological innovations are aligned with clinical reasoning, practice guidelines, and meaningful health outcomes.

Professional Contributions and International Engagement

David has an extensive track record of scientific leadership and professional service. He previously worked as a project manager for the Belgian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics, coordinating the development of a national clinical guideline on sarcopenia, and contributed to the implementation of the European frailty guideline Improving functioning and participation in Frailty. Since 2014, he has been affiliated with SOMT University of Physiotherapy (The Netherlands), where he teaches and contributes to the 10-year longitudinal cohort study AMCOHF.

He served as vice country coordinator (Belgium) for the European Network on Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE), was a member of the Educational Committee of the International Association of Physical Therapists working with Older People (IPTOP), and previously served on the Health Professionals Committee of European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). In 2022, David joined the Vitality Capacity Working Group of the World Health Organisation, which published the working definition of vitality capacity for healthy longevity in The Lancet Healthy Longevity.

At a national level, David is a member of the Trials Board of the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE), the Belgian Clinical Interest Group for Geriatric Physiotherapy, and the Belgian Ageing Muscle Society (BAMS).