David Beckwée

David Beckwée worked as a physiotherapist after graduating as MSc in physiotherapy (2004). Five years later, in 2009, he started his academic career, obtained his PhD in 2015, and is appointed as associate professor. In 2021, David was selected as EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy fellow.

• Career path

General

David’s main field of interest is related to evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation to support Active Ageing. However, some research lines deviate from the older adult population. The latter gives proof of David’s vision on research: exploring innovative insights from different, yet complementary disciplines to understand and ultimately increase the beneficial effects of physical activity. Hence, previous successful funded research projects were situated on the intersection of (p)rehabilitation and nutrition (KETOLOCK, UNLOCK), engineering (KARMA, ISHA, SAFER, GHOSTLY+), neuroscience (KOAPAIN) and biogerontology (KOAPAIN, GERONTOPOLE, ACTIVAGE@HOME).

Robotics

David's journey into the world of exoskeletons began a decade ago, sparked by his collaboration with Eva Swinnen (PI RERE). Initially, his role was primarily methodological, supporting Eva’s pioneering work on robotics in neurorehabilitation. During this period, David quickly recognized the immense potential of wearable exoskeletons to empower active aging and support seniors in aging in place.

Driven by this vision, David deepened his collaboration with Eva and the engineering experts at BruBotics. Their joint efforts led to being selected as one of five finalists for the prestigious KUKA Innovation Award 2022 at the Medica Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2021, David became a member of the steering committee of BruBotics. In recent years, David has primarily acted as a liaison, bridging the gap between end-users and developers. Now, he aims to build on his expertise as a physiotherapist and rehabilitation scientist to take a more active role. Going forward, David is fully committed to guiding exoskeleton technology from development to real-world implementation, ensuring it makes a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults.

Professional Contributions and International Engagements

Previously, David worked as a project manager for the ‘Belgian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics’, coordinating the development of a clinical guideline for age-related muscle wasting (sarcopenia). In addition, he was involved in the Guideline Implementation Group of the recently published frailty guideline ‘Improving functioning and participation in Frailty’. Since 2014, he is also affiliated with the SOMT University of Physiotherapy (The Netherlands) where he teaches and is involved in a 10-year longitudinal cohort study (AMCOHF). David is also vice country-coordinator (for Belgium) of the European Network on Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE), he is member of the Educational Committee of the ‘International Association of Physical Therapists working with Older People’ (IPTOP) and was member of the Health Professionals Committee of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). In 2022, he became a member of the Vitality Capacity Working Group of the World Health Organisation. This group published their working definition of ‘vitality capacity for healthy longevity’ in The Lancet Healthy Longevity. In 2022, David joined the COST Action CA20104 – ‘Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age’ where he leads a working group that investigates factors that contribute to older people’s engagement with technology. At a national level, David is member of the Trials Board of the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE), Belgian Clinical Interest Group for Geriatric Physiotherapy and the Belgian Ageing Muscle Society (BAMS).