Alumni Hub
Welcome to the QbD Alumni Hub – your space to reconnect, catch up, and stay inspired. Whether you’ve started a new chapter in your career, launched your own venture, or simply want to stay close to the QbD Group community, you’re in the right place. Because even when one chapter ends, the book isn’t finished - and you’ll always be part of our story.
📖 Before the next chapter...
Before turning the page to QbD’s latest news and updates, we want to give you a warm goodbye video - a moment to pause, smile, and remember the journey we’ve shared.
🧭 What's up at QbD Group?
Big or small, every milestone moves the story forward. Get a quick glimpse of what’s been happening across the QbD Group ecosystem.
New Podcast Series
The first episode of the QbD Group Podcast is out now and it’s packed with insights.
In the first episode “IVDs in Clinical Trials: The Sponsor’s Survival Guide”, host Kirsten Van Garsse sits down with Annelies Rotthier to unpack the complexities of Companion Diagnostics (CDx) studies. Together, they share practical tips and tricks, highlight real-world challenges, and explain how Clinical and Regulatory teams can work hand in hand to guide sponsors through demanding study designs.
Tune in and listen to the conversation here. More episodes are coming soon!
CPHI first QbD Group Networking Dinner
In October, we hosted the very first QbD Group Networking Dinner during CPHI Frankfurt. With around 80 guests in attendance, the evening brought together industry leaders, partners, and innovators for a night of insightful discussions and valuable connections.
One of the evening’s highlights was the joint presentation by Wim Steenackers and Joanna Popiołkiewicz from SciencePharma. Together, they shared practical perspectives on successfully entering and navigating the European market insights that resonated strongly with many attending companies looking to expand in Europe.
CFO Podcast: Tom Lokermans Shares Insights on M&A Success
Our CFO, Tom Lokermans, was recently invited as a guest on The CFO Podcast, the go-to podcast for finance leaders in Flanders. With an impressive track record of guiding 10 M&A deals in just 6 years, Tom shared valuable insights into QbD Group’s deal cycle — from identifying opportunities to navigating the full integration trajectory.
The episode was also broadcast on Trends Z and will be repeated throughout the weekend, giving you plenty of chances to tune in.
You can listen to the full conversation here.
🎗️ QbD Foundation Initiatives
Through the QbD Group Foundation, we invest our time, skills, funds, and energy into local projects that create a positive impact. Our focus? Supporting science, helping individuals and families facing health challenges, protecting the environment, and fostering QbD Group’s broader social commitment.
Take a look below at the initiatives we’re proud to support — they’re key chapters in our collective journey.
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2 new foundation members
We’re happy to welcome 2 new foundation members to the team, Carolina Janeiro and Isabelle De Bock!
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On September 30, we went plogging
We went plogging again, and we managed to fill five whole trash bags!
A small effort with a big impact!
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End of Year card sale
It’s time for our yearly End-of-Year charity card sale!
Each year, we sell hand-drawn postcards by KATR!NAHOF (M!RO) in Belgium, with all proceeds going to charity. This year, we’re supporting Fin, a brave little boy living with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome.
Life at QbD
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Limoncello night - Part I 🍋
The 2025 edition of our famous QbD Limoncello is in the making, and step one is complete since September 11, our lemon zest has been infusing perfectly in alcohol. Now, we're ready for step 2 on October 21!
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Teambuilding QbD NL ✨
On August 20, we organized the Dutch teambuilding event in the southern part of the Netherlands. We played several team-building games and ended the evening with a BBQ. A wonderful evening where we also had the pleasure of welcoming a few new QbD colleagues.
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QbD Quiz 🧠
On October 3, we hosted our annual quiz night in support of the QbD Foundation. A big thank-you to everyone who joined, and a special shout-out to our quizmaster, Henrik, for making it such a fun and memorable evening.
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Sweat, Strength and Solidarity: team building beyond the desk 💪
On July 10 at 12:35 pm, the QbD Group UK team hit a gym, the goal wasn’t physical perfection, it was presence, support and shared effort. Sometimes, the most powerful growth happens when we step out of our usual rhythm and move together- literally. What a fantastic experience it was! Thank you all for joining.
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Breakfast with the CEO 🥐
Our breakfast with the CEO sessions are in full swing! Bart has already visited our offices in Belgium and Spain, and it’s safe to say that plenty of burning questions were answered over coffee and breakfast pastries.
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Summer drink 🍹
During the summer, we stayed connected by enjoying refreshing drinks at various locations. The one in the picture was taken at Zomerbar Gazon in Ghent — great food, great atmosphere, and even better company!
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At QbD Group, our journey doesn’t end when a chapter closes — it’s the foundation for new beginnings and lasting connections.
Stéphanie Vanhaver Alumni Relations Officer
🎉Life & Career milestones
Every journey is marked by meaningful moments. Let's take a moment to capture and honor the milestones of our QbDers, both in their careers and personal lives.
🎂QbD work anniversary
Recently we had the occasion to celebrate Lode van Aert, Michelle Kalaria, Michèle Pappijn, Bernd Lafortune, Lotte Vandecruys, and Funda Basdar who have recently blown out 5 QbD candles.
🍼 Baby Chuckles & Great Expectations
On June 24, Elise Maes welcomed her son, Arnout. Liese Gijbels gave birth to her daughter Marit on July 21, and on August 11, Laurien Vleeschouwers welcomed her little girl Fien. Most recently, on September 8, Joe Yee became the proud mom of a baby boy, Louie.
Julie Bondroit and Henrik De Backer are looking forward to 2026, as they’re expecting their second baby boy in February.
Congratulations! Wishing you lots of love, joy, and unforgettable moments with your little ones!
🔗 Let’s stay connected
The end of a chapter isn’t the end of the book.
Whether you want to stay in the loop, explore new opportunities, or just reconnect, we’d love to keep in touch and new chapters to the story we’ve started together.
Let’s catch up — the story’s not over yet!
Finished your QbD chapter but curious about a sequel? Whether you’re considering a return to QbD Group, know someone who’d be a great fit, or simply want to share your thoughts on the Alumni Hub — Stéphanie is your go-to person.
We’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect and maybe grab a coffee soon!
Already working at QbD Group?
Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.