KUL is by far the largest university in Belgium in terms of research funding and expenditure (EUR 475 million in 2017). It is a charter member of the LERU. It is ranked the first in Thomson Reuters’ list of Europe’s Most Innovative Universities. KUL participates in over 870 highly competitive European research FP7 and H2020 projects (FP7: 540; H2020: 330). The high number ERC Grantees (more than 100) in KUL is an attestation of its attractiveness to the world’s top researchers. The success in the FP7 and Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions is a manifestation of the three pillars of KUL: research, education and service to society. In Horizon 2020, KUL is involved in 73 Innovative Training Networks. In addition, it hosts 47 MSCA Individual Fellows.
The Electrical Engineering Department (ESAT) at KUL conducts research at a high international level, e.g., more than 9 professors in this department obtained an ERC grant. The TELEMIC division concentrates on telecommunications and microwave research, combining theoretical, implementation, and measurement expertise.
The DRAMCO division conducts R&D with focus on the wireless communications, positioning systems, and connected embedded sensors. The COSIC division provides a broad expertise in security and privacy.