Skip to main content

Local organising committee

Luk Van Baelen

Luk holds degrees in sociology from Ghent University and psychology from the Manchester Metropolitan University. He joined Sciensano in 2016 as a scientist with a research focus on hard-to-reach populations and drug-related morbidities.

Charlotte Colman

Prof. Dr. Charlotte Colman is a professor Drug Policy and Criminology at Ghent University.  She has led multiple (inter)national multidisciplinary research projects in drug policy evaluation, illicit drug supply and recovery-oriented practices within the criminal justice system. She acts as a member of EUDA’s Scientific Committee and has been appointed as president of the Interfederal General Drug Policy Cell responsible for the daily coordination of an integral and integrated drug policy in Belgium.

Nicky Dirkx

Nicky Dirkx is coordinator of the research group SUPRB (Substance Use and Psychosocial Risk Behaviours) at the University of Applied Sciences in Ghent. SUPRB promotes psychosocial well-being in society by focusing on prevention, early detection, care and harm reduction of legal and illegal substances in nightlife and other settings.

Nina Harth

Nina Harth holds a bachelor's degree in nursing and is a researcher at the SUPRB research centre at Ghent University of Applied Sciences.

Her research focuses on substance use and forensic issues, blending her clinical expertise with a strong research background.

Nina is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Research at Ghent University. Previously, she worked for many years in the hospitality industry, including as a (re)integration coach, supporting individuals through challenging life transitions.

This diverse experience informs her current research in prevention sciences, where she explores the intersection of healthcare, substance use, and social reintegration.

TIna Van Havere

Tina has a PhD in drug use and nightlife and worked as a drug expert for more than 20 years in different organisations. She has led research projects including on drug and alcohol use, gender and drug use and prevention. She is currently working as Chief of Cabinet for the federal minister of Health.

João Pedro Matias

Epidemiologist, graduated from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). In 2004 he joined the European Union Drugs Agency at the Public Health Unit as a scientific analyst, responsible for the epidemiological indicator "Prevalence and patterns of drug use", addressing topics such as drug use in nightlife settings, wastewater analysis, drug checking. He also worked at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna as a drug market analyst.

Sven Roef

Sven Roef has been a key figure in Belgium’s nightlife for 26 years at Vooruit, shaping policies on safer spaces and responsible alcohol and drug use.

He also trains nightlife professionals on supporting guests with disabilities, managing violence, sexual harassment, and intoxication.

In addition to his safety work, Sven is an accomplished producer, organizing performances at events like Tomorrowland, reflecting his commitment to both safety and the artistic side of nightlife.

Subscribe to the conference newsletter to receive updates and the latest news.