Luc Vanmaele has been Manager of Technology Scouting for Agfa-Gevaert NV since 1999. His focus is on identifying new and existing technology for strategic advantage as well as technology transfer. He has experience with setting up international R&D projects and collaborations with small and large companies.

He began his career with Agfa in 1985 as a Research Groupleader in the R&D Chemistry Department, focusing on Redox Triggered Delivery Systems and Non-Conventional Dyes.

He received his PhD in Organic Chemistry summa cum laude in 1983 from the University of Ghent, Belgium. From 1983 till 1985 he continued with postdoctoral work on enzyme inhibitors at UC Berkeley, USA. He has authored several papers and holds more than 80 granted US patents. His research expertise is design and synthesis of functional molecules.

He was awarded the Otto Bayer Medal in 1990 and 1996 by Bayer AG. He is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Materials Research Society (MRS), the UC Berkeley Alumni Association, and the Flemish Chemical Association (VCV). He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of FLAMAC (Flanders Materials Centre).

His professional interests include organic and bioorganic chemistry, (combinatorial) materials science, nanotechnology as well as venturing and technology transfer.

Private interests include alpinism, reading, film, travelling, and oenology.