Stijn Blot is research professor at Ghent University with a focus on clinical epidemiology of healthcare-associated complications in critically ill patients. He is unique through his varied background that allows bridging distinct disciplines and interpreting clinical data in an exclusive way. He succeeded to consolidate a solid reputation in research and established a firm international network of collaborators. He is currently chair of the nurses ad allied healthcare professionals in the ESICM. His research is acknowledged with multiple international awards and in 2015 he was inducted in the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame of the STTI Honor Society of Nursing.