Meet Luc Roelen: Laureate of the Passwerk Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
- manonprovost
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The laureate of the Passwerk Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 has been announced. Luc Roelen, a dedicated paediatrician, has built an impressive career since graduating as a doctor in 1984 and being recognised as a specialist in paediatrics in 1991.
After graduating, Luc worked in the medical genetics department at the University of Antwerp and obtained a special license in disability care. His passion for care and education led him to various schools for special education, including MPI Sint-Rafaël, Kristus Koning, and Sint-Jozef. Later, he applied his expertise at the Gouverneur Kinsbergen Foundation in Gielsbos, Vosselaar, and the Orientation Centre for people with disabilities in Wilrijk.
In 2001, Luc founded Indigo vzw, an organisation focused on diagnosing and supporting children and adults with developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Indigo vzw is a private initiative that operates without structural government subsidies and has been based in Mechelen since 2011. Next year, the organisation will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
In addition to his work at Indigo vzw, Luc taught at what is now Thomas More University College in Antwerp from 1999 to 2015, where he taught courses in psychopathology and genetics. He has also regularly given lectures on various aspects of developmental disorders.
Luc is happily married to Marleen and is the father of two sons and a daughter. Recently, he has also become a proud grandfather. In his free time, he enjoys reading and cycling, and he is involved in climate initiatives as well as a soon-to-start cohousing project.
We are honoured to recognise Luc Roelen for his exceptional contributions to medical and social care, as well as his ongoing commitment to people with developmental disorders and the autism community.
