Katrien Penne has extensive experience in research and leadership roles, currently serving as a Onderzoeker at SERV Sociaal Economische Raad van Vlaanderen since 2009. Prior to this position, Katrien worked as the Secretaris-generaal at UNIZO for two decades, from 1989 to 2009, and as a zelfstandig medewerker at Corelio from 1987 to 1989. Katrien holds a master's degree in politieke wetenschappen from Ghent University and has also received education from Nieuwen Bos Gent.