VIB’s core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. As such, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies. This also leads to additional employment and bridges the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurship. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information. More info can be found on www.vib.be.

VIB’s core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful...

Het is de kerntaak van VIB om baanbrekende inzichten te genereren in de moleculaire onderbouwing van het leven en deze actief te vertalen naar impactvolle innovaties voor patiënten en de maatschappij. VIB is een onafhankelijk onderzoeksinstituut waar zo'n 1.800 topwetenschappers uit binnen- en buitenland baanbrekend fundamenteel onderzoek verrichten. In die hoedanigheid verleggen ze de grenzen van wat we weten over moleculaire mechanismen en hoe die levende organismen zoals mensen, dieren, planten en micro-organismen beheersen. Op basis van een nauw partnerschap met vijf Vlaamse universiteiten - Universiteit Gent, KU Leuven, Universiteit Antwerpen, Vrije Universiteit Brussel en Universiteit Hasselt - en ondersteund door een sterk financieringsprogramma, verenigt VIB de expertise van al haar medewerkers en onderzoeksgroepen in één enkel instituut. Via technologietransfer vertaalt VIB onderzoeksresultaten naar concrete toepassingen voor de maatschappij, zoals nieuwe diagnostica, geneesmiddelen en innovaties in de landbouw. Deze toepassingen worden vaak ontwikkeld door jonge startups van VIB of door samenwerkingen met andere bedrijven. Dit leidt ook tot extra werkgelegenheid en overbrugt de kloof tussen wetenschappelijk onderzoek en ondernemerschap. VIB neemt ook actief deel aan het publieke debat over biotechnologie door een brede waaier van wetenschappelijk onderbouwde informatie te ontwikkelen en te verspreiden. Meer info op www.vib.be.

Het is de kerntaak van VIB om baanbrekende inzichten te genereren in de moleculaire onderbouwing van het leven en deze actief te vertalen naar...

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A new book reveals the secrets behind the success of the Flemish life sciences biotech industry

Biotech in Flanders - A Stunning Story  

Ghent/Leuven, 13 November 2023 – Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, is home to one of the most vibrant and innovative life sciences and biotech ecosystems in the world. Over the past 40 years, Flemish researchers and pioneers have made discoveries that today benefit over two million patients every year, and are used daily in agriculture, research labs and medical cabinets. How did this small region become a global leader in life sciences and biotechnology? What are the key factors that contributed to this remarkable development? Who are the pioneers and visionaries that shaped its history during the past 40 years? And what’s ahead for this thriving ecosystem?

On Friday, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid visited the lab of Prof. Rosa Rademakers at the VIB-UAntwerpen Center for Molecular Neurology. In 2021, Rademakers was awarded the Generet Prize for her research on rare forms of dementia. This prize, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, carries a grant of 1 million euros, making it the most prestigious award for rare disease research in Belgium and Europe.

Princess Astrid visits the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology

On Friday, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid visited the lab of Prof. Rosa Rademakers at the VIB-UAntwerpen Center for Molecular Neurology. In...

VIB's Data Core will enable breakthrough research by efficiently managing research data

VIB launches Data Core to support life sciences research

Ghent, Belgium, 16 March 2023 – Leading life sciences research institute VIB launches its Data Core to provide researchers the tools to manage the increasing amount of data generated in life sciences research. New technologies have led to an exponentially increasing amount of data in the life sciences. The mission of VIB's Data Core is to enable breakthrough research by managing research data efficiently while adhering to international standards.

Ghent, 9 February 2023 – biotope by VIB, the incubator program by Flanders’ leading life sciences research institute, VIB, today announced the launch of its pre-seed venture fund ‘Biotope Ventures’. The venture fund is unique in its kind, providing investments to early-stage agrifood and health biotech startups to help them leap from concept to a viable business. The fund will help biotech entrepreneurs to narrow the gap between science and practical applications by providing financing to de-risk their early innovations. VIB foresees that the combination will boost the Flanders-based biotech ecosystem with new participants and invites further private investors to join the effort.

Launch of Biotope Ventures empowers young biotech startups in the biotope by VIB program

Ghent, 9 February 2023 – biotope by VIB, the incubator program by Flanders’ leading life sciences research institute, VIB, today announced the...

The Flemish biotech sector is growing fast, resulting in a clear demand for more infrastructure.

First stone Bio-Incubator in Ghent

Ghent, 29 April 2022 - The Flemish biotech sector is growing fast. This expansion requires additional infrastructure. That is why VIB – in partnership with PMV and with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – is building an ultramodern bio-incubator on 'Eiland Zwijnaarde', the new technology campus of Tech Lane Ghent Science Park. The first stone of the VIB Bio-Incubator was placed in the presence of Flemish Minister of Economy and Innovation Hilde Crevits.

Her appointment strengthens VIB’s commitment to focus on the burgeoning fields of data science and personalized health.

Christine Durinx joins VIB as co-managing director

The incubator is an initiative by VIB, one of the world’s premier research institutes and the driving force behind the vibrant Flanders life sciences ecosystem.

Institutional news

Biotech in Flanders - A Stunning Story

Princess Astrid visits the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology

VIB launches Data Core to support life sciences research

Launch of Biotope Ventures empowers young biotech startups in the biotope by VIB program

First stone Bio-Incubator in Ghent

Christine Durinx joins VIB as co-managing director

New incubator biotope launches to support biotech startup teams on their journey to success

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