VIB

Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,500 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.

VIB Headquarters

Rijvisschestraat 120 - 9052 Zwijnaarde

Christine Durinx
Christine Durinx
Co-Managing Director

"It has become clear that the priorities defined in the EU Framework Programme for Research & Innovation are inappropriate to realize the preset objectives: to turn Europe into a leader in innovation. There is too much focus on the higher TRLs, although the impact from projects in basic research with a lower TRL is potentially much higher, especially when the results of these projects are translated into applications by a professional technology transfer approach. By uniting the forces of some of Europe’s most excellent research institutes, we create a strong voice to help Europe in making appropriate decisions."
Jo Bury, Former Director of VIB

Facts and Figures

1822

staff members

77

nationalities

90

research groups

9

core facilities

Member's Events