Research at the Biomedical Sciences Group

Departments

Each department contains several research groups that explore specific topics under a global strategic departmental vision.

• Cardiovascular Sciences
• Cellular & Molecular Medicine
• Clinical & Experimental Medicine
• Development & Regeneration
• Human Genetics
• Imaging & Pathology
• Kinesiology
• Microbiology & Immunology
• Neurosciences
• Oncology
• Oral Health Sciences
• Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences
• Public Health and Primary Care
• Rehabilitation Sciences

Networks

A number of research networks and institutes run across different departments. 

• Leuven Research Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND)
• Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI)
• Medical Imaging Research Center (MIRC)
• Rega Institute for Medical Research
  (Rega)
• Stem Cell Institute Leuven (SCIL)

VIB

The life sciences research institute VIB is strongly represented and embedded in the Biomedical Sciences Group. Two VIB departments, the Vesalius Research Center and the department 'Biology of Disease', and two VIB research groups are active in the fields of cell biology, cancer, genetics, immunology, neurosciences, development and vascular biology. 

NERF

NERF is a joint project of IMEC, VIB en KU Leuven to investigate fundamental neuroscientific questions through collaborative, interdisciplinary research combining nanoelectronics with neurobiology. 

Translational Research 

Translational research works from bench to bedside and back again with the goal to improve patient care.
Research across fundamental and clinical sciences, as well as advanced education form the basis for successful translational medicine. In several research areas a comprehensive network exists between researchers from the Biomedical Sciences Group, the University Hospital Leuven (UZ Leuven) and other disciplines. These areas include, among others, cancer research, neurodegenerative diseases, auto-immune pathologies, inflammatory bowel disease, and regenerative medicine. 

The LNTM network provides a platform for stimulating translational research.

International Profiles

Cutting-edge and frontier research being performed within the Group is reflected in grants awarded by the European Research Council (ERC), and ongoing European and Transatlantic Network-funded projects.

The Odysseus programme has attracted emerging talent as well as established investigators from abroad to the Biomedical Sciences Group. 

Methusalem is a programme of the Flemish government to support outstanding research at KU Leuven. 

Research & the Innovation Chain

Researchers are supported in their interactions with the industry by the knowledge and technology transfer office, KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD)

Clinical Trial Center

The clinical research activities within UZ Leuven are coordinated by the Clinical Trial Center (CTC). CTC supports all medical and paramedical patient-related research and acts as the contact point for all partners.

Research Facilities

Through core facilities researchers have access to innovative technologies. The animal facility provides state-of-the-art housing and expert support.