VIB
Encyclopedia
The Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology), is a research institute located in Flanders
, Belgium
. VIB was founded by the Flemish government
in 1995, and became a full-fledged institute on 1 January 1996. The main objective of VIB is to strengthen the excellence of Flemish life sciences research and to turn the results into new economic growth. VIB spends almost 80% of its budget on research
activities, while almost 12% is spent on technology transfer
activities and stimulating the creation of new businesses, in addition VIB spends approximately 2% on socio-economic activities.
The institute is led by Jo Bury
and Rudy Dekeyser
. Hugo Van Heuverswyn
is Chairman of the Board of Directors.
, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
, the University of Antwerp
and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
.
, Peakadilly
, DevGen
, CropDesign
, SoluCel
, and ActoGeniX.
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. VIB was founded by the Flemish government
Flemish government
The Flemish Government is the executive branch of the Flemish Community and the Flemish Region. It consists of up to a maximum of eleven ministers, chosen by the Flemish Parliament...
in 1995, and became a full-fledged institute on 1 January 1996. The main objective of VIB is to strengthen the excellence of Flemish life sciences research and to turn the results into new economic growth. VIB spends almost 80% of its budget on research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
activities, while almost 12% is spent on technology transfer
Technology transfer
Technology Transfer, also called Transfer of Technology and Technology Commercialisation, is the process of skill transferring, knowledge, technologies, methods of manufacturing, samples of manufacturing and facilities among governments or universities and other institutions to ensure that...
activities and stimulating the creation of new businesses, in addition VIB spends approximately 2% on socio-economic activities.
The institute is led by Jo Bury
Jo Bury
Jo Bury is the Managing Director of VIB and previously held the post of Managing Director of VLAB ....
and Rudy Dekeyser
Rudy Dekeyser
Rudy Dekeyser is the Managing Director of VIB and heads the technology transfer team of the institute. He obtained a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Ghent....
. Hugo Van Heuverswyn
Hugo Van Heuverswyn
Hugo Van Heuverswyn is a Belgian molecular biologist, biotech pioneer, entrepreneur and businessman. He has been the chairman of the VIB, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, since its inception in 1995.-Education:...
is Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Goals
The strategic goals of the VIB are:- Strategic basic research
- Technology transfer policy to transfer the inventions to consumers and patients
- Scientific information for the general public
Departments
The VIB scientist works on the normal and abnormal or pathological processes occurring in a cell, an organ and an organism (humans, plants, micro organisms). Instead of relocating scientists to a new campus, the VIB researchers work in research departments of four Flemish universities: Ghent UniversityGhent University
Ghent University is a Dutch-speaking public university located in Ghent, Belgium. It is one of the larger Flemish universities, consisting of 32,000 students and 7,100 staff members. The current rector is Paul Van Cauwenberge.It was established in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands...
, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is a Dutch-speaking university in Flanders, Belgium.It is located at the centre of the historic town of Leuven, and is a prominent part of the city, home to the university since 1425...
, the University of Antwerp
University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is one of the major Belgian universities located in the city of Antwerp. The name is sometimes abbreviated as UA.-History:...
and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is a Flemish university located in Brussels, Belgium. It has two campuses referred to as Etterbeek and Jette.The university's name is sometimes abbreviated by "VUB" or translated to "Free University of Brussels"...
.
- Ghent University:
- VIB Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, UGent (Frans Van RoyFrans Van RoyFrans Van Roy is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor at the University of Ghent . He is head of the VIB Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, UGent. His research interest is on the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology and the cure of cancer and inflammation-related...
) - VIB Department of Plant Systems Biology, UGent (Dirk InzéDirk InzéDirk Inzé is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor at Ghent University . In 2002, he succeeded Marc Zabeau as head of the VIB Department of Plant Systems Biology, UGent of VIB. His research interest is on oxidative stress and the cell cycle. He is a member of the European Molecular Biology...
) - VIB Department of Medical Protein Research, UGent (Joël VandekerckhoveJoël VandekerckhoveJoël Vandekerckhove is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor at the University of Ghent . He is head of the VIB Department of Medical Protein Research, UGent....
) - VIB Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, UGent (Jean-Christophe MarineJean-Christophe MarineJean-Christophe Marine is a Belgian molecular biologist and researcher at CME Ku-Leuven . He is head of the VIB Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology...
)
- VIB Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, UGent (Frans Van Roy
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven:
- VIB Department of Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, K.U.Leuven (Désiré CollenDésiré CollenDésiré Collen is a Belgian physician and chemist. He was born in Sint-Truiden, Belgium.-Education:He graduated as an M.D...
) - VIB Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, K.U.Leuven (Bart De StrooperBart De StrooperBart De Strooper is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven . He is head of the VIB Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, K.U.Leuven....
) - VIB Department of Molecular Microbiology, K.U.Leuven (Johan TheveleinJohan TheveleinJohan Thevelein is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven . He is head of the VIB Department of Molecular Microbiology, K.U.Leuven....
) - VIB Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, K.U.Leuven (Patrick CallaertsPatrick CallaertsPatrick Callaerts is a Belgian molecular biologist and researcher at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven . He is head of the VIB Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, K.U.Leuven....
)
- VIB Department of Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, K.U.Leuven (Désiré Collen
- University of Antwerp:
- VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp (Christine Van BroeckhovenChristine Van BroeckhovenChristine Van Broeckhoven is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor in Molecular genetics at the University of Antwerp . She is also leading the VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp of the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology...
)
- VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp (Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel:
- VIB Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Lode WynsLode WynsLode Wyns is a Belgian molecular biologist and professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel . He is head of the VIB Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, Vrije Universiteit Brussel of the VIB...
) - VIB Switch LaboratorySwitch LaboratoryThe VIB Switch laboratory, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is a department of VIB located at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Leuven, Belgium...
, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Frederic RousseauFrederic RousseauFrederic Rousseau is a Belgian molecular biologist and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel . Together with Joost Schymkowitz he is group leader at the VIB Switch Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel...
& Joost SchymkowitzJoost SchymkowitzJoost Schymkowitz is a Belgian molecular biologist and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel . Together with Frederic Rousseau he is group leader at the VIB Switch Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel....
)
- VIB Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Lode Wyns
Service facilities
VIB has established several core facilities focused on advanced technologies, which make high through-flow technologies available to academic and industrial researchers in Flanders.- VIB BioInformatics Training and Service facility
- VIB Compound Screening service Facility, UGent
- VIB Genetic Service Facility, University of Antwerp
- VIB MicroArray Facility
- VIB Nanobody Service Facility, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- VIB Protein Service Facility, UGent
- VIB Proteomics Expertise Center, UGent
Spin-offs
VIB was involved in the creation of spin-offs from academic research groups, such as for AblynxAblynx
Ablynx, a biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Ghent, Belgium, is engaged in the discovery and development of single-domain antibodies to treat a range of human diseases....
, Peakadilly
Peakadilly
Pronota, formerly Peakadilly, is a biotech company located in Ghent, Belgium. The company works on the development of molecular diagnostics for cancer and inflammatory diseases. This work should lead to improvements in personalized and predictive medicine.-History:The company was founded in August...
, DevGen
DevGen
Devgen is a Belgium-based multinational agricultural biotechnology company. It uses advanced biotechnology and molecular breeding technologies to develop varieties of major food crops with higher yield or superior envirmonental properties. Its technology is marketed by outlicensing or selling seeds...
, CropDesign
CropDesign
CropDesign is a biotech company located in Ghent, Belgium. The company develops a portfolio of agronomic traits for the global commercial seed markets. It has developed a technology platform to discover genetic traits for the improvement of corn, rice and other plants...
, SoluCel
SoluCel
SoluCel is a biotech company located in Espoo, Finland. The company provides services to the pharmaceutical, fine chemical and biotech industries for discovery and production of plant based small molecules.-History:...
, and ActoGeniX.
See also
- Science and technology in FlandersScience and technology in FlandersScience and technology in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium , is well developed with the presence of several universities and research institutes...
- BIO.be
- Lisbon StrategyLisbon StrategyThe Lisbon Strategy, also known as the Lisbon Agenda or Lisbon Process, was an action and development plan devised in 2000, for the economy of the European Union between 2000 and 2010....
- Institute for the promotion of Innovation by Science and TechnologyInstitute for the promotion of Innovation by Science and TechnologyThe Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology is a public institution in Flanders to provide R&D and innovation support. The institute was established by the Flemish government in 1991...
(IWT) - Participatiemaatschappij VlaanderenParticipatiemaatschappij VlaanderenThe Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen is an independent organization owned by the Flemish government which supports economic investment initiatives in Flanders.-History:...
- Flanders Investment and TradeFlanders Investment and TradeThe Flanders Investment and Trade was founded by the Flemish government in 2005. The FIT agency helps both Flemish companies with expanding their business abroad as well as to assist foreign companies sourcing Flemish suppliers of quality goods and services. The FIT agency is headed by Christ’l...
- GIMVGIMVGimv is a European investment company with experience in private equity and venture capital. The company is listed on Euronext Brussels. Gimv currently manages around EUR 2.0 billion of assets ....
- FlandersBioFlandersBioFlandersBio is a non-profit organization which represents the cluster of Flemish life sciences in Belgium. The members of FlandersBio are organizations involved with Research and Development, and production in life sciences, or organizations and companies servicing Flemish life sciences...
- VITOFlemish institute for technological researchThe Flemish institute for technological research or VITO, is a research centre, located in Mol, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. The institute performs contract research and develops products and processes in the fields of energy, environment and materials, for both the public and the private sector...
- BIOMEDBIOMEDThe Biomedical Research Institute was founded on 1 January 1999 to combine the expertise of the former Dr. L. Willems-Instituut with the Medical faculty of the University of Hasselt . The institute is located in Diepenbeek, Belgium.The research topics of the institute are auto-immune disorders, e.g...
(University of HasseltHasselt UniversityHasselt University is a university with campuses in Hasselt and Diepenbeek, Belgium. It was founded in 1971, as the Limburgs Universitair Centrum...
) - Belgian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyBelgian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe Belgian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a Belgian non-profit organization, concerned with biochemistry and molecular biology....
- Walter FiersWalter FiersWalter Fiers is a Belgian molecular biologist.He obtained a degree of Engineer for Chemistry and Agricultural Industries at the University of Ghent in 1954, and started his research career as an enzymologist in the laboratory of Laurent Vandendriessche in Ghent. In 1956-57, he worked with Heinz...
- Raymond HamersRaymond HamersRaymond Hamers is a professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel . He discovered a special type of antibodies called single-domain antibodies.-See also:* Flanders Institute for Biotechnology * Ablynx-References:...
- Jozef SchellJozef SchellJozef Stefaan Schell was a Belgian molecular biologist.Jozef Schell studied Zoology and microbiology at the University of Ghent, Belgium. From 1967 to 1995 he worked as a professor at the university...
- Herman Van Den BergheHerman Van Den BergheHerman Van den Berghe is a Belgian pioneer in human genetics. He founded the Centrum voor Menselijke Erfelijkheid at the medical faculty of the Catholic University of Leuven in Leuven , Belgium...
- Marc Van MontaguMarc Van MontaguMarc Van Montagu is a Belgian molecular biologist. He was full Professor and director of the Laboratory of Genetics at the faculty of Sciences at Ghent University and scientific director of the Genetics Department of the Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology...
- Wellcome TrustWellcome TrustThe Wellcome Trust was established in 1936 as an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health. With an endowment of around £13.9 billion, it is the United Kingdom's largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research...
- EMBL
Source
- J. Comijn, P. Raeymaekers, A. Van Gysel, M. Veugelers, Today = Tomorrow : a tribute to life sciences research and innovation : 10 years of VIB, Snoeck, 2006, ISBN 978-90-5349-630-5
- Biotechnology industry in Belgium