VIB

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), known in English as the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, is a non-profit life sciences research institute funded by the Flemish government. Established in 1996, VIB aims to strengthen basic research in the life sciences and to foster biotechnology-based innovation and economic development in Flanders. The organization operates across multiple campuses and collaborates closely with universities such as Ghent University, KU Leuven, and the University of Antwerp, as well as with international partners.

Research at VIB covers a wide range of fields, including plant biology, biomedicine, neuroscience, cancer biology, and systems biology. The institute emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches that combine molecular and cellular biology with genomics, proteomics, imaging, and computational biology. It organizes work through research groups and centers, and maintains core facilities that provide shared resources for sequencing, mass spectrometry, high-resolution microscopy, and bioinformatics.

In addition to fundamental discovery, VIB places emphasis on translation and technology transfer. It supports the development of biotech applications and the formation of spin-off companies to bring research results to health and agriculture. Education and training are part of its mission, with programs and fellowships for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists.

Funding for VIB comes from the Flemish government, complemented by input from science policy bodies and engagement with industry partners. Through international collaboration and world-class publications, VIB contributes to the global life sciences landscape and aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs into practical applications.