Investment Boosts Research into Rheumatoid Arthritis and Climate-Resilient Crops
A collaborative investment of €1.6 million will support research initiatives focused on rheumatoid arthritis and the development of crops better equipped to withstand climate change. The funding will be shared between VIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) and the University of Hasselt, according to recent announcements.
Researchers at the University of Hasselt are contributing expertise in immunology to the effort, with several faculty members specifically dedicated to autoimmune diseases. Professors Jeroen Bogie, Bieke Broux, Judith Fraussen, Niels Hellings, Jerome Hendriks, Veerle Somers and Piet Stinissen are all involved in immunology research, focusing on areas like innate immunity, neuroinflammation, B cell function, and multiple sclerosis. This research is particularly essential as autoimmune diseases continue to affect a significant portion of the population, requiring ongoing investigation into their causes and potential treatments.
The VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research is also a key partner in the initiative. The center’s research focuses on unraveling the mechanisms of immunity and inflammation to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic human diseases. Researchers at VIB-UGent, including Bart Lambrecht (Science Director), Rudi Beyaert, Hamida Hammad, Dirk Elewaut, Martin Guilliams, Sophie Janssens, Claude Libert, Kodimangalam Ravichandran, and Wouter Saelens, are investigating signaling pathways in immune cells. Yvan Saeys is contributing to research at the VIB-VUB Center for Inflammation Research.
Markus Kleinewietfeld at the University of Hasselt is specifically linked to the VIB Center for Inflammation Research, while Liesbet Peeters is investigating multiple sclerosis using real-world data and data science approaches. Veronica Popescu’s work also centers on multiple sclerosis, utilizing MRI and palliative care strategies. These combined efforts aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of inflammatory conditions and identify potential therapeutic targets.
The VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research employs over 350 people and will host several events in the coming months, including seminars on the microbiota and large labeling models, as well as a conference on mucins in health and disease. A full calendar of events can be found on the center’s website.
This investment underscores the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of immunological research and agricultural innovation, highlighting the potential for cross-disciplinary approaches to address complex global challenges.
