VIB is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute in the life sciences. An international mix of 1100 scientists and technicians conduct strategic basic research on the molecular mechanisms that control the functioning of the human body, plants, and micro-organisms. The research is focused on generating landmark contributions in life sciences. Brain development and neuro-degeneration are major research themes of VIB. Through its technology transfer activities, VIB strives to convert the research results into products for the benefit of consumers and patients. VIB also develops and distributes a broad range of scientifically substantiated information about all aspects of biotechnology (www.vib.be).
Imec is an international center of excellence performing R&D in micro- & nano-electronics, nanotechnology- and design methods and technologies for ICT systems ahead of industrial needs by 3 to 10 years. It has built up strong, strategic know-how and an impressive IPR portfolio. It has visionary research programs on sub-32 nanometer CMOS technology, energy, wireless communication, biomedical electronics. Imec has about 1700 employees, of which 80% do research. (www.imec.be).
K.U.Leuven is Belgium’s largest university and one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1425. It is a comprehensive university with 14 faculties, with a long tradition of high-quality interdisciplinary research and teaching. The University of Leuven has over 33,500 students and over 17,000 staff members (8,600 in the various university departments and 8,700 at the university hospital). There is an annual research budget of over 250 million euro (www.kuleuven.be).