VIB

Basic research in the life sciences, that is the core activity of VIB. On the one hand, pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms, how these mechanisms regulate living beings such as humans, animals, plants and micro-organisms, and on the other hand delivering tangible results that contribute to a better society. Based on a partnership with five Flemish universities - UGent, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University - and a solid investment programme, VIB combines the expertise of 81 research groups into one institute. VIB also translates these biological insights into new social applications for example in medicine or agriculture. VIB also actively participates in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and distributing a wide range of scientifically substantiated information on all aspects of biotechnology.

VIB's goal is to find solutions to today's major societal challenges through pioneering scientific research. 'Soja in 1000 tuinen' is a citizen science project that falls within the Grand Challenges programme, which bundles translational research projects that involve collaboration between researchers from inside and outside VIB and that can add immediate value to society.