Supporting strategic fundamental research in life sciences through carefully selected projects from universities in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, with a view to transforming their discoveries into industrial applications.
Sophie Lucas (WELBIO – UCLouvain) and her team neutralize a molecule that blocks immune responses against cancer. This novel form of immunotherapy induces tumor regressions by strongly increasing the efficacy of another well-known immunotherapy.
The Human Molecular Genetics laboratory headed by Miikka Vikkula (WELBIO – UCLouvain) identified a gene responsible for primary lymphedema, a discovery essential for proper diagnosis and opening possibilities for the development of treatments.
Researchers led by Cédric Blanpain (WELBIO – ULB) identify for the first time the mechanisms by which cell-cell communication control the fate of mammary and prostate stem cells.
WELBIO's essential mission is to support top level fundamental research in life sciences. This mission is currently integrated with the Fonds de la Recherche Fondamentale Stratégique (F.R.S.-FNRS).
WELBIO supports fundamental research with the view to translate scientific results into industrial applications. Through valorisation committees, a sustained focus is kept on the protection of intellectual property in particular.
The WELBIO Bridge Fund is a research funding instrument intended for WELBIO investigators and designed to bridge the gap between early stage research and the development of a competitive package for the next funding step
With its focus on life sciences, WELBIO holds a unique position between fundamental research in all fields and applied biomedical research sur les sciences du vivant. WELBIO works closely with the FRNS and BioWin in particular.
