Rudy Dekeyser: Alumnus on a Mission for Better Science VIB Research May Lead to Effective Alzheimer's Therapies Big Entrances
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QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF VIB. VIBTIMES DECEMBER 2016 20 Years VIB: science meets life Rudy Dekeyser: alumnus on a VIB research may lead to Big entrances and mission for better science effective Alzheimer’s therapies venerable exits 20 YEARS VIB 20 years of VIB: achieving excellence and maintaining it 4 Excellence in scientific research as one of the spearheads for creating a strong Flemish economy In 20 years of VIB, we have come a tremendous way. When we kicked off 6 Going beyond borders to take VIB research to new heights in 1996, nobody would have dared to suspect that our achievements would 8 Science meets life be internationally acclaimed as they are today. And although the research 12 Rudy Dekeyser: alumnus on a mission for better science institutes that served as VIB’s foundations already enjoyed worldwide 14 Shaping the future at VIB’s second postdoc event fame at the time, it is clear that VIB has been – and still is – a strong 16 VIB Alumni Award 2017: now accepting nominations catalyst to ensuring that the huge potential of biotechnological research 17 Basic research: where curiosity leads to groundbreaking innovation in Flanders thrives. 18 Structural biology elevates basic research to a higher plane 20 Sharing resources is at the ‘core’ of excellent science When our founding fathers Jo Bury and Rudy Dekeyser undertook the 22 Stimulating international diversity to drive excellent science mammoth task of putting Flanders on the global biotech map, they set 23 VIB’s PhD scholarships: three recent international hits up a board of directors consisting of several delegations representing On roots & wings: breeding a generation of scientists at VIB government, universities and industry. I belonged to the latter as the CEO of 24 Janssen Pharmaceutica, which gave me a front seat in witnessing how VIB’s 26 VIB scarf basic research could contribute over the years to a gradual yet massive 27 Twitter wall #20yrsVIB change in our pharmaceutical and medical landscape. This contribution is, as we all know, one of VIB’s strong points. And the urgency to add societal value will only increase. If we take a look at today’s global challenges, SCIENCE our added value lies in three domains: medical innovations to improve 28 Plant peptides: keys to understanding plant growth healthcare, plant science for sustainable food production, and industrial and stress responses applications that can strengthen our economic fabric. 29 VIB papers get a popularity boost: highly-cited works on the rise 30 Maize team To further accelerate the valorization of scientific insights, VIB has set up 31 VIB research may lead to effective Alzheimer’s therapies close collaborations that fall into two distinct categories. On the one hand, 32 Ghent-based researchers are the cream of the crop we are joining forces with other Flemish and international research groups in rheumatology to share technological and scientific expertise – after all, collaborations 34 Diverse VIB team investigates the possibilities of plant proteins are the key to great scientific breakthroughs. On the other hand, our Tech 36 The synapse series: how Patrik Verstreken’s basic research Transfer team is proactively reaching out to corporate partners to establish advances multiple fields industry collaborations. In some cases, VIB is even the cradle of new spins- 38 Three steps add up to one substantial leap in cancer offs. Further on in this issue of VIBnews, you will read about a few fine metabolism research examples of recent research that has been taken to the next level. 40 How our Switch Lab plans to catch tumors in a spider’s web But even with the greatest ambitions and waterproof strategic plans, 42 Quickscan excellent science always starts on a personal level. Ideas are conceived by the brains of creative individuals with relentless determination. But execution always requires teamwork – preferably when heterogeneous TECHNOLOGY perspectives and expertise are brought to the table. I think that VIB has 44 Tech Watch: single cell technologies found a great model in which its complementary departments and teams operate and report. This diversity, of which I’m an ardent advocate, is also reflected in the dozens of nationalities at VIB. On page 26, you will read BUSINESS more about our international recruiting programs – and how they lead to 45 AgroSavfe’s designer proteins for crop protection prove their worth unique insights. 46 VIB Tech transfer takes research to private partners and beyond Speaking of VIB’s foreign researchers, they naturally find themselves immersed in our typical Flemish habits and mindsets after a while. And PEOPLE no doubt it must have struck them that we are quite a humble people. We 48 Big entrances and venerable exits at VIB don’t really like showoffs. But in my own (humble) opinion, we can take 52 Awards en grants great pride in our achievements. We are playing at the top of the league here, which is why we should also set the bar high, publicly express our ambitions and claim the necessary resources. After all, that is the only way STAF VAN REET we can maintain excellence in research and valorization. EVENTS The former CEO and Head of R&D Janssen Pharmaceutica, is 55 Picture report 20 years VIB now managing director of Viziphar Biosciences, a consultancy 56 VIB Biotech Tour and support company in the life sciences sector. Staf Van Reet serves as an industry delegate in the VIB board of directors. 58 VIB Conferences: Revolutionizing Next-Generation Sequencing 60 Calender Minister Muyters, how did you still. We may be at the top now, but overseas to bring specialized get to know VIB? it takes continuous effort to stay knowledge to Flanders if needed. “I first came into contact with VIB there. That involves making hard during my days at the Social and choices about individual research A second challenge is to further Economic Council of Flanders (SERV) lines while paying close attention refine the expertise of knowledge and later as Managing Director to new interdisciplinary fields. We workers after they’ve graduated. of VOKA, the Flemish Chamber also have to find ways to further Again, I see an enormous advan- of Commerce. Of course, I got to reduce the risks of basic research. If tage in the close proximity of our know the institute a lot better when we really pave the way and prepare educational centers and research I joined the Flemish government optimally for technology transfer, it institutions. There is always a high in 2009. What remained constant is likely to generate more value. As probability that a specific speciali- during all those years is the image of a result, investing in a professional zation or postgraduate program is a very dynamic and internationally- team of tech transfer specialists offered somewhere in Flanders. competitive organization.” is essential.” I firmly believe in VIB’s strategic When VIB was founded in 1995, the Do you think Discovery Sciences, plan for the future which should translation of academic knowledge VIB’s strategic initiative that aims enable the institute to contribute into tangible benefits for society was to increase the success rate of even more to society. I’m therefore lagging behind in Flanders. How far translational research, will play a big pleased that, together with the have we come since then? part in this de-risking? entire Flemish Government, I can “I think Flanders should be proud “Discovery sciences is a great announce a substantial rise in the Philippe Muyters of what its research institutions concept. Given the extremely annual grant for VIB which will allow have achieved in recent decades. long development phases for new them to implement some new The concentration of knowledge in therapies, talking to interested initiatives described in a small but central region, where parties requires perfect preparation their strategy.” several universities and research and real data that has been gathered institutes are less than a hundred through clinical testing or breeding kilometers apart, clearly gives us experiments. I’m convinced that an enormous advantage. Having Discovery Sciences will contribute to EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC such a strong biotech cluster not the translation of basic research into only puts Flanders on the map for potential applications.” international high-tech companies, RESEARCH AS ONE OF THE it also offers an attractive habitat for A knowledge economy also needs I firmly believe in top scientists.” specialized knowledge workers. What are the challenges in this area? VIB’s strategic Is Flanders ahead of the pack when “For several years now, we have SPEARHEADS FOR CREATING A it comes to combining basic research been encouraging students to plan for the future with technology transfer? enroll in studies in the areas of “There is definitely a lot of interest science, technology, engineering and which should enable in the VIB model abroad. Some mathematics (STEM). An investment STRONG FLEMISH ECONOMY countries are wondering how they we absolutely need to continue. the institute to can launch a similar institute, so On the other hand, life sciences we’ve definitely hit upon a good is a very international field, which contribute even The Flanders coalition agreement of 2014-2019 states that Flanders should be one of the top five European regions by 2020. formula. However, we can’t forget means that our research institutions This target acts as a compass for the policy of Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister for Work, Economy, Innovation and Sports. that other countries are not standing and companies should also recruit more to society. 20 Years VIB 5 VIB’S 8 THEMATICAL RESEARCH CENTERS GOING BEYOND BORDERS TO TAKE VIB RESEARCH TO NEW HEIGHTS Jo Bury and Johan Cardoen Since it was established over two decades ago, VIB has dedicated itself to groundbreaking basic research in life sciences.