Management and Structure

VIB is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on groundbreaking strategic basic research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the five universities in Flanders – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University.

Our vision

We want to pursue original and strategic basic research and translate this into positive impact. We do this by nurturing exceptional talent, creativity, and state-of-the-art technology. With these tools, we seek to uncover the uncharted territory of human knowledge.

Our mission

Our mission is to push the frontiers of knowledge in the life sciences. We translate the gained insights and scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications, which leads to both societal and economic benefits.

Our core values

These values are what makes VIB VIB

Curiosity and creativity

We aim high. Our drive is the pursuit of curiosity-driven science and promoting creativity on a daily basis. Together, this curiosity and creativity can make a tangible difference to society.

Unity across boundaries

Teamwork and commitment are crucial to success. Our outspoken identity and shared culture allowed us to grow into an exceptional institute with a collective passion for science.

Inclusion and collaboration

We value people more than scientific competition. As we focus on innovative science, smooth collaboration is essential. We appreciate all the unique minds on board, irrespective of their social background, life preferences, and appearance.

Integrity and Responsibility

We strive for a good balance between innovation, sustainability, and society. This means we make our work available for additional development. Our concern for the planet makes working sustainably a must to us. And because we are all people, social responsibility threads through all layers of the organization.

Respect and transparency

We value transparency and trust throughout the institute and respect the people in our organization, regardless of their place in the hierarchy.

Read our Good Governance Charter

Christine Durinx & Jérôme Van Biervliet

The general management, Christine Durinx and Jérôme Van Biervliet (Managing Directors), ensure the institute’s day to day management. They are assisted by the unit managers:

Wim Goemaere (Chief Operating Officer)
Rik Audenaert (Chief Financial Officer)
Marijke Lein (Human Resources Director)
Geert Van Minnebruggen (Technology Director)
Frederik De Coninck (ICT Director)
Inge Boets (Communications Director)

and a central team of colleagues.

General Assembly

Due to its status as ‘vzw’ (non-profit organization), VIB has the advantage of being an incorporated organization. The non-profit organization’s most senior body is the general assembly.

Board of Directors

The VIB board of directors consists of representatives of universities, industry and the Flemish government.

Directors' Committee

The science directors heading the VIB research centers are responsible for VIB’s scientific leadership. They form the institute’s management committee together with certain members of the general management from VIB Headquarters.

Group Leader Committee

The Group Leader Committee (GLC) is an advisory board and equal partner for the MC to make decisions on any issues related to PIs in order to form a creative, stimulating and inclusive work community conducting impactful science at an internationally competitive level.

Institutional Advisory Board

The Institutional Advisory Board (IAB) serves as an advising body to VIB and is responsible for formulating regular recommendations to VIB on its institutional policy and for discussing policies to improve the performance and international visibility of VIB as a center of excellence in life sciences.