Proteins and their complexes play critical roles in nearly all cellular functions. Vice versa, dysfunction in their assembly, lifetime, localization, or dynamics is central in many diseases, be it hereditary, sporadic, or infectious.

At the VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology (CSB), we study the structure and dynamics of macromolecular complexes in health and disease to explain their mode of action. We integrate our structural biology work with genetic and cellular studies, aiming to bridge molecular and cellular resolution. We excel in translating our discoveries into biotechnological and medical applications.

Microorganisms are important model systems for cells of higher organisms (like humans), and many of lifeʻs basic mechanisms were first discovered in unicellular life forms. Microbiological research aims to increase our understanding of microbes and their interactions with higher-order organisms and translate this knowledge into environmental, industrial, and medical applications. We study pathogenic microbes to develop new and improved antibiotics to control infectious disease; beneficial microbes and their impacts on digestion and human health; and industrial microbes for their production of fermented foods and beverages like cheese, beer, and wine.

The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology (CFM) combines basic research on microorganisms with translational research and industrial valorization. Using extensive knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry, CFM research provides novel insights into prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology, ecology, genetics, genomics, metabolism, and pathology.

Analyzing the systems biology of plant growth and development is becoming extremely important to tackle climate change and to accelerate the innovation cycle between lab and field.