Project R-15842

State of the art infrastructure for future-proof cell culture @BIOMED (Research)

Cell culture is a cornerstone of biomedical research, essential for maintaining a competitive position within the Flemish research landscape. At UHasselt, these facilities are widely used by researchers across faculties and play a key role in collaborations with industrial partners. They are also crucial for education, with over 100 students receiving hands-on training each year. Complex in vitro cell culture systems (e.g. (human) organoids and iPSC) are also essential tools to enhance translation and reduce experimental animal use. Over the past two years, persistent issues have severely impacted cell culture experiments at BIOMED. This has been linked to (1) overcrowding due to BIOMED's staff and UHasselt students' rapid growth without a corresponding expansion in lab space; (2) the basement location of the labs, making them susceptible to humidity-related issues; and (3) the absence of unified standardized operation procedures (SOPs). To address these challenges, expanding and upgrading the cell culture infrastructure is crucial in combination with implementation of a validated SOP to minimize contamination risks. This investment will restore fundamental research, allow students to resume essential training, and revive currently postponed industrial collaborations. By expanding and modernizing its facilities, BIOMED strengthens its commitment to scientific excellence, high-quality education, and strong partnerships, ensuring a future-proof research environment at UHasselt.

01 July 2025 - 30 June 2029