Projects funded by Brussels

Cathena - Development of an innovative theragnostic nanoplatform for cancer diagnosis and therapy

The purpose of the Cathena project is to develop an innovative, modular nanoplatform for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It aims to create new bio/nanomedicine compounds with potential diagnostic and therapeutic properties, based on calix[4]arene-functionalised gold or silver nanoparticles.

ULB Supervisor: Maurice Retout - Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems

ECO-MUS - Muslims in Brussels: key players in the regional ecological transition

The ECO-MUS project explores the environmental commitment of Muslims in Brussels and their contribution to the environmental transition. By highlighting these often-overlooked initiatives, the project challenges certain stereotypes and analyses the motivations, resources and challenges faced by these players. Through a participatory and immersive approach, it also aims to promote more inclusive public policies and strengthen citizen participation in the fight against climate change.

ULB Supervisor: Corinne Torrekens - GERME

QBA - Qui bâtit (Who builds)? The role of migrant workers in the development of Brussels’ urban landscape and architecture

This research analyses the role of migrant workers in the development of Brussels, from the migration agreements concluded with Morocco and Turkey in the 1960s to the present day. Using the examples of the metro and the Quartier Nord, it examines how these workers contributed to the modernisation of the city, the conditions in which they lived and worked, and the impact these projects had on their life paths. It also scrutinises current practices within the sector with a view to promoting more ethical, inclusive and participatory urban development.

ULB Supervisor: Pauline Lefebvre - SASHA

BrusselAir

This project, led by ULB and VUB through their FARI AI for the Common Good Institute, aims to position Brussels as a capital of AI, data and robotics for the common good. The project will focus on the "Smart City/Region" theme of the ERDF, by facilitating the exchange of data in the Brussels-Capital Region. Its aim is to prepare public services, universities and, in some initiatives, local SMEs for IA, data and robotics. The products and processes developed with the ERDF's support will be able to address other themes like services to citizens, social sciences, business, health, mobility or construction.

ULB Supervisor: Gianluca Bontempi, Tom Lenaerts - Machine Learning Group (MLG) & Hugues Bersini - IRIDIA

BRUXSOMICS - an OMICS platform for Brussels

The BRUXSOMICS project aims to establish a proteomics and metabolomics platform in Brussels, alongside the existing Brightcore centre dedicated to genomics and transcriptomics. Led by the ULB-VUB collaboration, it will enable the analysis of proteins and metabolites in order to identify new biomarkers and improve disease diagnosis. This infrastructure will strengthen biomedical research capabilities and contribute to better patient care in Brussels’ hospitals.

ULB Supervisor: Pierre Van Antwerpen - APFP

Development of a digital tool to support shared medical decision-making and its application to RSV vaccination of older adults

The Primary Care Research Unit (URSP) and the European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology (EPIV) at ULB are joining forces to improve communication between general practitioners (GPs) and their patients on the subject of vaccination by jointly developing a free digital tool for shared decision-making to help GPs manage their patients in the context of vaccination.

The tool being developed will enable GPs to select the patients who would most benefit from vaccination, based on medical and socio-demographic criteria. It will also provide a user-friendly medium for optimal communication with patients, while guaranteeing personal data security and rights. The aim is to increase empowerment and satisfaction among patients, thus improving their quality of life. In addition, this tool aims to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage among older adults to protect against serious forms of RSV infection, and to help healthcare systems by reducing hospital admissions, morbidity and mortality, and medical costs. Partner: Cocom.

ULB Supervisor: Anne Op De Beeck - European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology (EPIV) & Céline Mahieu - Unité de Recherche en Soins Primaires (URSP)

DiaBXL - Stem cells for diabetes therapy in Brussels

DiaBXL is a collaborative project bringing together the ULB, UCLouvain and the VUB to develop a state-of-the-art stem cell-based infrastructure in Brussels, with the aim of accelerating research and innovative therapies for diabetes. It involves the creation of platforms for cell reprogramming, drug screening and the transplantation of insulin-producing cells. By strengthening regional scientific capabilities, DiaBXL aims to make Brussels an international centre of excellence in regenerative medicine for diabetes.

ULB Supervisor: Miriam Cnop - Center for Diabetes Research

FABRIC.brussels

In partnership with the ULB and the VUB, the FABRIC project (FARI Brussels Robots & AI by the City) aims to provide Brussels with a platform dedicated to robotics, artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. It involves the acquisition of equipment, the creation of testing facilities and the development of a sensor network to support regional innovation. By promoting access to these technologies for public, private, academic and educational stakeholders, FABRIC contributes to a more sustainable, inclusive, connected and technologically resilient city.

ULB Supervisor: Tom Lenaerts - FARI

H3 Lab - H3, Hydrogen and Heat lab

This project aims to enable ULB and VUB to create a research platform – the only one of its kind in Europe – dedicated to hydrogen, energy storage, heating networks and their integration with electricity grids. Equipped with pilot-scale facilities (solar panels, an electrolyser, H₂ storage, batteries, heat pumps, turbine and hydrogen engine), it will enable the testing of innovative solutions, the generation of large-scale data, the training of tomorrow’s professionals and the fostering of a sustainable and socially fair energy transition in the Brussels Region.

ULB Supervisor: Axel Coussement - ATM

LiMiF - A multiphoton and FLIM microscope for LiMiF

The project aims to strengthen the LiMiF photonic imaging platform (ULB) by acquiring a state-of-the-art microscope (MPX) for advanced 2D and 3D imaging of cells and organoids. This infrastructure supports the development of alternatives to animal testing and enhances biomedical research capabilities. The project builds on co-funding already secured for maintenance, data storage and laboratory equipment, in order to provide researchers with innovative and high-performance imaging tools.

ULB Supervisor: Jean-Marie Vanderwinden - LiMiF

MEG4BXL - A unique tool for exploring the dynamics of human brain function and improving the diagnosis of brain disorders

This project aims to acquire a new-generation portable magnetoencephalography (MEG) system based on 64 optically pumped magnetometers (192 channels), enabling high-precision brain recordings in children and adults. The infrastructure will also include an optimised magnetically shielded room, equipped with advanced magnetic field compensation systems. This innovative technology will provide more flexible and high-performance brain measurements, tailored to neuroscience research.

ULB Supervisor: Xavier De Tiege - Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC)

ONCO.CARE - Personalised, integrated survivorship programme in oncology

The ONCO.CARE project aims to develop an integrated and personalised survivorship programme for adult patients at the end of their oncology treatments in the Brussels-Capital Region. In concrete terms, in order to support the development of a coherent approach, the programme is patient-focused and will serve three fundamental pillars: clinical care, patient well-being and research. ONCO.CARE aims to support various survivorship research projects by taking a cooperative and co-creative approach with players in the Brussels cancer ecosystem, based on their needs and priorities, including vulnerable groups (patients and their families, healthcare professionals and local players). The aim is to build a personalised programme that includes specific themes relating to adverse effects and patients' unmet needs after the acute phase of their cancer treatment. Partners: VUB, UZBrussels, Sciensano, Jules Bordet Institute, Patient Expert Center.

ULB Supervisor: Pôle Santé

VaccInAble - Development of a digital tool to support shared medical decision-making and its application in the context of RSV vaccination for older people

This project aims to improve vaccination uptake amongst older people, particularly against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), through a digital decision-support tool designed for general practitioners. Developed by ULB, it will help identify the patients most at risk and facilitate the doctor-patient dialogue regarding vaccination. The aim is to improve vaccination coverage and patient autonomy, and to reduce hospitalisations, complications and healthcare costs associated with severe infections.

ULB Supervisor: Anne Op de beeck - EPIV

B-Ersilia - Exploring visions of culture for Brussels based on the Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 project

A partnership between ULB and UCLouvain, the B-Ersilia project is developing a prospective and participatory approach to envision the role of culture in Brussels by 2040. Drawing on field surveys, workshops and a broad consultation process centred on Brussels’ bid for 2030, it analyses emerging dynamics, opportunities and challenges. The research brings together cultural stakeholders, citizens and institutions to develop scenarios for a more inclusive, innovative and socially engaged city.

ULB Supervisor: Pierre Lannoy - METICES

FiTraBru - Financing the low-carbon transition in Brussels: Exploration and scenario analysis

This project examines the financing of the low-carbon transition in Brussels within the building and transport sectors, which are the main emitters of greenhouse gases. It aims to estimate financial requirements, assess available financing mechanisms and analyse their impact on social justice. Through a participatory and prospective approach involving experts, citizens and decision-makers, it will identify scenarios and levers for action to accelerate a fair climate transition by 2050.

ULB Supervisor: Marek Hudon - CEESE

FADING SUN - Fast AI-driven Dry EEG System for the Identification of Nonconvonvulsive Seizures in Unconscious patients

This project, led by ULB and VUB, aims to design a new approach for the diagnosis and prediction of nonconvulsive (i.e. without obvious clinical manifestations) seizures and status epilepticus in acutely ill unconscious patients. Both are infrequent yet well-described emergencies, which are nonetheless difficult to detect. This project aims to remedy the limitations of current diagnostics by laying the hardware and software foundations for a rapid, easy-to-use diagnostic system that could provide accurate diagnostic information 24/7 at the bedside, without the need for experienced staff, thereby reducing costs. Partners: ULB - Bio- Electro- And Mechanical Systems (BEAMS), VUB - AI Lab, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, CHU Brugmann, Brussels Medical Device Center (BDMC).

ULB Supervisor: Nicolas Gaspard - Laboratoire de Neurologie Expérimentale

MImPG - Metropolitan Internet meets Post Growth

This project aims to explore the opportunities for post-growth metropolitan Internet access to reduce the environmental impact of digital technologies. Inspired by Kate Raworth's Doughnut economics, it seeks to strike a balance between socio-economic needs and ecological limits. To reduce the energy demands and environmental footprint of Internet infrastructure, the project focuses on the evolution of data traffic and the associated rebound effects. The research hypothesis is that data traffic must be treated as a limited resource, allocated fairly. The project introduces the concept of the frugal Internet, whereby the expansion of infrastructure is reduced and the existing equipment is used for longer. The main challenges include societal acceptance, network neutrality, equitable access, security, and the reliability of ageing equipment. The project is divided into two parts: a societal and governance study in Brussels, and a technical study on the trade-off between privacy and long-term security in 5G services. The results will provide Belgian Internet service providers with an assessment of post-growth concepts for future connectivity, their societal acceptance, technical challenges, and expected environmental impacts. Partner: UCLouvain.

ULB Supervisor: Jan Tobias Mühlberg - Embedded Systems Design & Security

SDM - Sufficiency & Data Minimization

In the digital age, data is compared to gold, but this "datafication" increases costs in terms of computing power and hardware, while posing problems of security and confidentiality. To overcome this obstacle to sustainable development, this project explores data sufficiency, with the aim of minimising the volumes of data processed. It focuses on three innovative techniques: Trusted Computing technology, zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and data signals for machine learning. The project will develop a secure execution platform and a framework for the use of ZKPs, and will improve data sufficiency in AI models. Two use cases will be examined: identity management and e-governance, along with data analysis for business pattern recognition. The project will collaborate with three mentor businesses to apply the technologies developed, aiming to provide sustainable and privacy-friendly online services in the Brussels-Capital Region.

ULB Supervisor: Jan Tobias Mühlberg - Embedded Systems Design & Security

FARI - Institut d'intelligence artificielle pour le bien commun - The aim of this interfaculty institute and Joint Research Group is to enable, promote and perform excellent cross-disciplinary research on Artificial Intelligence, Data and Robotics in Brussels, inspired by the humanistic values of freedom, equality and solidarity that lay at the foundations of both the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), internationally acclaimed and with a local impact. FARI encompasses 300 researchers and 10 laboratories.

SustAIn.brussels is a Digital Innovation Hub set up with the support of the European Commission, Innoviris and hub.brussels. It serves as a single point of access to sustainable and digital innovation in Brussels with a focus on AI and other emerging technologies. Its coordination is done by Sirris, Agoria, BeCentral, VUB and ULB.. 


              
 

Looking for more information about these funding programmes? Contact ULB Knowledge Transfer Office (ULB-KTO):

ulbkto@ulb.be