Rega Institute for Medical Research

Research institute in Belgium

Rega Institute for Medical Research building

The Rega Institute for Medical Research is a prominent biomedical research institute located in Leuven, Belgium. It is part of the KU Leuven and is renowned for its contributions to the fields of virology, chemotherapy, and immunology. The institute was founded in 1954 by Pieter De Somer, a pioneering figure in Belgian medical research.

History

The Rega Institute was established in 1954, named after the Belgian physician Joseph Rega. The founding director, Pieter De Somer, was instrumental in setting the institute's research agenda, focusing on infectious diseases and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Over the decades, the institute has grown significantly, expanding its research scope and facilities.

Research Areas

The Rega Institute is organized into several research departments, each focusing on different aspects of medical science:

Virology

The virology department at the Rega Institute is internationally recognized for its work on HIV/AIDS, influenza, and other viral infections. Researchers in this department have made significant contributions to understanding viral pathogenesis and developing antiviral drugs.

Chemotherapy

The chemotherapy department focuses on the discovery and development of new drugs to treat infectious diseases. This includes the synthesis of novel compounds and the study of their mechanisms of action against various pathogens.

Immunology

The immunology department investigates the immune response to infections and the development of vaccines. This research is crucial for understanding how to enhance the body's natural defenses against diseases.

Facilities

The Rega Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. It provides an environment conducive to cutting-edge research and collaboration among scientists from various disciplines.

Rega Institute for Medical Research entrance

Collaborations

The institute collaborates with numerous international research organizations and universities. These collaborations enhance the institute's research capabilities and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Education and Training

As part of KU Leuven, the Rega Institute plays a vital role in the education and training of medical students and researchers. It offers various programs and workshops aimed at developing the next generation of scientists.

Related pages

• KU Leuven
• Pieter De Somer
• Virology
• Immunology
• Chemotherapy