Vrije Universiteit Brussel. IOF Knowledge Center. Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF) Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Faculty of Engineering

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1 IOF Knowledge Center Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF) In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords surface engineering, electrochemical processing, surface characterisation, functional surface properties, corrosion, electrochemical process modeling, functional modeling Main objectives The main research activities of the fully integrated SURF research group are built around 5 cross-linked research domains: electrochemical engineering, electrochemical modeling, corrosion technology, surface engineering and surface characterization. The unique combination of expertise in electrochemical methods, computational software (for process simulation) and in-situ & ex-situ surface analytical techniques promotes a multidisciplinary focus in each of these research domains. Faculty of Engineering Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Annick HUBIN [E] anhubin@vub.ac.be Scientific contact: Herman Terryn hterryn@vub.ac.be Johan Deconinck jdeconin@vub.ac.be Iris De Graeve idgraeve@vub.ac.be Els Tourwé etourwe@vub.ac.be GROUP SURF: 44 team members Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

2 Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF) Electrochemical engineering covers the area of controlled electrochemical processes (such as electrolysis) as well as the study of unintended electrochemical processes, such as corrosion. Surface engineering is aimed at the development and optimization of processes to perform dedicated surface treatments. An important link here is the ability to make functional materials, for example self-healing coatings. SURF s approach to both the fundamental and the application driven aspects is combining experimental and modeling techniques. Experimental techniques are oriented towards surface characterisation, in-situ and ex-situ, and electrochemical analysis. Modeling means development of simulation and prediction models and numerical tools to handle the mathematics. Strategic and applied research Dimension downscaling to nanometer resolution Our state of the art lab infrastructure allows the analysis and manipulation of material surfaces on the very localized, submicron and nano-technological scale. Multifunctional metals Controlled surface modifications to create a unique combination of functional properties are the next generation of processes for metals. Our metal surface research is directed towards mechanical properties, corrosion, adhesion, combined with additional functionalities such as appearance, biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, self-healing etc. Process and technique modeling Quantitative modeling of processes and electrochemical reactors is aimed at optimization of production techniques, prediction of durability of materials (corrosion), and saving energy. Emerging topics are e.g. fuel cell design and electrochemistry in microfluidic applications. Technique modeling is developed to maximize the interpretation of experimental data and to extract reliable parameters as input for process and functional modeling. An example is the technique of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) where a new data collection technique was implemented to optimize the reliability of the parameter extraction. Functional modeling Functional modeling means the prediction of the physical properties of the materials. The ultimate goal is to be able to modify on demand different material properties. Active areas of research are corrosion modeling and optical appearance modeling of modified surfaces. Equipment & Infrastructure SURF is in the unique position of having an advanced technological infrastructure and electrochemical software/modeling tools. Complementary electrochemical methods: impedance spectroscopy, stationary and non stationary methods, reactors (e.g. rotating disc, wall jet reactor, parallel flow reactor) In-situ & ex-situ surface analysis: vacuum techniques (FEG- SEM, FEG-AES, XPS), in-situ optical techniques (Spectroscopic Ellipsometry visual and infrared, Confocal Raman Spectroscopy) and in-situ local techniques ( AFM-STM) Electrochemical modeling: numerical software for macro, meso & micro scale systems, dedicated fitting tools based on maximum likelihood estimator Research collaboration Intra-university Close collaboration with many scientific research groups of the faculty of Engineering, the faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences and others. Strategic collaboration with Technological Entrepreneurship of the VUB Inter-university & research centres Strategic alliance with the Metals Science and Technology (MST) research group of University of Ghent in the interuniversity research group Materials and Surface Science & Engineering (MASS). SURF has important collaborations (non exhaustive) with: Center of Excellence in Surface Technology and Materials (CEST) Austria; Chalmers University Sweden; Institute of Physical Chemistry Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IPCBAS); Instituto Superior Tecnico Technical University of Lisbon (ICEMS); Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum (IMEC); Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Universiteit Antwerpen; University of Birmingham UK; University of Bourgogne France; Universitatea Tehnica Cluj-Napoca Romania; Universiteit Gent; Université Libre de Bruxelles; University of Paderborn Germany; Materials Innovations Institute (M2i) at TU Delft; Max Planck Institute MPEI Düsseldorf; Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA); VITO; von Karman Institute; Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) Poland. Industrial partners Afga Gevaert, Aleris, ArcelorMittal/OCAS, Asco, BASF, Bekaert, Bodycote, Chemetall, Coil, Cormet Testing Systems, Corus, EADS/Airbus, Elsyca, FLAMAC, Henkel, Hydro, Infineon Technologies, SEZ AG (division of Lam Research Corporation), Technikon, Umicore. Networks SURF participates in various networks: - EATP European Aluminium Technology Platform of the European Aluminium Association - HERCULES project network: High technological multidiciplinary analysis center of the University Association Brussels - IWT: virtual helpdesk for surface analysis - Scientific Research Communities of FWO Flanders on Structural and chemical characterisation of Materials at the Micro- and Nanometre Scale, on Surface modification, and on tuning the functional properties of nano-particles and nano-wires - SIM: Strategic Initiative Materials; steering committee member - International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) - SIRRIS, the collective centre of the Belgian technological industry VUB Spin-off Elsyca NV (1997) - specialised in modeling, simulating and optimising of electrochemical processes 06-10

3 IOF Knowledge Center Mechanical Engineering (MECH) In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords mechanics, acoustics, vibration, thermodynamics, fluidics, robotics, multibody systems Main objectives The department of Mechanical Engineering exists of three research groups: Acoustics & Vibration Research Group (AVRG) Robotics and Multibody Mechanics (R&MM) Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics (THFL) The main goal of the AVRG group is to conduct fundamental and applied research in the broad field of Acoustics & Vibration, with special emphasis on signal processing and system identification. The acoustical research is focused on noise power Faculty of Engineering Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) or [F] +32 (0) Head & scientific contact: Dirk LEFEBER [E] dlefeber@vub.ac.be Business contact: Jacques Langhendries [E] jacques.langhendries@vub.ac.be GROUP MECH: 62 researchers (incl. technicians) Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

4 Mechanical Engineering (MECH) characterization of combustion engines, numerical calculation of sound radiating from ducts and sound quality of exhaust systems. The research in the field of vibration is mainly concentrated on experimental and operational modal analysis, in which the Group has a worldwide recognized expertise The R&MM team s central goal is to conduct fundamental and applied research in the broad field of robotics and multibody mechanics. The group s special emphasis is the development of complex mechatronic systems such as lightweight actuation systems with adaptable compliance, a bipedal robot, a robotic assistant arm, actuated rehabilitation devices, and social robots. The THFL group is mainly active in the fields of Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD), Experimental Fluid Mechanics, (Renewable) Energy, Turbulence and Combustion. CFD has been in development for 30 years and benefits from a worldwide recognition. Activity in thermodynamics is focused on energy production from advanced thermal cycles and from renewable energies (biomass and wind) with several test facilities (two gas turbines, biomass combustor). Fundamental work in the field of combustion aims at the development of combustion kinetic models. The group is involved in different energy management projects (government, expert groups, power producers). Strategic and applied research with economic value The PolyMAX modal parameter estimator (in collaboration with LMS International): a breakthrough in Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) has been achieved. The OMAX concept : an advanced PolyMAX approach. Design of light-weight high-force dynamic actuators with pneumatic artificial muscles for fatigue testing (safety critical airplane components; this technology could be used to excited e.g. large structures such as bridges for experimental modal analysis). Automatic Structural Health Monitoring systems, which can continuously and autonomous monitor defects of structural systems (as for example oil drilling platforms). Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) : actuator for rehabilitation devices, robots in direct contact with operator,. MACCEPA (The Mechanically Adjustable Compliance and Controllable Equilibrium Position Actuator) : articulated joint. In future robotic applications and rehabilitation devices, the use of soft actuators is a promising innovation. It contributes to safety and to wearability of the device. (Patent ) ALTACRO (Automated Locomotion Training using an Actuated Compliant Robotic Orthosis). The ALTACRO-project focuses on improved mobility for patients and assistance for therapists, thanks to an automated locomotion therapy with a step rehabilitation robotic orthosis powered by biologically inspired lightweight pleated pneumatic artificial muscles with inherent adaptable compliance. System and Method for Simulating Motion of a Multibody System: real-time virtual prototyping is a powerful engineering tool of the future. (Patent WO2006/012709) Apparatus comprising rolling surfaces shows that a hyperboloid can roll without slipping on a helicoidal ruled surface (Patent ). A joint in an orthosis is often designed as a 1 DOF joint (e.g. knee joint), while the real joint has a complex 3D movement. The patent has potential to be used as a tool to realise a more complex joint for an orthosis and as such impose a more natural movement of the ligament. AMP-foot (Intelligent transtibial prosthesis actuated by Pleated Pneumatic Artificial Muscles): to improve the gait pattern of transtibial amputees and try to let their pattern evolve in a more efficient manner by developing an intelligent prosthesis. (Patent application ref LRD-GB-6321, ism KUL). Probo : intelligent huggy robot that interacts with long-term hospitalised children. Process for the replacement of a limited part of natural gas by renewable energy in gas turbine plants (Patent WO2006/060883). Detailed combustion kinetic model : applicable in many industrial applications, going from safety to pollutant emissions. It can lead to reduced combustion mechanisms applicable in open CFD codes. System Perturbation Analysis (SPA) : new methodology for evaluation of the impact of renewable energy application inside a given system. CFD: New, accurate schemes and solvers for Computational Aerocacoustics and Combustion (CAC) CFD: Simulation of biological flows: to study and to improve the efficiency of aerosol therapy, a topic in which pharmaceutical industry is highly interested in. Wind energy: development of software codes for design and analysis of wind turbines (NUMECA) Development of design tools for reduction of aerodynamic noise in confined flows (ARN) (NUMECA, LMS, von Karman Institute) NODESIM: developed software tool, based on a polynomial chaos method, which simulates the impact of velocity and flight angle of an airplane movement (NUMECA). FWHA : software to measure sounds th the far field usin the Ffowcs-Williams-Hawking Analogy (NUMECA). TBM Biological Flows : the development of a software to help lung surgeons to predict the effect of thoracic surgery on the post-operative functional behavior of lungs. Equipment & Infrastructure 2 Subsonic Windtunnels Anechoic Acoustic Room Polytec Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer IST Hydraulic Test Rigs LMS Scadas-III Front-End Combustion Engine Test Rig Research collaboration Inter-university & research centres von Karman, KUL, RUG, UA, ULB, UCL, Delft University, IIT Industrial partners SUEZ-ELECTRABEL, ASCO, AIB VINCOTTE, NUMECA, AIRBUS, DASSAULT, LMS, 3E Engineering VUB Spin-off NUMECA Int. NV the expertise and know how of the THFL team has led to the creation of a spin-off company with a worldwide reputation in the simulation, design and optimization of fluid flows and heat transfers

5 IOF Knowledge Center Applied Physics and Photonics (TONA) In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords photons, photonics engineering, micro-optics, datacommunication, biophotonics, Bragg-Grating-enhanced Photonic Crystal Fibres (BG-PCFs), nonlinear optics, radiation, micro-lasers Main objectives Photonics, the Science-and-Technology-to-Harness-Light, is a discipline that involves fundamental research on photons, on light-matter interactions, and on the development of novel technologies and applications based on the unique properties of light. Research at TONA is structured in 7 research teams, each lead by a senior researcher. The 7 teams, each about 3 to 6 researchers strong, are the optical design team, the instrumentation and metrology team, the micro-optics fabrication team, the micro-laser team, the optical interconnect team, the micro-optical fibre sensor team, and the team for photonics in radiation and space environments. Faculty of Engineering Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Hugo THIIENPONT [E] hthienpo@vub.ac.be Scientific contact: Heidi OTTEVAERE [T] +32 (0) [E] hottevaere@tona.vub.ac.be Group TONA: 50 team members Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

6 Applied Physics and Photonics (TONA) Strategic and applied research Today TONA is one of the leading groups in the fascinating world of micro-photonics: a world and work area with numerous research challenges and countless valorisation opportunities. Microphotonics is a generic technology that allows the manipulation of light and the management of photons with micron and submicron scale structures, components and devices. Micro-photonics is recognized as the key-link between optics and nano-electronics, the two dominant information technologies in tomorrow s society. Micro-photonics enables a wealth of industrial applications in the domains of information processing, data storage, display and printing technology, data- and tele-communications, health care and medicine, biotechnology, defence and security, automobile, lighting, sensing and measurement, and many more. Micro-photonic processing technologies are currently being adapted to a wide variety of specialty optical materials such as plastics, polymers, semiconductors, sol-gels and doped glasses. The application of these modified materials permits to widen the field of photonic functionalities to virtually any region of the optical spectrum and beyond, such that a wealth of novel optical and photonic applications can be realised. At the same time microphotonic processing technologies are being made compatible with scalable industrial mass manufacturing and replication techniques. As such, micro-optic technologies can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and large-scale companies through low-cost fabrication of photonic-based products, fully in line with the global trend of extreme micro miniaturization. This ensures an attractive route for the transfer of knowledge and technological know-how from university to industry, and enables the durable embedding of novel photonic functionalities in a myriad of novel products. Equipment & Infrastructure The research teams within TONA have access to 5 distinct photonic research and technology platforms: the general photonics laboratories platform, which consists of photonics research labs which feature state-of-the-art highprecision optical and opto-mechanical components, optoelectronic and photonic measurement equipment, lasers, and a variety of high-end optical sources a broad spectral laser system, which consists of a combination of high-end scientific-grade laser sources a powerful computer cluster equipped with a variety of professional modelling software to support optical modelling and photonic design efforts a unique rapid prototyping technology for the fabrication of high aspect ratio plastic micro-optical components, based on Deep Proton Writing: it is set up around TONA s large-scale ion accelerator facility, the same facility is used to investigate the behaviour of optical materials and microphotonic components in radiation environments the micro-optical measurement and nano-instrumentation facility, which hosts a unique collection of high-end instrumentation for the quantitative characterization of photonic micro- and nano-components and structures, under clean room conditions Today TONA can make use of the following unique measurement instruments all accomodated in a class 100 cleanroom to characterize optical materials and photonic demonstrators: Wyko non-contact optical profilometer for measuring the geometrical characteristics and surface roughnesses of microoptical and micro-mechanical components Atomic force microscope for measuring surface roughnesses and geometrical dimensions of nano- and micro-structures Dektak stylus profilometer for determining geometrical characteristics and surface roughnesses of micro-optical and micro-mechanical components Twyman-Green interferometer for measuring the sphericity and the radius of curvature of microlenses Mach-Zehnder interferometer for the optical characterization of microlenses Carl Zeiss microscopes for visual inspection of micro-optical components Scatterometer for measuring the light scattering profile in reflection and transmission Instrumentation for optical fiber characterization (optical spectrumanalyzer, polarisation analyzer, tunable lasers...) Integrating sphere and optical spectrum analyzer for chracterizing optical sources. Research collaboration Intra-university Chemical Engineering Techniques, Applied Mechanics, Metallurgy, Stomatology, Art Science and Archeology, Immunology and Microbiology, Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Chemistry Department. Inter-university & research centres Photonics Integration and Packaging Group of the UGent, Interuniversity Attraction Pole Photonics@be (UGent - Université Libre de Bruxelles - Faculté Polytechnique de Mons). At the international level TONA has privileged collaborations with Stanford University and with the Sandia National Laboratories. Currently TONA is expanding its network of strategic partners by exploring collaborative research opportunities with photonic research institutes or networks in South Korea, in Australia, in Canada, the US and Japan. Industrial partners Fujitsu, Polish Telecom, NIPPON Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (NTT), Punch Graphix International, Umicore, Anteryon, Tyco Int., Barco, Melexis, Agfa, Intel, Philips, ICOS, FOS&S. Networks At the European level TONA is coordinating a Network of Excellence in Micro-Optics and is as such structuring and integrating the fragmented landscape of micro-optics in intensive collaboration with 30 European laboratories (see It also is a vice-coordinator of the Network of Excellence on Biophotonics Photonics for Life (

7 IOF Knowledge Center Electronics and Informatics (ETRO) In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords Micro-electronics, Opto-electronics, Millimeter and THz waves, Analog circuit design, Living systems, Multidimensional signal processing, Image reconstruction, Inverse problems, Data visualization, Image & video coding, Multimedia forensics, System complexity and power consumption, Embedded systems, Computer architectures, Communication networks, Image processing, Computer vision, Medical and biological imaging, e-health, Personalized health systems, Speech processing, Audio processing, Audiovisual signal processing, Multimedia representation - ETRO Faculty of Engineering Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium [W] [T secr] +32 (0) Head: Roger VOUNCKX (ETRO) Jan CORNELIS (IOF) [E] rvounckx@etro.vub.ac.be jpcornel@etro.vub.ac.be [T] +32 (0) (0) [Mobile] +32 (0) (0) GROUP ETRO: 101 full time team members Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

8 Electronics and Informatics (ETRO) Main objectives Crossing boundaries with visionary electronics & ICT Staying ahead of the obvious R&D tendencies Creating impact on the transformation processes of the knowledge society Finding inspiration in the unexplored engineering bottlenecks at the interface of various application domains Participating in various application value chains through collaboration with industry, public services, and hospitals Developing a generic R&D background applicable in diverse sectors (e.g. health care, automotive, media, surveillance, security, public safety, remote sensing, energy, telecommunications, content industry, creative industries, ) Collaborating between the 3 research groups - Microelectronics (LAMI), Multidimensional signal processing and communication (IRIS) and Digital Speech and Audio Processing (DSSP) - leads to... making sense of audio, video, hyper-dimensional signals & sensors for various sectors delivering unique value through multi-disciplinary engineering and through demand-driven and fundamental research beyond mainstream Multidisciplinary strategic and applied research Area 1: Combined physical image generation and image processing for superior imaging systems (LAMI and IRIS) 2D/3D imaging & 3D cameras mm-wave & THz sensing Area 2: Audiovisual signal processing for man-machine communication (IRIS & DSSP) Audiovisual interaction in multimodal communications Audiovisual emotion and gesture analysis & synthesis Source localization and tracking in audiovisual scenes Area 3: ICT Systems and applications based on wired/wireless communication on broadband networks and adhoc sensor networks (IRIS) Digital watermarking for quality testing and content filtering 3D visualization and coding Wireless communication and applications Potentially applicable and transferable know how with economic value Broad scale of 2D/3D imaging HW/SW expertise Fundamentally new insights into using mm-waves to scan objects Medical imaging and analysis expertise, e.g. in dental imagery, mammogram analysis, multimodal data fusion for various applications e-health: personalized health systems, e.g. interpretation of behavioral and physiological characteristics of monitored senior citizens at home Audiovisual signal processing expertise - Automatic dialogue replacement - Audio-visual text-to-speech synthesis - Audio-visual mental state estimation Unique video codec technology, e.g. using block-motion estimation techniques (OBMEC) A comprehensive encoder and decoder implementation of the JPEG 2000 part 1 (Core coding system) and part 10 (JP3D, coding of volumetric data) standards ( Improved laser modulator design based on a patented Transverse Laser Mode Switching principle Equipment & Infrastructure A state-of-the-art audiovisual recording studio (Nosey Elephant Studio) Four measurement labs: - 3D-lab: 2D and 3D camera calibration - AVLab, an experimental audiovisual lab - VQT-Lab, visual quality testing such as performed for the JPEG XR standardization - Lab equipped with unique quasi-optical vector network analyzer, operating in the 40 to 660 GHz range, with extension potential up to 2 THz ibrussels Living Lab: a Campus-wide test bench for the development of applications and services based on wireless communication technology, including technology and user studies ( Research collaboration More than 50 academic cooperation agreements spread over 25 countries Joint laboratory with NWPU in Xi an (China) on AudioVisual Signal Processing (AVSP), an UZ antenna in the University Hospital Brussel, an interfaculty research group on Computational Mathematics (CAMP) Network of more than 100 Industrial partners (e.g. Alcatel Bell, Barco, IBM, Agfa, Microsoft, Philips, Siemens, Televic,...) Close cooperation with various Belgian research centers and institutes (we are an associated lab of IMEC, we are co-founder and partner in IBBT and INTEL s Exascience Lab, and we collaborate with many other R&D institutes, competence poles and strategic research centers,...) Joint research with various departments at the VUB (such as APNA, CGIS, DINF, HYDR, MECH, SMIT, ) Cooperation with all the major Belgian universities (UCL, UGent, ULB, UA, KUL, LUC,...) Active in various networks and standardization committees (such as BELASNET, IEE, IET, JPEG, MPEG, SPIE, NEWFOCUS, DSP Valley, ITU-T, Agoria, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29,...) ETRO spin-offs Optrima NV - leader in hardware for 3D gesture interfaces ( Eqcologic - equalizers for communication, low power and general-purpose integrated circuits ( Universum Digitalis (UD) - customized solutions for data management and distribution (

9 IOF Knowledge Center Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT) of the Department of Immunology-Physiology In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords immunotherapy translational research malignant melanoma denditric cells cancer HIV treatment Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Laarbeeklaan 103 B-1090 Brussels Belgium [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Kris THIELEMANS [E] kris.thielemans@vub.ac.be Scientific contact: Aude Bonehill [E] aude.bonehill@vub.ac.be GROUP LMCT: 15 researchers Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

10 +!#,(#$%&$*-!.*,&#$-/.0*1/"! " # $ % & ' ( & # ) *%#$% Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy Main objectives The LMCT has a long-term interest in the immunobiology of antigen presenting cells (dendritic cells) and experience in immunotherapy (going back to a fruitful collaboration and link with the Stanford University). The group has developed in vitro systems for the large scale production of clinical grade dendritic cells (DC). In order to produce optimal DC-based therapeutic vaccines, the group has optimized the genetic modification of DC by electroporation with in vitro synthesized mrna and lentiviral vectors. Manipulation of the mrna or cdna encoding the antigens of interest ensures an optimal presentation of antigenic epitopes by both HLA class I and class II molecular complexes. Strategic and applied research Objectives of our research activities and ongoing projects are: 1) Understanding the immunobiology of murine and human dendritic cells using a wide variety of up-to-date technologies (si-rnas,sh-rnas and micro-rnas, messenger RNA, lentiviral and retroviral transduction of dendritic cells, in vivo real time imaging studies, ). 2) Optimization of immunization protocols with selected effectordendritic cell; in vitro and in preclinical murine tumor models and in SCID/NOD mice reconstituted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cancer patients and autologous monocyte-derived DC. These data provide the scientific base to optimize the strategies used for clinical pilot studies. 3) GMP production of clinical grade and GMP mrna to be used for the electroporation of DC and novel immunization strategies. 4) Preparation of clinical study protocols for clinical pilot studies using DC either loaded with peptide epitopes or electroporated with defined tumor antigen encoding mrna or HIV antigens. 5) Clinical pilot-trials using multiple peptides or mrna and addressing critical parameters such as effector-type of DCs, frequency of immunization, dose of DCs, combination with modalities targeting suppressive regulatory T cells (e.g. passive therapy with anti-il-2 receptor antibodies, with IL-2-toxine therapy, with neutralizing anti-tgf antibodies) in cancer and HIV. Potentially applicable and transferable know how with economic value The main focus and interest of the LMCT are the development of innovative strategies for the treatment of cancer and HIV. Equipment & Infrastructure The total surface area of the LMCT is +/- 720m2. The LMCT has a fully equipped clean room facility for the production of clinical grade cellular vaccines according to the current criteria of GLP/GMP. A GMP-mRNA production facility is under construction. The group is the coordinating laboratory and the principal investigator of several phase I/II clinical pilot studies of DC-based vaccines for the treatment of cancer patients and HIV infected individuals. Two BL-2 and a BL-3 laboratory have been incorporated in the LMCT infrastructure in These BL-2/3 laboratories are also fully equipped with biosafety cabinets, CO 2 incubators, table-top centrifuges, an ultracentrifuge, etc. Research collaboration Intra-university The LMCT is located on the Life Science Campus of the VUB and is associated with the Medical School and the University Hospital UZ Brussel. Kris Thielemans has a dual appointment in both Medical School and in the University Hospital. To optimize the transfer of the translational research activities a HIV-Cell therapy unit and a Cancer-Cell Therapy Unit have been established with the clinical scientists of the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology. Inter-university & research centres - Stanford University Medical School - The group has a long-lasting collaboration with experts in the field of DC biology in EU and the US and participates in several international programs funded by the EU. Networks The LMCT is the coordinator of a FWO-V funded Belgian Scientific Network on Dendritic Cell Biology. Spin-off s The research group was co-founder of the spin-off BruCells NV/SA. Technology Offer(s) Enhancing the T-cell stimulatory capacity of human dendritic cells and their use in cancer vaccination (patent pending) inventors: Kris Thielemans, Aude Bonehill!"#$%&'($&) "*$+&,

11 IOF Knowledge Center Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology - IMDO In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords Food fermentation, lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, staphylococci, modeling, gut health, probiotics, prebiotics Faculty of Sciences and Bio-Engineering Sciences Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Luc DE VUYST [E] ldvuyst@vub.ac.be Scientific contact: Frédéric LEROY [E] fleroy@vub.ac.be GROUP IMDO: 20 people Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

12 Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology - IMDO Main objectives IMDO s central research mission is Research and Development for a Healthy Diet through the study of the whole of microbial factors that influence (fermented) food quality, in particular with respect to starter cultures (and adjunct- or co-cultures, including bioprotective cultures) and gut health. In general, IMDO s research focuses on (i) the species diversity, population dynamics, and metabolomics of traditional fermented food processes and products (milk, meat, cereal, vegetable and fruit, cocoa bean, and sour beer fermentations); (ii) the microbial physiology, fermentation aspects, and modelling of functional starter cultures [lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS)]; and (iii) the human colon fermentation process with respect to probiotics (antimicrobial potential of bifidobacteria and LAB) and prebiotics (bifidogenic and butyrogenic effects, and gas production by lactate/acetate-converting butyrate-producing colon bacteria). Strategic and applied research The establishment of IMDO meant the actual start of research in food biotechnology at the VUB. It is nowadays one of the strategic research centers of the university s research in applied biological sciences (IMDO has been selected as one of VUB s cornerstones for industrial research funding, a so-called IOF pillar). The research group IMDO conquered a very specific niche in the field of industrial food biotechnology in Flanders and abroad, i.e., the qualitative (species diversity, population dynamics, metabolomics) and quantitative (microbial growth and product formation, metabolite target analyses, mathematical modelling) study of starter cultures, in particular LAB, with interesting functionalities [production of antimicrobials, exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, flavour (precursor) formation, health properties], within the area of food microbiology and food fermentations, in particular regarding the relationship between food safety, food quality, and human health. Due to its realizations in fundamental academic research, using the most advanced methods, with the ambition to obtain application-based deliverables on the mid-term, and its industrial cooperation and technology transfer potential, IMDO is nowadays a worldwide key player in food biotechnology research, witnessed by its scientific output and collaborations. IMDO studies microorganisms involved in traditional fermented foods and beverages as well as health-promoting microorganisms of the human colon fermentation process. To improve the naturalness and quality of the human diet, functional metabolites (for instance to replace chemical food preservatives, food texturizers, flavour enhancers, etc., and to promote human health), functional starter cultures (to enhance the safety, organoleptic properties, and authenticity of fermented foods and to increase industry s innovation and diversification potential), and functional foods (pro-, pre-, and synbiotics) are part of the strategic and applied research projects of IMDO. The practical expertises of the research group IMDO include purification and characterization of bacteriocins and exopolysaccharides, extracellular flux analysis of bacterial fermentations through quantitative chromatography and mass spectrometry, modelling of fermentations including predictive modelling of the functional behaviour of microorganisms, and species diversity and targeted metabolite analysis studies of microbial ecosystems including phenotypic and genotypic identification of isolates, culture-independent analyses (PCR- DGGE, real-time PCR, microarray analysis, metagenomics), and metabolomics. Hence, IMDO occupies a unique pole in industrial food biotechnology research, in particular with respect to starter cultures for food fermentation processes, in that it possesses the competences to combine field experiments, isolations, identifications, functionality studies (focusing on quantitative analyses and including modelling expertise), and applications in one laboratory facility, which gives the research group a particular competitive advantage and freedom to operate. Potentially applicable and transferable know how with economic value Starter culture strains for the dairy, meat, bakery, and vegetable sectors Technology Offer(s) Yoghurt production method Production of starter cultures Equipment & Infrastructure Basic microbiology and molecular biology equipment, extended computer-controlled fermentor park with a broad range of side-devices, extended fermentation analysis platform for quantitative chromatography and mass spectrometry. Research collaboration Inter-university & research centres Flemish Research Consortium on Fermented Foods and Beverages Collaboration with industrial partners Networks Flanders' FOOD, Food2Know, 'KMO-portefeuille' 05-10

13 IOF Knowledge Center Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry - CHIS In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords Separation processes, adsorption, chromatography, industrial chemistry Faculty of Engineering Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Gert DESMET [E] gedesmet@vub.ac.be Scientific contact: Joeri DENAYER [E] joeri.denayer@vub.ac.be GROUP CHIS: 29 people Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

14 Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry - CHIS Main objectives CHIS is currently conducting both fundamental and applied research on two key separation technologies, adsorption and chromatography. This research addresses all scales, ranging from the investigation of the processes at the molecular scale all the way up to the development of industrial scale production processes, always combining both theory and experiment and putting large emphasis on process modeling and separation. In separation technology CHIS takes a unique and leading position among the different chemical engineering groups in Flanders. Separation processes are indispensable in the complete production and life cycle of any given chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological or food product, and make up the majority of the processes run in any chemical production plant. With the growing interest in cleaner production processes, sustainable and rational use of raw materials and energy, CO 2 -emission reduction, a cleaner environment, better food quality, etc.., it can be foreseen that separation technologies (both on the large-scale production as well as on the analytical scale) will only become more and more important in the future. Strategic and applied research The two separation processes specifically targeted in the present project, i.e., adsorption and chromatography, are tightly related: the former being the key separation factor for the latter and the latter providing an important measurement technique to study the former. Benefiting strongly from the creation of order and molecule-specific confinement on the nano-scale, a scale that can only recently be engineered, it is believed that the progress in the fields of adsorption and chromatography will continue to make large strides in the future, much more than will be the case for the already more mature separation processes such as distillation or filtration. The indispensability of both techniques in the pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics and the research in molecular biology and systems biology is another guarantee for a fruitful future for the research in these fields. Potentially applicable and transferable know how with economic value Consultancy & contract research in the field of adsorption / VIRKAT Institute Consultancy & contract research in the field of chromatography/ Independent Column and Instrument Consumer Testing Facility Equipment & Infrastructure - The CHIS group has been (and still is) developing highthroughput experimental techniques and devices to screen and evaluate adsorbents for industrial applications. A unique frontal analysis set-up allows measuring on 20 adsorption columns without user intervention. The equipment allows to work with supercritical fluids, at pressures up to 200 bar and temperatures to 400 C i.e. conditions relevant to large scale industrial processes. This experimental set-up is ideally suited for the optimization of operation conditions in adsorption processes, but also for the screening of new materials for their potential to achieve molecular separation. Another high-throughput frontal analysis setup and 2 robotic devices were developed to measure liquid phase adsorption isotherms in batch and continuous mode. Although many research groups have been developing high-throughput techniques in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, CHIS is the only group with dedicated high-throughput techniques for adsorptive separation processes worldwide. - With the development of a unique method to compare the quality of chromatographic columns, the CHIS group has a unique tool at its disposal to compare the quality of the different chromatographic columns and instruments that are currently being fabricated and marketed. Research collaboration Inter-university & research centres Cooperation with COK (KULeuven), LCT (UGent), CMM (UGent), EMAT (Universiteit Antwerpen), Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (Universiteit Antwerpen). Exchange of data with University Pablo de Olavide (SP), Northwestern University (USA), Beijing University of Chemical Technology (China) in the field of Monte-Carlo Molecular Modelling of Adsorption. Collaboration with the Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University (Australia) in the field of CO 2 -separation (materials delivery). Cooperation with IMEC (Integrated Systems Department), VITO (Expertise Center Environment & Process Technology), Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology - Universiteit Twente (The Netherlands) and Department of Chemistry Kyoto University (Japan) Industrial partners Institut Français du Pétrole, ENI, DOW, Proviron, UCB, Solvay, BASF, Ineos, TotalFinaElf, Taminco, ExxonMobil, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Pall- Schumacher, international chromatography companies Networks IAP-VI, SBO Nextchrom, FWO scientific community: The active site: from catalyst to reactor

15 IOF Knowledge Center Toxicology, Dermato-cosmetology and Pharmacognosy - FAFY In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords progenitor cells - adult stem cells - histone deacetylase inhibitors DNA methyltransferase inhibitors - functional long-term cultures epigenetic modification hepatocyte cultures Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Laarbeeklaan 103 B-1090 Jette Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Vera ROGIERS [E] vrogiers@vub.ac.be GROUP FAFY: 23 people Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

16 Toxicology, Dermato-cosmetology and harmacognosy - FAFY Main objectives The FAFY- team is specialized in the field of in vitro experimental toxicology and is focusing on the development of functional long-term culture models for pharmaco-toxicological purposes applicable at an early stage during the development of new chemical entities as alternatives to experimental animals. In essence,this research offers the key to drastically improve the currently available hepatocyte-based culture systems for in vitro pharmaco-toxicological purposes. The tools developed are not solely based on a descriptive level but offer an explanation at the molecular level as well. Strategic and applied research Efforts are being focused on the optimization of primary hepatocyte cultures, as these models are representative for liver, being the pharmaco-toxicological centre of the organism. A well-know drawback of primary hepatocyte cultures, however, is their progressive dedifferentiation (i.e. loss of liver-specific functionality) that FAFY aims to counteract by two strategies.(i) A first strategy includes the stabilization of primary hepatocyte cultures by the introduction of epigenetic modulation of gene expression. Of special interest is the use of inhibitors of histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase enzymes. (ii) A second strategy consists of the differentiation of human adult (postnatal) progenitor cells into functional hepatocytelike cells. Easy accessible cell sources are used including human adipose tissue and foreskin. A unique sequential methodology related to embryogenesis has been developed. This technique of adding growth factors and cytokines can also be combined with epigenetic modification to come to functional cells. Potentially applicable and transferable know how with economic value Indeed, FAFY has developed an innovative protocol to produce hepatocyte-like cells out of various sources of adult progenitor cells i.e. sequential exposure of the cells to liver-specific factors according to the sequence seen during embryogenesis. Cells are additionally fully maturated by exposure to epigenetic modifiers such as TSA (patent applications PCT/EP2004/ & PCT/ EP2006/005622). The robustness of the developed technique is being tested using different sources of progenitor cells derived from different species, including man. Moreover, the industrial potential of rat-derived RLECs (postnatal stem cells coming from primitive bile cannalicular origin) as a reliable and reproducible source of functional, mature hepatocytes is being investigated. Indeed, the RLECs indicate that their in vitro differentiation into functional hepatocyte-like cells, according to FAFY s patented sequential culture technique, is reproducible; a feature that is crucial for industrial application. The stem cells are kept undifferentiated while expanded then for a certain number of passages. They can be cryopreserved and/or differentiated according to the needs. Data indicate that the RLEC-derived hepatocytes acquire a normal hepatic morphology, express several liver-enriched transcription factors, secrete albumin and show stable CYP1A1- and CYP2B1/2-dependent activity at a level similar to cultured primary hepatocytes. Technology Offers Differentiation of stem cells towards hepatocyte-like cells and stabilization of phenotypical properties of primary cells in culture. Differentiation of rat liver epithelial cells into stable hepatocyte-like cells. Equipment & Infrastructure Devices that meet the needs of up-to-date experimental research. Research collaboration The FAFY team is active in several National and European Associations related to the scientific research topics and knowhow of the group. Vera Rogiers is, at the European level, co-chair of the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), member of the mirror group of epaa (The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing), member of ESAC (ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee) and coordinator and research partner in several EU projects of FP6 and FP7. Furthermore, she was leading ecopa, the European Consensus Platform for 3R-Alternative Methods for ten years until start of this year. Regarding the IOF project in particular, close collaboration has been set up at the national and international level

17 IOF Knowledge Center Diabetes Research Center - DRC (Pathologic Biochemistry and Physiology - MEBO) In 2004 a special type of government funding gave birth to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds). This funding supports the IOF knowledge centers at the in carrying out outstanding strategic research and further developing new application-oriented inventions with economic potential. The first priority of the IOF funds is the further establishment of a portfolio of potentially applicable and transferable know-how with economic and societal value. Keywords Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Cell Therapy Regenerative Medicine - Drug Screening and Discovery Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Laarbeeklaan 103 B-1090 Jette Belgium [W] [T] +32 (0) [F] +32 (0) Head: Daniel PIPELEERS [E] daniel.pipeleers@vub.ac.be Secr: Nadine VAN SLYCKE [E] Nadine.Van.Slycke@vub.ac.be Diabetes Research Center (DRC): 102 people Technology Transfer Interface R&D Department Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium rd.interface@vub.ac.be W: Phone: +32 (0) (0)

18 Diabetes Research Center - DRC Main objectives Diabetes is a serious chronic disease with major health risks and heavy burden on patients and society, despite current treatment. Its most serious form is caused by a massive loss of insulinproducing beta cells in the pancreas. A cure requires restoration of an adequate beta cell mass through beta cell regeneration in the pancreas or through beta cell transplantation. The DRC at VUB has an internationally recognized expertise in the biology of beta cells. It uses its scientific and technologic knowledge as platform for developing these two therapeutic strategies towards applications in patients. Organization The DRC consists of six collaborating research units with complementary expertise covering disciplines from molecular biology to studies in man: Cell Therapy (D.Pipeleers), Cell Neogenesis (H.Heimberg), Cell Differentiation (L.Bouwens), Experimental Pathology (M.Marichal), Clinical Biology (F.Gorus), Clinical Trials (B.Keymeulen); two core facilities that provide specialized technology and advanced products : a Functional Cytomics Core and a Gene Expression Core. a Diabetes BioBank which consists of three parts: Blood Sample and Data Base (F.Gorus), Histopathology Bank Pancreas (P.in tveld), Beta Cell Bank (Z.Ling). Translation in International Consortium The DRC has helped found the Belgian Diabetes Registry, which recruits most Belgian recent-onset diabetic patients diagnosed under age 40 years, together with their first relatives, for a longitudinal data and sample base. BDR is a unique instrument for implementing novel or specialized tests for early diagnosis and disease follow-up; it allows selection and monitoring of biologically defined populations for prevention and curative trials. DRC is since 2002 organizer of an international consortium, the JDRF Center for Beta Cell Therapy in Diabetes, founded with support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The Center s objective is to develop and implement strategies for prevention and treatment of diabetes using beta cell biology as guide. Projects specifically focus on methods to preserve and replace beta cells, and to monitor their effects in vivo. It is composed of laboratory and clinical research teams, reference centers and bio-industrial partners, and a central unit on the medical campus of Brussels Free University-VUB. The Center is supported by supranational program grants from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF-New York) and the European Commission (coordinator of FP6 and FP7 programs on beta cell therapy). Potentially applicable and transferable know how with economic value The goal is to generate beta cell therapeutics for use in early and late phases of the disease. To this end the following products and tools are developed: novel diagnostics that monitor the disease process and the effects of interventions a drug screening assay that detects compounds which induce beta cell regeneration in the pancreas and maintain their survival a laboratory source for mass production of insulinproducing cells and a graft construct in which they can correct diabetes long-term preclinical models for assessing novel drugs, products and interventions state-of-the art clinical trial procedures in regenerative medicine DRC is closely associated to its biotech spin-off Beta-Cell nv with which it partners for the development of beta cell therapeutics