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Of Algerian origin, Dr. Damya Laoui holds a degree in bioengineering from the University of Brussels.

Damya Laoui

VIB - VUB

Professor
Boulevard de la Plaine 2
1050 Ixelles
Belgium

Laoui investigates the mechanisms by which certain cells can influence the immune system to inhibit cancer progression. These cells or the molecules they produce can then be used as a basis for the development of new (combination) immunotherapies. For example, Laoui's team developed an anti-cancer vaccine based on the body's own tumor-derived cells.

She was a visiting fellow at the Swiss Institute for Cancer Research and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Lausanne. She is affiliated with the Flanders’ Institute for Biotechnology (VIB). Laoui is committed to encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds to choose STEM studies and to inspiring women to pursue scientific careers.

Team Vesalius visionairies

Flanders’ life sciences industry: the perfect combo of biotech, medtech, pharma and healthcare

Defining Flanders’ life sciences industry as diverse is an understatement. From young start-ups to established local firms and multinationals: the entire value chain – from research and discovery to development and commercialization – is represented in Belgium’s northern region. Thanks to fertile cross-pollination between biotech, medtech, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, Flanders offers a unique life sciences ecosystem that is underpinned by a robust financing landscape and a supportive government. Will your company claim its place in this dynamic hub?