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The late Walter Fiers was a molecular biologist who started his research career as an enzymologist. Later, Fiers moved to Wisconsin to work in the laboratory of future Nobel laureate Gobind Khorana.

Walter Fiers

VIB U-Ghent

Founder
Rijvisschestraat 120
9052 Ghent
Belgium

Upon his return, he founded the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the University of Ghent. He was the first to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of a gene and of a viral genome. This development of totally new procedures and knowledge led to the possibility of cloning almost any gene and replicating it efficiently in bacteria or in other heterologous hosts.

In 1997, Fiers became professor emeritus but continued his research on a universal influenza vaccine.

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?