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VIB is a scientific research institute unraveling the basic mechanisms of life for the benefit of society. More information: www.vib.be.

Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. On the one hand, we are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants and microorganisms. On the other, we are creating tangible results for the benefit of society. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leu

ven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of 75 research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into new economic ventures which, in time, lead to new products that can be used in medicine, agriculture and other applications. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology.

20/11/2025

As Brad says: Called to Science is all about curiosity: the spark that drives every discovery. ✨

In each episode, we meet the people behind the science at VIB: scientists from all over the world, each with their own story, background, expertise, and path.

That human side of science, that mix of perspectives and experiences… that’s what makes this podcast so special.

🎙️Have you listened yet?
Called to Science is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

16/10/2025

Being a scientist is not easy.

As a scientist, you might recognize yourself in these stories: the late nights at the lab bench, the moments of doubt, the leaps into the unknown. It takes dedication, curiosity, and resilience. Behind every discovery are countless failed experiments, moments of doubt, and often the challenge of moving across countries to follow the science. We know that this environment pushes people to grow, but it can also test their limits.

That’s why we created .

🎙️💙 Behind every breakthrough lies a human story. One of curiosity, values, and dedication.

This podcast peels back the curtain on the people behind the research. What drives them, how they found their path, how they unwind after a long day, and what keeps them going when things get tough.

The conversations highlight how curiosity, resilience, and personal values shape a life in research.

A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible guests - Milton Antwi, PhD, Lambrecht, Bart, Jiska van der Reest, PhD, Elina Kuznecova, and Ruben Vazquez-Uribe - for sharing their journeys and reflections. And to everyone behind the scenes who made this season possible: bringing these stories to life takes teamwork, care, and creativity.

Hosted by science journalist Brad van Paridon, this second season explores the paths, risks, and curiosity that shape a scientific life - and the lives that science shapes in return.

✨ Season two of Called to Science is here!
Listen now on YouTube (video), Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

25/09/2025

Say hello to Bart Lambrecht, our next guest on Called to Science Season 2!

From treating patients in to leading 400 researchers at the VIB–UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Bart’s journey shows how a medical career can naturally lead into cutting-edge science.

Outside the lab and clinic? He’s a father of three, a woodworking enthusiast, and a fly-fishing fan, proving there’s always time for curiosity.

🎙️ In his episode, Bart talks about his journey from medicine into research and why closing the gap between clinical practice and fundamental science matters so much.

Season 2 drops mid-October: don’t miss it!

17/09/2025

Called to Science is BACK! 🎙️

We’ve recorded for two days and have welcomed five amazing speakers. What can you expect? 👇

🔬 What drives a scientist? How do career twists, doubt, and discovery shape a life in research?

That’s exactly what Called to Science explores, uncovering the untold stories of people pushing the boundaries of life sciences. Hosted by science journalist Brad van Paridon, the podcast goes beyond the research to reveal the passion, setbacks, and big questions that keep scientists moving forward.

From computational biology and microbiology to cancer research and imaging, Season 1 featured inspiring stories from a cattle ranch to NASA, a student restaurant to a groundbreaking antibiotic, and honest reflections on imposter syndrome, high-risk research, and navigating failure.

Season 2 is coming soon… and it promises even more insight, surprises, and human stories behind the science. 🚀

👉 Stay tuned —> for those who are truly Called to Science, this podcast is for you!

🎥 .shoots
🎙️

28/08/2025

✨ Yes, you saw that right! Last Tuesday we kicked off the recordings for Season 2 of Called to Science 🎙️ We’ve already welcomed two amazing speakers, and another recording day is just around the corner next week.

🔬 What drives a scientist? How do career twists, doubt, and discovery shape a life in research? That’s exactly what Called to Science explores, uncovering the untold stories of people pushing the boundaries of life sciences. Hosted by science journalist Brad van Paridon, the podcast goes beyond the research to reveal the passion, setbacks, and big questions that keep scientists moving forward.

From computational biology and microbiology to cancer research and imaging, Season 1 featured inspiring stories from a cattle ranch to NASA, a student restaurant to a groundbreaking antibiotic, and honest reflections on imposter syndrome, high-risk research, and navigating failure.

Season 2 is coming soon… and it promises even more insight, surprises, and human stories behind the science. 🚀

👉 Stay tuned —> for those who are truly Called to Science, this podcast is for you! 💙

15/07/2024

🥇🎥 Check out the winners of the "Science in Shorts" Nature Awards! Colleagues from the Goormachtig lab at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology explain their research on rhizospheres in this fun and informative video and won the public's favorite prize at the "Curious2024 – Future Insight™" conference 👏

21/06/2024

Community Gardening at PSB

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, situated in the bustling Technology Park in Zwijnaarde, has utilized a piece of vacant land for non-GMO field trials over the past few years. This year, the research center launched a new initiative called the "PSB Community Garden." Employees of PSB could apply for small plots in this field for personal use. Some grow vegetables, others use them for educational purposes, and some researchers even cultivate plants to harvest their samples for lab experiments.

"The field we have is too large to be entirely used for our non-GMO field trials. Rather than letting the extra space go to waste, we made it available to our PSB colleagues. The initiative brings people together and offers many of our PhD students the opportunity to garden and grow their own vegetables since many of them live in the city center without a garden of their own," said Prof. Dr. Hilde Nelissen, group leader at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology.

Currently, gardening enthusiasts are cultivating a variety of flowering plants, including pumpkins, zucchinis, sweet corn, chilies, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. Some colleagues are even attempting to grow their own watermelons. This year serves as a test case involving only PSB employees. If successful, the project may be opened up to others in the neighborhood. To be continued...
https://vibbio.tech/3VQtHXt

11/06/2024

Welcome to the world of Spatial Omics 🚀 Curious to know more? Dive into our newsletter: https://vibbio.tech/3VCpLti

Imagine a map of a city, but instead of streets and buildings, it shows the activity and location of every person 🗺️

🔬That's the power of Spatial Omics, and VIB researchers are at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.

28/05/2024

We had an amazing time at Belgium’s largest outdoor science festival, Nerdland! 🌟 Held last weekend, the event was a dream for science lovers. Attendees dove into workshops, experiments, panel discussions with top researchers, and presentations.

We were thrilled to partner with IMEC, Flanders Make, and VITO. Together, we welcomed over 1.000 kids to our 'invisible but indispensable' booth, where they explored the wonders of biotechnology with a fun microscopy game. 🧬🔬

22/05/2024

The Nerdland Festival is finally happening at Domein Puyenbroeck in Wachtebeke this weekend. 🚀 Join us for Belgium's largest science festival! We are putting the finishing touches on our booth to welcome you.

🔬 Visit us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at VIB, Imec, VITO, and Flanders Make during the Nerdland Festival from May 24 to 26. Don't miss out! For more information, check out the Nerdland Festival website here: https://www.nerdlandfestival.be/nl/ (link in Dutch)

See you there!

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