Benoit STIJLEMANS

Prof. Dr. Ir. Benoit STIJLEMANS is a Research Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where he leads research within the Myeloid Cell Immunology Team. His work focuses on the intricate interactions between host immune responses and parasitic infections, particularly African trypanosomiasis, while also exploring applications in cancer immunology.

His educational background includes a Bio-engineering degree in Cell- and Gene biotechnology (1989-1995) followed by a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences (1995-2006) focusing on inflammation-associated anaemia in African trypanosomiasis. He progressed from Post-doctoral assistant (2006-2013) to Senior post-doctoral researcher (2014-2020) before becoming a Research Professor in 2020.

Dr. STIJLEMANS' research spans immunology, particularly myeloid cell biology, with emphasis on macrophage function in both infectious disease and cancer contexts. His work bridges fundamental immunological mechanisms with translational applications, especially in nanobody technology development. He has made significant contributions to understanding how parasites like Trypanosoma manipulate host immune responses, particularly through the MIF cytokine family, and how these insights can inform cancer immunotherapy approaches. His research integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to dissect complex host-pathogen and tumor-immune interactions.

His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with research spanning from 2002 to the present, with recent work focusing on macrophage plasticity, nanobody applications, and the immunological interface between parasitic infections and cancer biology.

• Development cooperation prize – edition 2006

Dr. STIJLEMANS has established himself as a leading researcher in myeloid cell immunology, with particular expertise in macrophage biology during parasitic infections and cancer. His work on nanobody technology represents an innovative approach to both diagnostics and therapeutics. The Myeloid Cell Immunology Team he is associated with serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting immunology, parasitology, and cancer biology, fostering collaborations that address fundamental questions while seeking practical applications for disease intervention.