Ellen Goossens

Prof Dr Ellen Goossens is a Professor in Basic Biomedical Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. She chairs the research group Biology of the Testis, focusing on spermatogonial stem cell cryopreservation, transplantation, and in vitro differentiation. Her work addresses fertility preservation for cancer patients and transgender individuals, with over 80 publications and international recognition, including the 2011 Royal Belgian Academy for Medicine Prize.

Education: Biomedical Sciences (VUB, 2000), PhD in Testis Biology (VUB, 2006). Postdoctoral training and lab coordination roles followed, culminating in her current leadership position.

Research Interests: Fertility preservation, stem cell transplantation, testicular tissue banking, Klinefelter Syndrome mechanisms, and regenerative medicine applications. Her lab explores clinical and ethical aspects of restoring fertility post-oncology treatment.

Key Projects: Includes FWOAL1023 (fertility preservation in boys), SEGa (stem cell-derived gametes ethics), and GROWSPERM (in vitro strategies for male infertility). Recent work on gender-affirming hormone therapy's impact on testicular stem cells has gained international attention.

Awards: 2011 Dr. Luc Broeckaert Prize for fertility preservation research. Active in professional roles: ESHRE Andrology Officer, associate editor for reproduction journals, and VUB exchange coordinator for biomedical sciences students.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Biology of the Testis research group, collaborating on 3D imaging (3D-CELLMAP project) and international fertility preservation initiatives.