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Herman Tournaye is a Physician Scientist at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). With over 760 research outputs and an h-index of 86 , his work spans Reproductive Medicine , Andrology , and Stem Cell Research , focusing on fertility preservation and pregnancy complications . Education : Limited details provided, but inferred MD/PhD in Clinical Sciences. Research Trends : Recent articles emphasize AI in reproductive clinics , testicular stem cell transplantation , and pre-eclampsia biomarkers . His work bridges basic science (spermatogenesis, stem cells) with clinical applications (IVF, embryo transfer, surgical interventions). Scientific Awards : 2008 Fellowship from BSRM Central Office - Orga-med Advisory Role : Supervised 10+ theses, including studies on genetic infertility , IVF outcomes , and testicular fibrosis models . Grants & Projects : Led initiatives like SRP89 (spermatogonial stem cells) and FWOAL1141 (testicular tissue cryopreservation), funded by VUB and FWO. Media Engagement : Frequent expert commentator on fertility topics, appearing in De Morgen , Radio 1 , and Le VIF .

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Spermatogenesis
• +3 more

Martin Vastrade is a researcher at the Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Namur. His work spans genetics, evolutionary biology, and freshwater ecology, with a focus on invasive species like the clam genus Corbicula and environmental stress responses in insects. Primary affiliation: University of Namur, Institute of Life-Earth-Environment Research Interests: Martin's research explores the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms in invasive aquatic species, environmental stress adaptation, and ecological conservation. Key areas include: Androgenesis in Corbicula clams and its evolutionary implications Impact of salinity on genetic diversity in freshwater ecosystems Genetic mixing between sexual and asexual lineages Agri-environment schemes for bee conservation Recent Publications: His recent articles examine radioresistance in ants (2024), meiotic transitions in clams (2024), salinity effects on Corbicula diversity (2022), genetic hybridization in invasive species (2022), and woody plant pollen as bee resources (2022). These works highlight interdisciplinary trends in genetics, environmental science, and conservation biology.

• Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Freshwater Ecology
• +3 more

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.

• Fertility Preservation
• Spermatogenesis
• Stem Cell Transplantation
• +3 more

Ellen De Beer is a Researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Genetics Reproduction and Development department. She focuses on male fertility preservation, particularly through testicular organoid architecture and immune checkpoint inhibitors' impact on spermatogenesis. Her research interests span Reproductive Medicine , Stem Cell Research , and Cryopreservation , with a central theme of understanding cellular interactions in the testis for fertility restoration. Her recent work explores Developmental Biology and Immunology in the context of testicular stem cell niches. As a Researcher , she has contributed to studies on Testis Medicine & Life Sciences and Fertility Preservation . In 2025, she received the 17th NYRA meeting travel grant for her work. Her current projects include peer-review activities and collaborations in Reproductive Technology .

• Reproductive Medicine
• Stem Cell Research
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Cleo Goyvaerts is a postdoctoral researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in the department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, affiliated with the Basic Biomedical Sciences faculty. She previously held a postdoctoral position at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (2016–2017). Her research focuses on antitumor immunotherapy (lung cancer/melanoma), lentiviral vector applications, and 3D tumor immunology models to study immunotherapy resistance. She has supervised multiple theses on topics like tumor microenvironment analysis and lentiviral vector optimization. Research Highlights: Her work includes developing nanobody-displayed lentiviral vectors for targeting antigen-presenting cells and investigating tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells' role in cancer progression. She pioneered 3D tumor models to study immune interactions and led projects such as the 3D CRiMe scene to uncover cytotoxicity resistance mechanisms in lung cancer. Awards: Notable accolades include the ILC Foundation Young Investigator Award (2020) and a BAEF fellowship (2016). She has organized events like the Wetenschapsfestival and presented at conferences worldwide, emphasizing experimental animal roles in cancer research and immunotherapy advancements. Grants & Labs: Active in projects funded by FWO, BRGRD, and ANI, focusing on precision medicine imaging, tumor resistance mechanisms, and theranostics. Her lab collaborates globally, with publications in Gene Therapy , Frontiers in Immunology , and Nature Biomedical Engineering .

• Antitumor Immunotherapy
• Lentiviral Vectors
• 3D Tumor Immunology Models
• +3 more

Karine Van Doninck is a researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel , focusing on evolutionary ecology and genetics. She has led and supervised numerous projects, including studies on bdelloid rotifers, freshwater clams, and extremophile organisms. Doctor of Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Evolutionary ecology and genetics of asexual darwinulid ostracods) Her research explores evolutionary genetics , radiation biology , and reproductive mode evolution , with work on extremophile organisms like Adineta vaga in space environments. Recent articles address transcriptomic responses to microgravity, radiation effects, and meiotic modifications in freshwater clams. She has contributed to 15+ research outputs , including studies on urbanization impacts on rotifers, redox biology of antioxidants, and ploidy variation in amoebas. Her collaborations span institutions like the International Space Station and Dryad Digital Repository. Key scientific awards include recognition in 2003. She actively participates in conferences such as the Evolutionary Biology Meeting (2010) and International Rotifer Symposium (2009). Her work intersects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals , particularly in advancing scientific understanding of genetic diversity and ecological adaptation.

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Genetics
• Radiation Biology
• +4 more