Reyniers Thijs

Reyniers Thijs is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG) in Antwerp, Belgium, specializing in HIV and Sexual Health research within the HIV and Sexual Health Research Group. His work focuses on the implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexual health interventions for key populations including men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and transgender individuals.

Thijs holds dual PhDs from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Social Health Sciences) and Ghent University (Health Sciences), both completed in 2015. His academic background includes a Master's degree in Sociology with a major in Sociology of Health from Ghent University (2009) and a subsequent Teacher Program from the same institution.

His research interests span HIV prevention strategies, sexual health behaviors, implementation science, and mixed-methods approaches to public health research. He has particular expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, applying these to understand the behavioral aspects of HIV prevention interventions across diverse populations and settings.

Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong focus on PrEP implementation across different contexts, with particular attention to injectable formulations and the experiences of key populations. His work bridges global health perspectives, connecting research in Belgium with West Africa, especially regarding HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and female sex workers.

As a supervisor, Thijs mentors PhD students working on projects related to PrEP implementation and sexual health. His research is supported by multiple funding sources including the Research Fund - Flanders, Flemish Government departments, and international research foundations.

He coordinates the be-prep-ared study and leads several active research projects including the investigation of injectable PrEP feasibility in Flanders and the Mixed Method Approach (MMA InjPrEP) studying behavioral aspects of PrEP use among West-African MSM.