Thibaut Vanbaelen

Thibaut Vanbaelen is an active researcher focused on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and public health interventions. His work emphasizes improving prevention strategies such as PrEP optimization, self-sampling for HIV/STI testing, and addressing antimicrobial resistance. He collaborates with institutions in Flanders on projects funded by the Research Fund - Flanders, including studies on injectable PrEP feasibility and contemporary challenges in PrEP care.

• Lead researcher in projects like PrEP_PROMISE and Injectable PrEP initiatives.
• Conducts epidemiological studies on chemsex practices, gonorrhea treatment, and Mycoplasma genitalium resistance.
• Pioneer in digital health solutions for STI testing and public health surveillance.

Research often intersects with clinical practice, policy, and vulnerable populations such as sexual minorities. His work addresses both local (Belgian) and global health challenges, with a focus on translating research into actionable interventions.