Welcome to the UMC Research Facilities
The Research Facilities of the University Medical Centre (UMC) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and UZ Brussel provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, specialist support, and technical expertise. They are open to both internal researchers from VUB and UZB, as well as external partners, including academics, businesses, healthcare institutions and other organizations engaged in applied or fundamental research.
Each facility enables groundbreaking and applied research in an efficient, precise and scalable way, from cell and animal models to clinical applications, from imaging to genetic analysis and biobanking.
Whether you need advanced imaging techniques, support with data analysis, or access to infrastructure for clinically translatable research, our Research Facilities make it possible.
For whom?
- Academic institutions seeking complementary expertise and infrastructure
- Biotech and pharmaceutical companies in need of reliable research environments
- Policymakers and healthcare partners looking to harness data-driven insights
Health research faces complex challenges today: understanding and treating diseases, developing new therapies, and improving the accessibility and efficiency of care. Within the UMC, researchers join forces to make a difference through interdisciplinary research.
The Research Facilities play a key role in this. They form the technological backbone of our research, enabling collaboration across sectors and disciplines. With the support of the VUB Research Council and UMCOR, this infrastructure is made widely accessible.
Quick links
IN VIVO CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR IMAGING CORE FACILITY (ICMI)
The In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI) Core Facility specialises in nuclear and optical imaging of small laboratory animals. The facility is equipped with an intravital microscope, multimodal cameras, and ex vivo analysis techniques to study the biodistribution of tracers, pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, and the therapeutic efficacy of (radio)pharmaceuticals and biomolecules. ICMI operates in a biosafety level 2 environment with direct access to the Animalarium.
VISUAL & SPATIAL TISSUE ANALYSIS (VSTA)
VSTA offers extensive in situ biomarker analysis within a histological context, focusing on gene expression (mRNA) analysis, including the detection of point mutations, using RNAscope/BaseScope technology (Advanced Cell Diagnostics).
Accurate localisation and identification of individual cells or cell types is possible through antibody-based staining. Tumour immunoprofiling can also be performed using DNA-barcoded antibodies (InSituPlex, Ultivue). The service is available for both human and animal tissue or cell samples. In addition, entire tissue sections can be digitally scanned using advanced equipment (Leica Aperio GT450, Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1), and quantitative image analysis based on artificial intelligence (AI) can be carried out with specialised software (Indica Labs HALO).
SUPPORT FOR QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH (SQUARE)
SQUARE provides support in quantitative methodology — with a focus on statistics and machine learning (AI) - as well as in qualitative methodology. The aim in both areas is to strengthen the quality of research and reporting.
Its services include advice on data collection and analysis, assistance in writing research protocols and proposals, support in interpreting and scientifically communicating results, active collaboration in data analysis, the organisation of workshops and seminars, and the automation of repetitive analytical tasks to reduce errors and save time.
FLOW CYTOMETRY CORE FACILITY (FlowCore)
The Flow Cytometry Core Facility (FlowCore) provides access to advanced technology for analysing, sorting, and quantifying individual cells within mixed populations.
Using flow cytometry, characteristics such as cell size, granularity, and protein expression can be mapped quickly and accurately. FlowCore offers access to its high-end equipment and expertise, provides user training, supports experimental design and panel optimisation, assists with cell sorting, and offers technical support and troubleshooting.
BRUSSELS BIOBANK
The Brussels Biobank is recognised by the Belgian government and is responsible for the collection, registration, and distribution of human biological material for research within our UMC. The biobank has four controlled storage facilities with over 50 ultra-low freezers, secured access, and 24/7 monitoring. All samples are centrally managed in a biobank information system that meets the highest standards of data security and traceability.
ANIMALARIUM
The Animalarium is responsible for the housing, care, and breeding of laboratory animals.
In addition to its infrastructure, the Animalarium provides support with administrative and legal requirements, such as liaising with the relevant authorities, preparing permits and certificates, and managing the import and export of animals. Our veterinarian oversees complex experiments and monitors the animals’ health.
BRIGHTcore (Brussels Interuniversity Genomics High Throughput core)
BRIGHTcore was established as an interuniversity platform supporting both the VUB and ULB research communities, including their respective university hospitals, UZ Brussel, Hôpital Erasme, and Hôpital Huderf. This platform centralises state-of-the-art genomics equipment and provides IT infrastructure for the primary analysis of large genomic datasets.
The platform currently hosts equipment for Next Generation Sequencing (Illumina NovaSeq/MiSeq and Nanopore GridION/PromethION), Microarray (Illumina iScan, Affymetrix GeneScan), Optical Genome Mapping (Bionano Stratys), Digital PCR (BioRad QX600 with autoDG), and digital counting (Nanostring nCounter MAX), including all accessories required for high-throughput genetic testing. When needed, bioinformatics support and customised IT solutions are also available.
VECTOR DEVELOPMENT UNIT (VDU)
At VDU, we bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. We produce cGMP-compliant biological medicines, with particular expertise in single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) expressed in Pichia pastoris. We support academic partners with accessible, high-quality development and production services that meet the strictest regulatory standards, an affordable alternative to industrial manufacturing. Our Quality by Design approach ensures quality, drives innovation, and accelerates the translation of scientific breakthroughs into safe investigational medicines for toxicity and phase I/II studies. Within the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Molecular Imaging and Therapy research group, we build bridges between disciplines and bring research closer to the patient.
VIRAL VECTOR UMCOR FACILITY (ViveCore)
The Viral Vector UMCOR Facility (ViveCore) supports researchers in the design, production, and application of viral vectors, primarily lentiviral and retroviral. The unit operates cleanroom facilities (biosafety level 2/2+) and offers services such as vector development, plasmid production, viral production, and cell transduction. Applications include genetic manipulation (shRNA, CRISPR), immunotherapy, and adoptive cell therapy.
MICROSCOPE FACILITY
The Microscope Facility provides access to advanced imaging technologies, including a Zeiss LSM800 confocal microscope (with live imaging and Airyscan), an EVOS M7000 microscope (with incubator), and a Light Sheet Z1 for three-dimensional imaging of larger structures such as organoids and whole mouse organs. User support and training are available.
FACILITY FOR (BIO)ANALYTICAL SEPARATION ANALYSIS
This research facility uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) to identify and quantify small molecules such as neurotransmitters, drugs, or metabolites in complex biological samples. The infrastructure supports both targeted and untargeted metabolomics, including biomarker analysis.
Visit the FABI website.
Visit the EFAR website.
Incucyte SX5 LIVE-CELL IMAGING
The Incucyte SX5 is a live-cell imaging platform that enables continuous, real-time monitoring of cell behaviour without disturbance. The equipment is integrated into a standard cell incubator and supports the simultaneous processing of multiple plates. Training and analysis support are provided.
SEAHORSE METABOLIC FLUX ANALYZER
The Seahorse XFe96 Flux Analyser measures glycolytic and mitochondrial activity in living cells (in a 96-well plate), while up to four compounds can be sequentially injected. This allows researchers to determine not only the energetic profile or metabolic flexibility of cells, but also, for example, the effect of a treatment on cell health or the mitochondrial toxicity of specific compounds. Automatic data normalisation is possible through integration with a Cytation1 Cell Imager.
HYPOXIA FACILITY
The Hypoxia Facility provides equipment for controlled oxygen conditions in vitro and in vivo, including the Whitley H35 Hypoxystation and OxyLite oxygen sensor. Applications are mainly found in cancer research, IVF, stem cell research, and cardiovascular studies.
IRRADIATION FACILITY
Within UZ Brussel, the Irradiation Facility uses a TrueBeam linear accelerator for precise irradiation of cells and laboratory animals. Thanks to image-guided technology (Conebeam CT), specific target areas can be irradiated with high precision.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY UMCOR FACILITY
The Molecular Biology UMCOR Facility provides the production of high-quality plasmid DNA and synthetic mRNA. With over 20 years of experience, the facility supports a wide range of research applications with tailor-made solutions, from plasmid and mRNA design to production and purification.
