I am a full-time associate professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), where I lead the Brain and Systems Immunology lab. I graduated as a bioengineer and earned my PhD in immunology at VUB in 2010, supported by an aspirant fellowship from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Following this, I pursued postdoctoral training in neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Germany as an Alexander von Humboldt fellow. In 2015, I returned to Belgium to establish my independent research in brain immunology at VUB as an Innoviris Attract grantee. In 2020, I was appointed as a Collen-Francqui research professor at the VUB and was awarded an ERC consolidator grant in 2023. I have a deep interest in understanding how the immune system shapes brain physiology and the ambition to develop cell therapies for modulating brain health.

Next to science, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing fingerstyle accoustic guitar and musing while having a walk.

I joined the Brain Systems and Immunology Lab (BSIL) at VUB as a postdoctoral scientist in 2021. My current research, funded by FWO and imπACT (Horizon 2020-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant), focusses on laying the groundwork for a novel myeloid cell-based immunotherapy for glioblastoma—a highly aggressive brain cancer with an average survival rate of just 15 months. I’m exploring ways to turn stem cells into macrophages that can target and attack the cancers cells, aiming to turn this deadly cancer into a more manageable disease and allowing patients to look beyond 15 months in the future.

My scientific journey began with a fascination for the brain’s resilience and adaptability when facing adversity, whether from external challenges like stress and peripheral cancer or internal threats such as neurodegenerative diseases. After completing an MSc in neuro-regeneration at the University of Hasselt, I earned a PhD studentship from the University of Brighton, where I investigated the molecular drivers of cognitive dysfunction in pre-treatment cancer patients. This work deepened my interest in neuroimmunology and ultimately led me to focus on brain cancer therapy.
Outside the lab, I’m a mom of two little ones, a cat lover and wine enthusiast, always trying to balance my work in science with quality time spent with family, friends, and great food.

Born and raised in Zamora (Spain), Mónica is a Biotechnologist from the University of Salamanca (Spain) that holds a masters degree in Molecular Medicine from the Erasmus University (The Netherlands) and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the KU Leuven (Belgium). As a postdoctoral researcher, she studies the changes on the brain immune compartment in deleterious conditions such as chronic stress or cancer. Besides loving dancing, reading and travelling, Mónica also uses her free time to advocate for Women in Science, science communication and science diplomacy, showcased by her positions of managing director of the Belgian branch of the international festival Pint of Science or the presidency of the Spanish Scientists in Belgium association, among others.

My journey in science began in Italy, where I earned my master’s degree in medical biotechnology. Eager to gain an international perspective, I embarked on my PhD studies at the University of Zurich (Switzerland) under the mentorship of Prof. Devuyst. There, I explored the pathways regulating the endo-lysosomal system in rare inherited diseases, with the goal of developing targeted therapies. To expand my expertise in brain proteostasis, I pursued a postdoctoral role in Prof. Rubinsztein’s lab at the University of Cambridge (UK), where I investigated how microglia-neuron interactions influence autophagy-lysosomal signaling in neurodegenerative diseases. In 2023, I joined Prof. Movahedi’s lab, where I am developing innovative CRISPR screening technologies to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying microglial phagocytic and degradative activity in neurodegeneration. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking for family and friends, traveling the world, knitting, and watching movies.

I am a postdoctoral scientist at the Brain and Systems Immunology Lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), where I focus on studying stem cell-derived brain immune cells and their interactions within the brain’s complex microenvironment. I joined the team in October 2023, bringing a background in stem cell technology and a deep interest in neuroimmunology.

In my previous postdoctoral training at the ULB Center for Diabetes Research, I used iPSC-derived cells from patients with early-onset monogenic diabetes to explore the mechanisms underlying diabetes pathology. This work involved advanced iPSC culture techniques, pancreatic beta cell differentiation, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. In 2019, I completed my PhD at the University of Antwerp, where I investigated the Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1)/ErbB signaling pathway and its roles in stress-induced senescence, cardiac, and renal fibrosis. Before that, I earned a Master’s in Biomedical Science at the University of Antwerp, building on my foundational studies with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biology from the University of Ahvaz and the University of Isfahan in Iran.

Outside the lab, I cherish the moments spent with my family. I’m passionate about photography, capturing quiet moments that tell their own stories.

I obtained my MSc degree in pharmaceutical sciences at the Université de Montréal, where I investigated the mechanism of synthetic CD36 ligands in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration. I then joined the Early Drug Discovery Unit and the Neuroimmunology Unit of McGill University in 2019 to carry out my PhD studies in neuroscience. There, I specialized myself in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study microglia biology. My current research interest lies in the homeostatic roles and pathological dysfunction of brain macrophages. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and practicing pilates.

Computational biologist, having fun with single-cell transcriptomic data. Interest in data integration methods, multiomics, brain and cancer immune heterogeneity, and rock climbing!

After obtaining my PhD in Biomedical Sciences at ULB/KU Leuven, I am now focused on enhancing research through improved data management and staying at the cutting-edge of technology in the field of Immunology. I am thrilled to fulfill the role of data steward, ensuring our work is well-organized and ready to contribute to scientific progress. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and immersing myself in different cultures. Every experience expands my perspective and gives me many amusing stories to share with friends and colleagues.

My name is Jonathan Bastos, I am a PhD student at the BSIL lab under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Kiavash Movahedi. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel from 2015 to 2020. During my studies I became fascinated with the field of immunology and therefore applied to begin my career as a PhD student at BSIL. My research topic involves fundamentally understanding the intricacies of endogenous microglia replacement using autologous monocytes. More specifically, what are the reasons why endogenous microglia are so hard to replace, why they can be replaced in certain experimental scenarios, and which types of monocytes generate the best microglia-like cells.

In my spare time, I enjoy my hobbies such as touring on my motorcycle, go-karting with friends, obsessing over Formula 1, and lots of family time with my lovely wife, daughter and 2 dogs!

After obtaining my master’s degree in Neuroscience from the American University of Beirut, I decided to pursue my PhD at BSIL where I am investigating the transcriptional regulation of border-associated macrophages and their roles in homeostasis and disease. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places and spending time with my friends and family.

I am a PhD candidate at the Brain and Systems Immunology Lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) specializing in the fields of neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and stem cells. My research aims to elucidate the immune compartment of the brain and border regions in homeostasis and neurodegeneration with the goal of developing a stem cell-based therapy to treat neurological disorders.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology with a specialization in Pharmaceutical and Biological Laboratory Technology from Hogeschool Gent. Afterwards, I continued my education at VUB, earning a Master’s degree in Biology with a specialization in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing boardgames, painting, travelling, and swimming.

I completed my Master’s degree Biomedical Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 2023. In the same year, I started my PhD in the BSIL lab under supervision of Professor Movahedi where I use antisense oligonucleotides to develop a translational strategy for replacing endogenous microglia with iPSC-derived progenitors or host-derived macrophages. During this project, I aim to contribute to the understanding of brain immunology and advance new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I enjoy discovering cozy coffee places, going for walks with my dog, and meeting up with friends and family.

Vladislav Vlasov is currently pursuing a PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where he is investigating the complex immune landscape of the brain’s border regions. His research focuses on the development, optimization, and application of advanced computational methods for analyzing highly multiplexed imaging data and understanding single cells in their spatial context.

Vladislav holds a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics from KU Leuven and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and Bioengineering from ITMO University. His broader research interests span machine learning, image analysis, regulatory genomics, and neuroscience.

Outside of his academic work, Vladislav enjoys cycling, running, hiking, and analog photography, as well as tending to his small collection of house plants and solving jigsaw puzzles.

Beginning as a biotechnologist in India, my keen interest in life sciences, particularly cancer biology, led me to pursue a master’s in biomedical sciences at KU Leuven. Through courses and internships, I discovered my niche in the transformative field of cancer immunotherapy, which I am now exploring further as a PhD researcher. My current research is focused on developing a myeloid-based cell therapy for aggressive form of brain cancer, leveraging our lab’s expertise in brain microglia and macrophage biology. As someone, constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow, I am dedicated to advancing my knowledge in neuro-immuno-oncology technologies and building essential skills to make meaningful impact in medical science and health care.

Hi all, I’m Lars! Ever since I was young I took a keen interest in science and everything related to science. I remember watching mythbusters on discovery channel or brainiac on national geographic, while my friends were watching cartoon network.

This interest in science made my decision to study biomedical sciences at the University of Leuven a logical one. I graduated in 2023 as Master of Biomedical Sciences specialized in basic and translational research. This motivated me to stay in the academical world.

I can proudly say that ever since November 2023 I am a lab technician in the laboratory for brain and systems immunology that is led by Professor dr. Kia Movahedi.

During my free time I enjoy watching movies, spending time with my friends, listening to music, cooking, and travelling.