Associations

Retrospective ‘The Chemistry in Health Innovation’

4 March, 2025

On the evening of Monday 16 December, KVCV was hosted at the Science Park of the University of Antwerp in Niel for an informative evening centred around chemistry in health innovation. Those in attendance were given a unique behind-the-scenes look at ViTalent, enjoyed inspiring keynote lectures, and applauded the achievements of talented chemists during the award ceremonies.

ViTalent Tour

The evening kicked off with a guided tour of ViTalent, the first specialist training centre for pharma and biotech in Flanders. During this visit to laboratories, practical workspaces, and even a simulated cleanroom, we gained a valuable insight into the typical working conditions of pharma and biotech companies, and the many procedures that come with them.

The Need for Talent

Following the tour, the group gathered in the auditorium for three engaging lectures. Elise Pepermans, CEO and co-founder of ImmuneSpec, took us into the world of immunopeptidomics and its applications, including immunotherapy and the assessment of immunogenicity risks in biotherapeutics. Kris Bosch, Labour Market and Education Adviser at essenscia, highlighted the urgent need for talent in the chemistry and life sciences sector in order to deliver the much-needed innovations. And Viggo Van Tendeloo, Director Early Innovation Partnering Benelux at Johnson & Johnson, spoke about groundbreaking innovations in immune cell therapy and the revolutionary successes in cancer treatment that have resulted from them.

Three Cheers

Kristof Van Hecke (UGent) was recognised as a Chemistry Europe Fellow, a prestigious title awarded to chemists for their exceptional contribution as author, adviser, guest editor, or reviewer, or through their dedication to their national chemical society. The distinction is conferred by Chemistry Europe, of which KVCV is a co-owner. With numerous publications in Chemistry Europe journals, a reputation as a sought-after speaker at KVCV lectures, and multiple roles on the jury at ChemCYS congresses, Kristof is a more than deserving laureate.

Ibrahim Khalil (KU Leuven) and Enrico Cadoni (UGent) were each honoured with a KVCV-SRC Incentive Award, a recognition for outstanding researchers in chemistry affiliated with Belgian research institutions. The laureates gave brief presentations on their research and each received a sum of €2,500.

In 2025, candidates may once again be nominated for this award. To be eligible, candidates must have been a member of KVCV or its Walloon sister association SRC for at least two years, and must have at least one publication in a Chemistry Europe journal. The deadline for nominations is 28 March 2025. Do you know a candidate who deserves this honour?

Honorary Members

Jos De Sadeleer and Rudolf Vanheertum were also celebrated for their many years of dedication to the association and received KVCV honorary membership.

The evening drew to a festive close with a networking reception, where guests were able to discuss the lectures and offer their congratulations to the laureates.