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Innovative research: flexibility and solidarity in times of pandemic
In the second half of March, our VUB reseachers had to adjust their way of working. Physical presence in the research lab was restricted and only allowed when absolutely necessary. Research activities had to be pursued through teleworking where possible.
Contrary to what was initially thought, the applied research and valorisation activities turned out to be quite resistant to the many restrictive COVID-19 measures. VUB TechTransfer, the multidisciplinary operational team of the Vice-rectorate Innovation and Industry Relations, received more valorisation and project application files to support and process than ever before. Together with VUB Foundation, philanthropic fundraising, and Crosstalks, VUB’s transdisciplinary exchange platform, VUB TechTransfer continued offering its services digitally: 2020 was a busy year, and indeed a very fruitful year.
This resulted in more funding for applied research from Flanders, Brussels and the EU, more revenue from collaboration with companies and the creation of 3 VUB spin-offs. We also continued focusing on the VUB Industrial Research Fund that stimulates excellent strategic research, with 5 new GEAR programmes (Groups of Expertise of Applied Research) in 2020.
Innovation was also needed to tackle different issues related to the pandemic very urgently. Researchers moved up a gear and this resulted in applications such as a low dose lung CT to detect COVID-19, a fullface protection mask, an affordable ventilator with full functionality, and many others. In collaboration with partners from industry and the academic world.
With its industrial and societal oriented research, the VUB strives for real impact creation. Valorisation opportunities are pursued through further development of research results so that knowledge and technology become transferable.This generates resources that can be re-invested in research and valorisation, guaranteeing growth of the VUB.
Cooperation among researchers, institutions and companies, including SMEs, and the creation of new economic activities in the form of spin-offs remain the obvious ways to transfer knowledge and technology to society. In addition other forms of societal valorisation are also explored and stimulated.
Cooperation with the other Flemish universities and research institutions is also part of our mission - just like the partnership with the ULB. Besides, the VUB will also continue to profile itself internationally as an institution where innovation and valorisation are embedded in its culture.
We invite you to discover our accomplishments of 2020 in this annual report.
Sonja Haesen, Director VUB TechTransfer
Hugo Thienpont, Vice-rector Innovation & Industry Relations
