A pioneering project, PMOLLUGENIX, funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), has been conducted during 2 years. This project, coordinated by Sciensano and in collaboration with the Catholic University of Louvain, the University of Hasselt and the Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij, aimed to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the effects of air pollution on the respiratory health of children in future large scale studies. A workshop, gathering all project partners and stakeholders in the field, took place on the 8th of November, as part of the closure of the project.

From Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 September, IMEKOFOODS4 took place, the 4th ‘International conference for Metrology in Food and Nutrition’ at the satellite location of Sciensano in Tervuren. 100 international scientists attended this 3 day event.

Sciensano acquired a BELAC accreditation in July 2019 to use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) that allows whole genome sequencing (WGS). This ambitious technique is the new reference established by international specialists. It brings up new research perspectives in the genomic field for Sciensano.

If we lived in a world free of tobacco, the life expectancy of Belgian would increase by 2 years. This appears from a new study by Sciensano, the Belgian institute for health. Despite the continuing decline in the number of smokers, tobacco use remains one of the greatest risk factors for our health.

November 18th marks the European Antibiotic Awareness Day, a day in which the sensible use of antibiotics is highlighted. The European Antibiotic Awareness Day is coordinated by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, for which Sciensano monitors antibiotic resistance and consumption in Belgium.November 18th marks the European Antibiotic Awareness Day, a day in which the sensible use of antibiotics is highlighted. The European Antibiotic Awareness Day is coordinated by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, for which Sciensano monitors antibiotic resistance and consumption in Belgium.

Nowadays, technology makes it easier  to test your DNA, but it brings up ethical questions: What do I want to know about my DNA? What if my DNA data is sold? Give your opinion about the use of your DNA and help shaping tomorrow’s society with Sciensano on dnadebat.be.

The number of hospital-associated bloodstream infections remains stable since 2013 in Belgian hospitals. However, there are variations between hospitals. This according to research from Sciensano, the Belgian institute for health.