GIREM Research Network Day at the Belgian Week of Gastroenterology

In February 2025, the GIREM Research Network Day took place during the XXXVIIth Belgian Week of Gastroenterology. The event highlighted outstanding research and fostered collaboration among young investigators in the field of gastroenterology.

Young researchers from the member laboratories at KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Ghent University, and Hasselt University delivered excellent abstract presentations, showcasing the quality and innovation of ongoing work within the network.

Two inspiring invited talks added valuable insights to the program:

• Veerle Melotte spoke on the role of the nervous system in colorectal cancer.
• Björn Meijers presented his research on the gut-kidney axis.

The award for best abstract presentation was presented to Anissa Zouzaf from the Gianluca Matteoli Lab (TARGID, KU Leuven) for her outstanding contribution. A sincere thank you goes to the moderators who helped shape the day’s success: Ricard Farré, Tim Vanuytsel, Annemieke Smet, Nathalie Stakenborg, Guillaume Vanotti, Peter Verstraelen, and Lindsey Devisscher.