NRF-BELSPO bilateral visit and workshop (person 1) 1

This visit to the SCK CEN radiobiology labs is part of an ongoing collaboration between Belgium and South Africa, funded by the BELSPO-NRF bilateral agreement. The project, RE-INVEST (RE-StrengthenINg of a unique ground-based in Vitro immune modEl platform to study Space health effecTs - BL/52/SA11), aims to facilitate travel and education between the two countries. This will support the implementation of our recently optimized immunology model, allowing both teams to analyze the effects of spaceflight on immune cell dysregulation on an international level.

The project's long-term goal is to establish a sustainable partnership between Belgium and South Africa by promoting travel and educational exchange through the optimized INVEST model. This will not only strengthen our bilateral relationship and improve future grant applications, but also provide valuable international collaboration experience for young researchers.

As part of the project, we will organize a joint workshop and seminar in Belgium, and host a scientific visit for the South African team at our facilities.