Breaking new ground

How to best summarise my first year as the new director of the LCSB? Mentioning that we broke ground for Biotech 3 is a good start. The constructing of the new building that will host our researchers started November 2022 and it embodies well what happened in the past months. The story of the LCSB keeps unfolding: projects initiated long ago are coming to fruition and brand-new initiatives are launched. We are taking the next steps, building on the strong foundations of our centre.

Research is in full swing. We have strengthened our focus on neurodegenerative diseases, with the addition of a new research group studying neuroinflammation, the launch of a large study on risk factors and several exciting publications on Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ageing in general. Tandem projects aiming to promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration within the LCSB have been launched successfully. The centre is also part of far-reaching research initiatives involving national and European partners, such as the new centre of excellence in digital health and personalised healthcare (Clinnova).

Our infrastructure and services are evolving as well. We have developed the platforms that provide access to equipment and expertise to researchers, at the LCSB and externally. We have implemented sustainable practices in our labs and further improved animal welfare in our facilities. Lastly, a dedicated team has streamlined our publication process, to foster reproducibility and adhere to the latest scientific standards.

In many ways, research relies on human connections and exchanges. In that sense, 2022 was also marked by the LCSB team getting back together after the pandemic. This meant we could organise and participate in stimulating scientific conferences, lively internal events and exciting outreach activities. What a treat!

After a year of transitions, it is now time to think about the future. We have asked a group of renowned scientists to be part of the new advisory board of the LCSB. With their guidance and the contribution of our remarkable team, we will shape the LCSB strategy for the coming years. The strategy will aim to broaden current knowledge about the human brain and to break new grounds in neuroscience.

Michael Heneka