About our Research

​Lab of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease.

​We are the Lab of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, proudly part of the Stem Cell Institute at KU Leuven. Think of us as tiny-tissue architects! We specialize in creating organoids—miniature, simplified versions of real organs—from complex endocrine tissues. Endocrine tissues are the amazing parts of the body that make and release the hormones that basically run the show!

​Our Mission: Focusing on Female Health.

​Our research has a strong focus on female health. Hormones play a huge role in the well-being of women, and when things go wrong, it can be life-changing.

​A big part of our work is tackling endometriosis. This is a challenging condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often causing severe pain and other issues.

​By using our mini-organs, we can:

• ​Study the disease in a controlled environment like never before.
• ​Test new drugs to find better treatments without needing to test on a person first.
• ​Understand why this condition starts and how to stop it.

​Who We Are: The Team!

​We’re a dynamic group of passionate researchers—from PhD students just starting their journey to seasoned postdocs and vital lab technicians—all guided by our group leader, Professor Hugo Vankelecom. Together, we're dedicated to uncovering the secrets hidden within these tiny tissues to make a big difference in health and disease.