Meet our team
Principle Investigator
Postdoctoral researchers
Sophie Van Welden
My research aims to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets for gut inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. Current efforts are directed toward developing therapeutic strategies that restore gut homeostasis through the targeting of pathological fibroblasts and/or their dysregulated (inter)cellular signaling networks.
Email:
sophie.vanwelden@ugent.be
Doctoral researchers
Hannah Lernout
I am investigating the underlying mechanisms contributing to persistent fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease during remission, in both patients and mouse models. Specifically, I examine the potential roles of complement component 1q and the gut microbiome in this process.
Email: hannah.lernout@ugent.be
Febe Vertriest
Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites that are widely present in the food chain. In light of epidemiological evidence indicating a potential link with colorectal cancer, my research aims to elucidate the role of mycotoxins on gut health, and in colorectal carcinogenesis specifically.
Email: febe.vertriest@ugent.be
Roselien Verhaegen
I work within a VIB Grand Challenges project (CUPID-GUT) that builds on groundbreaking fecal microbiota transplantation trials for Parkinson’s disease. I study the role of the gut–brain axis in Parkinson’s disease, combining data from our clinical study with the development of an innovative mouse model to better understand how the gut environment can contribute to disease progression and therapeutic response.
Email: roselien.verhaegen@ugent.be
Thomas Benoot
I work within a Horizon project (TENTACLE) that develops new treatments for colorectal conditions by using 4D bioprinting of biomaterials via endoscopy. My role within the project involves testing the biocompatibility of newly developed biomaterials, and providing the proof of concept in vivo studies to test the endoscopic procedure.
Email: thomas.benoot@ugent.be
Biblio // ORCID // Linkedin
Yana Waegemans – Rosiers
I work within a Horizon project (DAEDALUS) that develops new treatments for colorectal conditions by using 4D bioprinting of biomaterials via endoscopy. My role within the project involves testing the biocompatibility of newly developed biomaterials, and providing the proof of concept in vivo studies to test the endoscopic procedure.
Email: yana.waegemansrosiers@ugent.be
Margot Smet
To understand the pathogenesis of fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, I investigate the role of active gut bacteria in this condition. In addition, I focus on inflammatory processes in the brain of IBD patients with and without fatigue.
Email: margot.smet@ugent.be
Isabelle De Kock
I am an abdominal radiologist with a research focus on inflammatory bowel disease imaging, particularly intestinal ultrasound and MRI. My work aims to improve the detection, characterisation, and quantification of intestinal fibrosis to support more personalized patient management.
Email: isabelle.dekock@ugent.be
Lab Technician
Hilde Devlies
Email: hilde.devlies@ugent.be
Management Assistant Research
Scientific Advisors
Former groupmembers
- Dr. Simon Bos – Biblio // ORCID // LinkedIn // PhD Thesis
- Dr. Marie Truyens – Biblio // ORCID // LinkedIn // PhD Thesis
- Dr. Cara De Galan – Biblio // ORCID // LinkedIn // PhD Thesis
- Mevr. Griet Driesschaert – LinkedIn