The Walter Fiers Fund
Walter Fiers' ground-breaking scientific research (> 700 publications, many of which in top journals) was honoured nationally and internationally with prestigious awards. In 1990 he was granted the title of baron because of his exceptional career. His research was focused on important questions in the field of molecular biology, such as "What is the structure of a gene?", "How is a (viral) genome built?", "Which proteins does our immune system use to allow cells to communicate with each other?", "How do cancer cells form and how can you fight them?". He was the first person in the world to achieve the complete unravelling of a gene's sequence in 1972 and of an entire genome in 1976.
The Walter Fiers Fund supports molecular biological research at the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University and the Ghent University-VIB Centre for Inflammation Research [IRC].
Want to make a donation to the Walter Fiers Fund?
Your donation to the fund will contribute to research into molecular mechanisms of and preclinical experimental therapies for human disease processes such as degenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, etc.
A donation of € 100 will enable us to analyse inflammatory proteins in tissue fluids. A donation of € 500 will be used to purchase an antibody to analyse inflammation parameters in a range of tissue samples. With a € 1.000 donation, the fund can buy four litres of serum to grow cells in.
Your donation to the Walter Fiers Fund is also welcome on the account number BE26 3900 9658 0329, with the reference "Fonds Fiers". Your donation is tax deductible from € 40 on an annual basis.
Many small things make a big one. Even for small amounts, we can carry out certain analyses that help research to unravel fundamental biological processes or disease processes. Every euro can make a difference and is greatly appreciated. - Prof. Wim Declercq, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology – IRC
More information about the fund?
Background information
In 2021 Ghent University received a legacy for the benefit of research within the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology. Thanks to this legacy, the Walter Fiers Fund was established with which Ghent University wishes to honour this scientific pioneer and his important role for the university. The fund was established by Prof. Wim Declercq, Prof. Rudi Beyaert, Prof. Claude Libert and Prof. Bart Lambrecht.
Aim
The aim of the Walter Fiers Fund is to provide financial support for research into molecular mechanisms of and preclinical experimental therapies for human disease processes such as degenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, etc, which are studied within the context of the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University and the Ghent University-VIB Centre for Inflammation Research (IRC). The research domains may include, but are not limited to:
- Research on the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of diseases;
- Research on the development of new animal models and cell cultures for studying disease processes;
- Research on the impact of preclinical experimental therapies derived from molecular insights into the pathogenesis of diseases;
- Societal outreach for the research areas mentioned above.
Want to find out more about the research?
- Walter Fiers Obituary Cell 2019
- Learn more about the origins of modern biotechnology (Dutch)
- Department of Biomedical molecular biology
- VIB Inflammation Research Center
- Faculty of Science
- Flemish Institute for Biotechnology
What else can I do?
- Support a fund through your legacy
- Organise a fundraiser or event to support the fund
- Want to set up your own fund?
Contact us
Do you have questions about this or any of the other Ghent University funds? Please get in touch and we will be happy to assist you.
University Fund of Ghent University
Wim Van der Planken