EARA’s Patient Discovery initiative, aimed at raising awareness about the use of animals in research among patient groups and creating a space for patients to voice informed opinions about animal research in public discussions, has had a successful Discovery Day in Belgium with the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) and hosted by EARA member KU Leuven.

The day was designed to provide patients with firsthand insights into the critical role of animal research in advancing treatments for their own neurodegenerative diseases. The programme featured a series of presentations, laboratory and animal facility tours and interactive sessions, offering a comprehensive look at the research process from multiple perspectives and methodologies.

The day kicked off with a welcome and introduction to neurodegeneration by Jenny Ceccarini, PhD, from Mission Lucidity. Following this, Prof. Kris Meurrens, the director of the KU Leuven Laboratory Animal Centre, provided an overview of the regulatory aspects of laboratory animal research, emphasising the strict ethical and welfare standards in place.

Participants then embarked on a series of on-campus visits, which provided a unique opportunity to see how different animals are used to study complex diseases:

The first stop was the Laboratory of Neuronal Communication (VIB-KU Leuven) of Prof. Dr. Patrik Verstreken, where Valerie Uytterhoeven, PhD, talked about the use of fruit flies to study neurodegeneration.
Second, the participants visited the Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (VIB-KU Leuven) of Prof. Dr. Bart De Strooper, where Inmaculada Sanjuan Ruiz, PhD , explained how they use mice for dementia research.
This was followed by a visit to the Laboratory for Neuro- and Psychophysiology where Prof. Dr. Peter Janssen talked about macaque monkeys as a final stage in preclinical research on dementia.
The group also visited the Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging facility led by Prof. Dr. Koen Van Laere, where targeted biomarkers are developed for diagnosis and therapy selection/monitoring in patients.

The first stop was the Laboratory of Neuronal Communication (VIB-KU Leuven) of Prof. Dr. Patrik Verstreken, where Valerie Uytterhoeven, PhD, talked about the use of fruit flies to study neurodegeneration.

Second, the participants visited the Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (VIB-KU Leuven) of Prof. Dr. Bart De Strooper, where Inmaculada Sanjuan Ruiz, PhD , explained how they use mice for dementia research.

This was followed by a visit to the Laboratory for Neuro- and Psychophysiology where Prof. Dr. Peter Janssen talked about macaque monkeys as a final stage in preclinical research on dementia.

The group also visited the Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging facility led by Prof. Dr. Koen Van Laere, where targeted biomarkers are developed for diagnosis and therapy selection/monitoring in patients.

Researcher Valerie Uytterhoeven from the Laboratory of Neuronal Communication (VIB-KU Leuven) uses flies to study mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease.

After a lunch break, the group visited rodent and non-human primate research facilities, gaining a deeper understanding of the animals’ housing, care and health monitoring.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with researchers and ask questions about the studies presented, the role of animals in them, and their well-being.

“Grateful for the opportunity to visit the research labs at KU Leuven this week. What stood out most wasn’t just the cutting-edge science – it was the care, transparency, and ethical commitment woven into every corner of their work. From Parkinson’s imaging innovations to the compassionate treatment of research animals, KU Leuven sets a powerful example of how science and humanity can walk hand in hand. Their dedication to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and open dialogue around animal welfare left a lasting impression.” – Jagdeep Aujla, Dopamine Warriors Boxing Club, UK

This pioneering Patient Discovery Day in Belgium marks another step forward in KU Leuven and EARA’s missions to foster open dialogue and build public trust in the role of animal research in medical advancements.

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