The Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a world leader in the study of ovarian follicle biology and the development of advanced follicle and oocyte culture systems.
Our unique expertise lies in combining cutting-edge in vitro culture techniques for ovarian follicles, immature oocytes, and embryos with a wide range of functional, biochemical, and molecular analyses. This integrated approach allows us to unravel fundamental mechanisms of oogenesis while driving innovation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
FOBI research bridges basic science and clinical translation. Hypotheses are first tested in well-established mouse models, then brought to patients through our close collaboration with Brussels IVF, the fertility clinic of UZ Brussel. Over the past decade, our pioneering work has led to the development of a patient-friendly in vitro maturation (IVM) system for oocytes, now available in clinical practice as an effective and safer alternative to conventional ovarian stimulation.
Looking ahead, our ambition is to further refine IVM technology, advance in vitro follicle culture (IFC), and develop sensitive assays to assess the long-term impact of culture conditions and environmental factors on oocyte health, while generating fundamental insights into oocyte biology.
