SCIENCE FICTION

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) has been advancing health and science for over a century, thanks to groundbreaking research, transformative education and global health services. Throughout this anniversary year, we honour our past and look ahead to a future shaped by our unimaginable breakthroughs. 

120 years of science
Celebrate with us
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120 years of science

For the last 120 years, we've been giving our all to reduce the impact of health issues on communities around the world, working closely with partner institutions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. That's 120 years of fighting deadly viruses, educating future leaders in global health, and helping to save lives at home and abroad.

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Impact worth celebrating

This anniversary matters because our work does. With big ambitions, researchers that keep asking the hard questions, a growing community of students and a strong belief in giving people the chance to do meaningful work, we’ll keep pushing global science for health worldwide – for the next 120 years to come, and beyond.

Let's mark the moment

Come celebrate our anniversary with us, at conferences, exhibitions, open days and other events. We zoom in on what we've achieved, and we invite you to take a front-row seat and experience our work up close. With a full and varied programme, there’s something happening all year long. Events will be announced throughout the year, so check back often!

Cover boek Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde
Aula Janssens, Campus Rochus

Book Launch: Institute of Tropical Medicine - From specialist school to world-class institution
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Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)

Open House: Visit ITM and experience science up close!

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Eyes on the world's deadliest diseases

We face tuberculosis, mpox, malaria, sleeping sickness and other deadly threats head-on. In our high-security labs and state-of-the-art insectary, we study these devastating diseases and develop the tools to curb them. And we keep a close eye on how climate change and other global trends are changing the game. 

From research to red carpet

In 1993, the ITM buildings were officially listed as protected monuments. Our main building dates back to 1933 and is a beautifully preserved example of Art Deco architecture.

And it’s not just scientists who’ve fallen for it; artists have, too. For instance, our buildings have served as a film set for dEUS frontman Tom Barman, and as the runway for one of Walter Van Beirendonck’s most iconic fashion collections. 

Our students write the future

We have grown from a small training centre to an internationally recognised academic and scientific institute. Over the years, tens of thousands of ITM alumni have left their mark on science, health and beyond.

And it’s our diversity that makes the difference. Students and teachers from all kinds of cultural and professional backgrounds come together at ITM, encouraging fresh perspectives and rich exchanges. 

We help keep outbreaks out

Detecting global health threats before they become full-blown crises? We’ve been on it for decades. In today’s interconnected world, emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks can spread fast, so the stakes are high.

That’s why we remain on high alert. Our researchers work closely with partners across three continents, both in the field and in the lab, to understand the threats we face and to help the world prepare for the next pandemic.