About the Institute of Tropical Medicine
120 years of scientific excellence
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) was established in 1906 as a postgraduate training centre and has since grown into a renowned academic institution respected worldwide for its research, education and commitment to improving health. Our unique position stems from our focus on tropical infectious diseases and the combination of groundbreaking laboratory research, clinical excellence, and expertise in global health challenges.
Our mission is to conduct and promote scientific research, professional and academic education as well as scientific and social services in the field of tropical diseases and global health, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
About ITM
Strategy, mission and values
Governance and organisation
Publications
Become a healthropist!
Our mission is to deliver science for worldwide health, an endeavour to which you can contribute as well. Help us face the many health challenges in the world.
ITM throughout time
The Institute for Tropical Medicine was established over a century ago. It all started with the training of doctors and nurses to work in the DRC; now we are internationally renowned in the fields of education, medicine, science and world health.
Our buildings
We pursue our noble goals from two protected monuments, an Art Deco gem complemented with a 17th century monastery.
Paintings by Allard L'Olivier
The paintings in the Institute of Tropical Medicine were done by Fernand Allard L'Olivier (or 'FALO', the acronym by which Allard L'Olivier signed his paintings). They were made for the 1930 World's Fair in Antwerp before residing in ITM.
Creating space for groundbreaking exchange
Every year, we organise a multi-day scientific colloquium about a topic in the field of tropical medicine and international health (care).
Contact
You need to make an appointment at our clinic to receive medical advice, but there are a few other ways you can get in touch.
Press
Are you a journalist and would you like to get in touch with one of our experts? Our Belgian and international doctors and scientists are happy to share their expertise.
Travelling to ITM
Will you be visiting soon? You can easily get to the Institute by public transportation, by bike or on foot.
News
All news-
In 2026, ITM marks a significant milestone: 120 years of advancing health worldwide. What began in 1906 has grown into an internationally recognised institute for research, education and service in global health. Throughout 2026, we will reflect on our history, on today's challenges, and look ahead to the future through a diverse anniversary programme. -
Masterplan strengthens ITM as an international driver of science, innovation and health in Antwerp
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The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG) opened its doors last Sunday for a special Open Monument Day. The iconic Art Deco building on Nationalestraat, designed by architects Marcel Spittael and Paul Lebon, became the stage for a day filled with history, science, and architecture. With 2,000 visitors, the event was a resounding success.
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Articles
Four ITM researchers secure competitive fellowships from the Research Foundation of Flanders
Meet Anke Rotsaert, Anteneh Asefa, Daan Jansen and Irene Molina de la Fuente -
Articles
Quiet waters run deep
ITM has launched a campaign to highlight its heritage. -
Enhance your skills in immunomonitoring, laboratory preparedness, or PrEP consultations.
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During "Academics 4 Impact", a two-day event co-organised by ITM, VLIR-UOS and ARES, and hosted by the Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, we highlighted the transformative impact of our collaborative efforts in higher education and science.
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Articles
This was Nerdland Festival 2024!
Throughout the weekend, visitors of all ages had the chance to explore the fascinating world of mosquitoes, tropical diseases, and disease control. -
Articles
Four ITM researchers awarded a competitive fellowship by the Research Foundation of Flanders
Meet Brecht Ingelbeen, Saleh Aljadeeah, Katlijn De Meulenaere and Peter Macharia -
We are pleased to present Dr Christelle Geneviève Jouego Tagne (Cameroon), the newly elected student representative in ITM's General Council for the 2024-2028 term.
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Our podcast ‘Transmission’ is nominated for the Belgian Podcast Awards in the category Science & Tech. Vote now and help us win the award!
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Articles
On dedication and on the future
Double interview with Marleen Boelaert scholarship student Richard Ndayisaba and Laura Moreno Reyes. -
In a formal ceremony, ITM’s Director Lut Lynen and Professor of Health Policy Wim Van Damme were appointed Knights Grand Cross in the Cambodian Royal Order of Moniseraphon for their services to science. The ceremony was hosted by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Cambodia.
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The Institute recently carried out a restoration project to return the valuable paintings of Belgian artist Allard l'Olivier to their original state. The project was made possible by funding from the King Baudouin Foundation's Léon Courtin-Marcelle Bouché Fund.
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Press releases
Minister Caroline Gennez gets introduced to ITM
On 10 February 2023, Minister of Development Cooperation and Major Cities, Caroline Gennez, visited the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp. -
Articles
Management change at ITM
By mutual agreement, ITM’s Board of Governors and Director Marc-Alain Widdowson have decided to end their collaboration. -
Press releases
ITM announces new chair and vice chair
ITM’s Board of Governors elects Jo Bury as chair -
Articles
ITM announces five new board members
Chair Cathy Berx passes on the torch -
The 12 partner countries now include Rwanda and Nepal
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The restoration is carried out with the support of the King Baudouin Foundation
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Flanders extends successful cooperation with Mozambique until 2025
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ITM submitted 17 research projects to FWO’s call for fundamental research projects. 5 senior research projects were awarded.
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Thanks to these additional funds, ITM can invest in research professors in the areas of 'One Health', (re-)emerging infectious diseases and healthy ageing.
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Apply before 31 January 2022
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Will you be our journalist-in-residence 2021? Apply before 30 June.
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During the visit, Minister Kitir was provided with an overview of the research and development cooperation activities carried out by ITM
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The four-episode series focusses on the major health challenges and ITM's search for solutions.
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First virtual edition of the ITM-Colloquium kicks off today
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Will you be ITM's virtual journalist-in-residence 2020? You can apply before 13 October.
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In November 2020, the Flemish public television will broadcast a documentary series highlighting the activities of the Institute.
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Focus on innovative research with a social impact
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Spotlight on COVID-19 work.
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ITM doctor Ilse Kint on the importance of women and girls in science
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Although there are no confirmed cases in Africa so far, ITM researchers are preparing to provide support to African countries with weak health systems.
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Together with colleagues from the University of Liège and the University of Ghent, ITM staff added three new collections to the database of BCCM (Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms).
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Articles
Thai delegation visits ITM
Thai delegation visits ITM to strengthen academic, research and capacity building cooperation -
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp receives 1 million euros for the construction of an insectarium from the Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation and Science Hilde Crevits.
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The journalists will immerse themselves in the realms of infectious diseases and international health at ITM.
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Dr. Helen Anyasi of FHI 360 writes about her experience at the 60th ITM Colloquium of 9-10 October 2019
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60th ITM Colloquium kicks off today
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Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson started as ITM's new director.
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Account of an engaging interdisciplinary seminar
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Articles
Tribute to Dr Richard Mouzoko
ITM alumnus Dr Richard Valery Mouzoko Kiboung was killed last week in an attack on an Ebola centre in the DRC. -
The Board of Governors has appointed Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson as new Director of the Institute. Widdowson will take over from Prof Dr Bruno Gryseels in August 2019.
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Articles
ITM scientists win FWO grants
The FWO funds promising researchers and research projects -
Prof. Marie Laga, HIV expert of ITM, was awarded the honour of Commander in the order of Leopold by the Belgian king.
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The journalists will immerse themselves in tropical medicine and international health at ITM.
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Articles
Ceci n’est pas un rapport annuel
This is not an annual report… It’s so much more… -
Articles
ECTMIH2017: World class science for health worldwide at the heart of European congress in Antwerp
On Monday 16 October the 10th edition of the “European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health” (ECTMIH2017) starts with 1,500 participants in Antwerp.
