Los Angeles, CA – October 21, 2025 - The Terasaki Institute had the honor of hosting the Royal Belgian Economic Mission this past week, marking a significant step forward in fostering international collaboration between Belgium and California’s biomedical communities. The delegation’s visit to the Institute’s Woodland Hills facility was part of a larger program organized by the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency (BFTA) and Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT).
The week began with an opening ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, where Dr. Arne Peirsman, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Vadim Jucaud’s lab at the Terasaki Institute, met with Prof. Phillip Blondeel, renowned plastic surgeon, and Prof. Herwig Reynaert, Vice-Rector of Ghent University. Their meeting underscored the growing relationship between both institutions and set the stage for collaborative discussions throughout the week.
A key milestone of the mission was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Plastic Surgery of Ghent University Hospital and the Terasaki Institute. The ceremony took place in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, Vice-Chancellor of Ghent University Prof. Herwig Reynaert, and Terasaki Institute President, Stewart Han. This MoU marks a crucial milestone for the Ghent Academy for Plastic Surgery at UZ Gent, Ghent University, and the Terasaki Institute, reinforcing a shared vision for advancing biomedical research and clinical innovation.
“This partnership represents a meaningful connection between two institutions that share the same mission—improving patient outcomes through science, innovation, and collaboration,” said Stewart Han, President at the Terasaki Institute. "We are honored to join forces with Ghent University Hospital and look forward to the discoveries that will emerge from this relationship.”
Dr. Arne Peirsman, postdoctoral researcher at the Terasaki Institute, added, “This collaboration is the result of years of shared research and dialogue. It’s inspiring to see our efforts recognized on such an international stage, and I’m grateful to all who made this possible.”
Later in the week, the Belgian delegation took part in “Biotech Without Borders,” a thought-provoking panel discussion organized by Dr. Arne Peirsman and Stewart Han. The session opened with remarks from Dr. Vadim Jucaud, Assistant Professor at the Terasaki Institute, who reflected on the Institute’s enduring legacy and the pioneering contributions of Dr. Paul Terasaki to biomedical innovation. His introduction set the stage for an engaging panel moderated by Dr. Jan Wauters, who guided a dynamic discussion among Benjamin Damien, Dave Whelan, Dominique Demonte, Maurizio Vecchione, and Dr. Wesley De Jaeghere. Attended by the Belgian Economic Mission delegation on Friday, the session explored emerging opportunities for collaboration between Belgium and California’s biomedical ecosystems, highlighting the pivotal role of cross-border partnerships in driving healthcare innovation.
The Terasaki Institute extends its appreciation to FIT – Flanders Investment & Trade and the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency (BFTA) for their continued efforts in fostering international cooperation and scientific exchange. The events of the past week underscored a shared commitment to transforming research into real-world impact through global collaboration.