Post by VIB

What turns excellent science into real-world impact? Let's learn from... yeast! In our latest Spotlight on Innovation, we visit the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, where the lab of Prof. Kevin Verstrepen has spent years asking a deceptively simple question: how do we make better yeast? The answer is reshaping entire industries. 🍺 Alcohol-free beer without losing flavor (hello, Tripel Karmeliet 0.4%) ⛽ More bioethanol from the same amount of sugar ♻️ A path toward turning plastic waste into sustainable materials The story is not just about developing better yeast. It is about how fundamental research, expertise, trust, and a willingness to learn from each other can create solutions with tangible economic and societal impact. Some lessons on turning research into real-world impact: 🔬 Strong basic research is the foundation. 🤝 The best collaborations start from a real industry challenge. 🚀 Impact is built on trust, delivery, and long-term partnerships. 🌍 One scientific platform can tackle challenges across food, energy, and materials. As Prof. Verstrepen puts it: "The core of our work is simple: we make better, superior yeast." This is what we believe at VIB: discovery drives impact. Thanks to Kevin Verstrepen, Jan Steensels, Thijs Vackier, and Stijn Spaepen for letting us pick their brains. Read the full story to see how basic biology is brewing a more sustainable future. #YeastScience #Biotechnology #Sustainability #Innovation #30YearsVIB #vibvibhooray