The KU Leuven Institutes carry out interdisciplinary research with a societal relevance. They focus on subjects that remain important in the long term and rely on an extensive and interdisciplinary network. They are the ideal basis for the exchange of expertise across disciplinary boundaries, opening up promising new prospects.
Leuven Gravity Institute: a new view of the universe
Einstein predicted them but they seemed elusive. Gravity waves. Extremely small ripples of space generated, for example, when two black holes merge and propagate at the speed of light, right through everything.
Until 2015, when gravitational waves are detected for the first time in the United States. This breakthrough heralds the birth of an entirely new astronomy, which in time may even 'picture' the Big Bang.
The KU Leuven Gravity Institute aims to support and expand the multidisciplinary research fabric that underlies gravitational wave observations in order to fully tap into the scientific, technological and societal potential of this revolution in astronomy. "We organize our research into four cross-cutting themes," says Thomas Hertog, director of the Leuven Gravity Institute. "For example, we contribute to the Einstein Telescope, which will one day become Europe's most advanced observatory for gravitational waves. We are also putting our weight behind the Einstein telescope's big brother in space, the LISA mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). A third pillar consists of shaping a broad education in this field for students, young researchers and engineers, ranging from gravity (astro)physics, data analysis and computing, to engineering for detectors of gravitational waves. Finally, the LGI wants to use this Galileo moment to explore the interfaces between science and art and strengthen the broad scientific culture."
Leuven Interdisciplinary Language Institute (LILI) provides overarching language expertise
"Language is one of the most fundamental human capacities and therefore plays a crucial role in various disciplines," says Professor Geert Brône, director of the new institute. "From AI experts and language technologists to communication scientists, neurologists, and speech therapists. We see that different research groups, departments, and even some existing institutes at KU Leuven are involved with language in one way or another, but until now we lacked a central, overarching language institute that could act as a bridge between all these partners."
"LILI aims to position itself as a large center of expertise with, on the one hand, its own distinct interdisciplinary research projects, for example, on the role of language in access to public services such as healthcare, or the omnipresent large language models and their impact on research and education. On the other hand, we want to build an impact network with actors from various fields to meet the needs of practice."
"In short, LILI's mission is to firmly and sustainably place language on the agenda of interdisciplinary research and the public debate on major societal challenges."
Leuven Institute of Sport Science (LISS)
At the Leuven Institute of Sport Science (LISS), the focus is on improving athletic performance. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the institute will support both individual athletes and teams, from recreational to elite levels. While athletic performance is central, there is also attention given to prevention and policy.
LISS builds upon the groundwork of the Leuven Centre of Sports Science (LCSS), which was established in October 2023 by the Department of Movement Sciences. LCSS is now receiving a new boost through its formal recognition as a KU Leuven Institute, the Leuven Institute of Sport Science (LISS). It serves as a recognizable point of contact for athletes, clubs, federations, and companies, while also providing a strong platform for interdisciplinary research, education, and valorization.
"Through its recognition as an institute, LISS will be able to mobilize a larger and broader network of KU Leuven researchers. This will allow KU Leuven to strengthen its visible position in both the national and international sports landscape," says Prof. Benedicte Vanwanseele, director of the new institute. She is supported by co-directors Prof. Jesse Davis (Department of Computer Science) and Prof. Frank Hendrickx (Institute of Labor Law), along with Kobe Houtmeyers as coordinator.
The institute will continue to build on the activities initiated by LCSS. For example, there is an upcoming event on training and coaching in endurance sports, organized alongside the Gravel World Championships in Leuven, at the beginning of October.
This article was first published on 1 October by KU Leuven.
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