Advancing Brain Research
At the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), scientists and clinicians work together
to better understand the brain and develop new ways to prevent, diagnose,
and treat neurological diseases. Our research aims to transform discoveries
in the lab into real benefits for patients and families.
Our key areas of brain research
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis often develop over many years before being diagnosed, when irreversible damage is already present. As the population ages, their human, social, and economic impact is increasing significantly.
At the Luxembourg Research Clinic and within the National Centre of Excellence in Research on Parkinson’s Disease (NCER-PD), LIH researchers identify risk factors and molecular mechanisms in order to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Our brain imaging experts also contribute to detecting brain alterations earlier and to better understanding disease progression.
The international Clinnova project complements this work in the field of multiple sclerosis by combining clinical data, brain imaging, and molecular analyses to better predict relapses and disease progression.
Together, we can shape the future of brain health.
Featured projects
- Blood test for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis (alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay)
- Blood biomarker test for early Parkinson’s disease diagnosis (CD8 TEMRA assay)
- Clinical trials for new Parkinson’s disease treatment and administration methods (PADOVA and SCOL clinical trials)
- Healthy Brain Ageing (HeBA) study to understand PD risk factors (HeBA study)
- Improving care and coordination for people with Parkinson’s disease (ParkinsonNet network)
- Preventing dementia with digital lifestyle coaching (Programme for Dementia Prevention – BrainCoach App)
- Building Luxembourg’s first Brain Bank for research (in collaboration with LNS)
- Clinnova-MS study
- New technologies to monitor and support rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (R-MMS clinical trial)
- Using AI to assess the risk of neurological diseases after COVID-19 (COMMUTE project)
- Effect of environmental pollutants on dementia and Alzheimer’s onset (ExpoSignalz project)
- Monitoring cognitive effects of Long-COVID through eye-technology (DIGICOG project)
- Using artificial intelligence to improve brain tumour imaging analysis (Federated Tumour Segmentation – FeTS study)
Brain Tumours
Malignant brain tumours such as diffuse gliomas are among the most complex cancers to treat. Their location and biological diversity often limit the effectiveness of current therapies.
At LIH, we develop innovative preclinical models and analyze the molecular mechanisms of tumors to identify more precise therapeutic targets tailored to each patient.
Featured projects
- Understanding how ageing and genetics influence brain tumour treatment response (IMMUNAGENOMICS project)
- Understanding the role of glioblastoma persister cells in shaping resistance to treatment (PERSIST project)
- Targeting tumour metabolism to develop new glioblastoma therapies (MITOFIT project)
- Understanding treatment resistance in glioblastoma (PLASTIG project)
- Developing patient-derived brain tumour models (Patient-Derived Orthotopic Xenografts – PDOX collection)
- How RNA modifications influence tumour metabolism and growth in glioma (EPITOME project)
- Studying epigenetic mechanisms driving IDH1-mutated gliomas (NIMBUS project)
Brain, Immune System and Heart
The brain constantly interacts with the immune system and the cardiovascular system. Chronic inflammation or immune imbalances can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and cancers.
At LIH, our teams analyze these interactions to better understand the mechanisms involved and to reduce harmful brain inflammation. They also develop innovative biomarkers to enable earlier detection and truly personalized therapies.
Featured projects
- Understanding how allergies may protect against brain tumours (GRALL-UMEGA project)
- How allergies may help the immune system fight glioblastoma (GRALL project)
- New RNA biomarkers and treatments for Parkinson’s disease (OxiPARK project)
- Developing RNA-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease (TreatPD project)
Why Your Support Matters
Your contribution helps to:
- Stimulate innovative brain research
- Accelerate the development of new diagnostics and treatments
- Support patients, families, and future generations
- Transform scientific advances into concrete medical solutions
