LIH opens its doors to bring health research closer to the public

From clinical research and cancer science to biobanking, data and prevention, the LIH welcomed members of the public for two days of hands-on discovery and exchange

• Department of Cancer Research
• Luxembourg Research Clinic – Fuerschungsklinik Lëtzebuerg
• Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg (IBBL)

On September 19th and 20th, the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) opened its doors to the public, inviting over 500 visitors to step behind the scenes of biomedical research and discover how science contributes to better health and healthcare.

Across its sites in Luxembourg and Dudelange, over 70 volunteers from the LIH transformed complex scientific topics into accessible and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Through games, demonstrations, workshops and laboratory activities, participants had the opportunity to meet the people behind the science and gain first-hand insight into the many different steps involved in health research.

At the Luxembourg site, visitors could explore the work of the Luxembourg Research Clinic (LRC – Fuerschungsklinik Lëtzebuerg) and discover how clinical studies bring together patients, clinicians, researchers and specialised support teams. Activities highlighted ongoing research projects, the importance of patient and public involvement, and the different stages required to bring a clinical study to life, from its planning and regulatory approval to data management and laboratory analysis.
Visitors could also become scientists for a day at the Department of Cancer Research (DoCR), exploring concepts such as precision medicine, immunotherapy and targeted therapies through hands-on activities inspired by real biomedical research. Other interactive stands introduced the public to clinical research data, healthy eating, cancer epidemiology and prevention.

Meanwhile, at the Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg (IBBL) in Dudelange, visitors followed the journey of a biological sample, from collection and processing to long-term storage and distribution, discovering the rigorous processes and quality standards that underpin biomedical research.

Beyond showcasing scientific expertise, the Open Doors event reflected an important part of LIH’s mission: creating opportunities for dialogue between science and society. By making research understandable, tangible and accessible, LIH aims to give the public a better understanding of how biomedical research works and of the essential role that patients and citizens can play in advancing it.

The event was also an opportunity for LIH scientists and staff to share their enthusiasm for research directly with the community and inspire curiosity about the science shaping the healthcare of tomorrow.

Our Open Days are about much more than showing what happens inside our laboratories. They are an opportunity to share our passion for science and bring people closer to the research we do every day. Seeing hundreds of visitors engage with our teams, ask questions and leave having discovered something new about LIH was extremely rewarding. I am particularly grateful to all our colleagues whose creativity, energy and enthusiasm made science accessible, engaging and, above all, enjoyable for our visitors

concluded Prof Ulf Nehrbass, CEO of the LIH.