The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research boasts a storied legacy of pioneering contributions to the realms of genetics, developmental biology, and neuroscience. Its inception in 1996, as a collaborative venture between VIB and KU Leuven, marked the genesis of its enduring presence at the vanguard of molecular biology research.

The center's evolution was steered by exceptional leaders. Herman Vanden Berghe, a visionary cytogeneticist and the founder of the Center for Human Genetics at KU Leuven, laid the bedrock for the center's current research endeavors during his tenure as the inaugural director.

In 1997, Guido David, a prominent figure in the realm of cell surface proteoglycans and the discoverer of syndecans, expanded the center's horizons.

Subsequently, under the amalgamation with the Department of Developmental Biology headed by Danny Huylebroeck, Bart De Strooper assumed the mantle in 2007. As a preeminent authority on Alzheimer's disease, Bart led the Center for the ensuing decade, propelling it to international eminence and pioneering significant breakthroughs in the comprehension of brain disorders. In 2009, Wim Annaert joined Bart as adjunct director, and both ran the Center together until 2015.

In 2016, Patrik Verstreken - a celebrated neuronal cell biologist - took over from Wim as adjunct director, and subsequently from Bart as director from 2017 onward. In collaboration with his adept leadership team comprising Joris de Wit and Hilde Govaert, Patrik has cemented the center's standing as a global leader in brain and disease research. Their collective efforts have left an indelible mark through transformative discoveries, fervent advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in science, and catalyzing the emergence of innovative startups in this domain.