Virtual tour

Scientific Support Association

The Scientific Support Association (SSA) is run by and for technicians. We aim to stimulate the exchange of know-how between labs and increase communication between the scientific support staff, including all lab managers and all lab technicians, and the rest of our research Center.

Center technician Rani working in the lab and smiling into the camera
Rani Moors, senior lab technician in the Lynette Lim Lab

What does it mean to be a technician at our Center?

"As a technician, you are involved in a lot of research projects and you get to help all members of your lab." Rani, senior lab technician in the Lynette Lim Lab explains. "You are a good point of contact for your team and other colleagues. I think we are the glue that keeps the lab together." Rani shares more about how the SSA supports technicians at the Center. "I think the SSA is a good initiative to promote transparency between labs: sharing machines, kits, and lab techniques. If you are new to our Center, you get to know people that share a common background. The SSA also provides lifelong learning by organizing courses such as first aid which can also be used outside the lab."

Initiatives

Someone explaining a piece of lab technology to two other researchers, all wearing lab coats

Monthly Meetings

The SSA organizes monthly meetings about a technology topic to discuss and exchange practical information.

Cartoon of three people walking to the right

Walks

We host local walks to bring the Center's technicians together.

Technicians standing around tables and talking at the association's New Year's reception

Events

Organizing community events e.g. the SSA New Year's reception (pictured).

Close-up of one of our Center's technician's hands with lab gloves doing research in a petri dish

Seminars for Technicians

Useful information for SSA members, e.g. ELN, Single-Cell Meeting from Expertise Unit

A technician from our Center in the lab pipetting in an eppendorf

Training

Provide useful training for the Center at large, e.g. First Aid.

SSAGroupPic

Picnics

Lunchtime picnics throughout the summer!

Scientific Support Association (SSA) Committee

Name
Annelies Janssens
Function
Staff employee
Extra info
Voets Lab
Name
Nicole Hersmus
Function
Lab Technician
Extra info
Van Den Bosch Lab
Name
Angéle Pouwels
Function
Lab Technician
Extra info
Rodent Expertise Facility
Name
Ine Vlaeminck
Function
Lab Technician
Extra info
Electrophysiology Facility
Name
Melissa Benoit
Function
Lab Technician
Extra info
Voets Lab