Fondation Saint-Luc

History

The Fondation Saint-Luc was created in 1986 as the philanthropic foundation of the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, the university hospital of UCLouvain in Brussels. Since its creation, the Foundation has been the privileged link between generous donors—individuals, families, companies, and foundations—and the medical, scientific, and humanistic missions of the hospital. Over nearly four decades, it has contributed to financing groundbreaking medical research, improving patient care, and supporting projects that combine excellence in science with a deeply human approach to health.

Mission

Our mission is to mobilize philanthropy in order to:

• Advance medical research that paves the way for new diagnostics and therapies.
• Support patient care and well-being, ensuring treatment is not only scientifically excellent but also humane.
• Promote innovation and education, enabling the training of young medical talents and the development of pioneering healthcare solutions.
• Build and equip infrastructures that reflect the highest standards of modern medicine and patient comfort.

In short, the Fondation Saint-Luc exists to bring together science, care, and humanity, making possible projects that would not be achievable without philanthropic support.

Goals

Medical breakthroughs: accelerate research in fields such as oncology, hematology, infectious diseases, cardiology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and more.

Human-centered care: provide patients and their families with services that improve quality of life (well-being centers, psychological support, pediatric play areas, music therapy, etc.).

Education & training: support scholarships, fellowships, and mandates for young physicians and scientists to ensure the future of medical excellence.

Infrastructure & technology: fund major hospital projects such as the Institut Roi Albert II (Cancer & Hematology), new surgical technologies, and digital health innovation.

Past Activities

Over the years, the Foundation has supported hundreds of initiatives. Some highlights include:

Financing cutting-edge research programs in oncology and hematology, leading to advances in CAR-T cell therapy and personalized medicine.

Creating patient well-being spaces: relaxation rooms, child-friendly facilities, and areas dedicated to supporting patients’ psychological resilience.

Supporting the purchase of advanced medical technologies, such as state-of-the-art imaging systems and surgical navigation tools.

Funding scholarships and research mandates for young researchers, allowing them to develop innovative projects and build international careers.

Contributing to COVID-19 research and response, including projects on infectious diseases and the biology of pandemics.

Current Activities

Today, the Fondation Saint-Luc is actively engaged in:

The Institut Roi Albert II (Cancer & Hematology): a new state-of-the-art building bringing together all oncology and hematology care, research, and teaching in one location. It is the only center in French-speaking Belgium treating all cancers in both adults and children, and a reference for rare cancers.

Mandates for qualified researchers: sustained support for experienced scientists like Prof. Frédéric Lecouvet, enabling them to lead ambitious, multidisciplinary research.

Soirée Académique: an annual event showcasing young medical talents supported by donors, giving visibility to the next generation of doctors and scientists.

Events and campaigns such as the Crayer Street Evening, NextGen initiatives, and sporting events like the 20 km of Brussels, which mobilize new audiences for philanthropy.

Digital fundraising: developing online donor communities, peer-to-peer fundraising, and tools to engage younger generations of supporters.

Future Planned Activities

Looking ahead, the Foundation is committed to ambitious projects that will shape the future of medicine at Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, including:

Expanding CAR-T cell therapy and immunotherapy research, bringing these promising treatments to more patients.

Strengthening international research collaborations through mobility grants and joint projects.

Opening new patient well-being centers integrated into hospital infrastructure, including spaces for integrative care, rehabilitation, and mental health.

Accelerating innovation in medical technology, such as AI-driven diagnostics and robotic surgery.

Sustaining donor engagement through transparent impact reporting, digital tools, and strong community events.

Launching new infrastructure projects, notably in pediatrics and neurology, to provide the best environment for healing and discovery.

Conclusion

The Fondation Saint-Luc stands at the crossroads of medicine, science, and humanism. By connecting the generosity of donors with the vision of doctors, researchers, and caregivers, it ensures that every gift translates into tangible progress for patients. Our ambition is not only to cure disease but also to accompany patients and families with dignity, empathy, and hope.