Research group of Comparative Endocrinology
Welcome to the website of the research group of Comparative Endocrinology of the K.U.Leuven! We belong to the Section of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology of the Department of Biology. This section includes six research groups: Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics (Prof. L. Arckens), Comparative Endocrinology (Prof. V. Darras), Insect Physiology and Molecular Ethology (Prof. R. Huybrechts), Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration (Prof. L. Moons), Functional Genomics and Proteomics (Prof. L. Schoofs), and Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction (Prof. J. Vanden Broeck). Our lab was founded back in 1970 by the previous lab head Prof. Eduard Kühn and is located in the historical College Premonstreit building in the very heart of Leuven.
Research
The research of our group is focussed on the development and growth of vertebrates, with the chicken and the zebrafish as the main animal models. Our research projects can be categorized in two broad topics: (i) central control by endocrine interactions between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, and (ii) peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism and action. We have active collaborations with other research groups within the K.U.Leuven (Biology, Bioscience Engineering, Medical Sciences), in other Belgian universities, and in universities worldwide. You can browse through our list of publications, dating all the way back to 1970!
Education
Besides the introductory courses "Animal Structure and Function" in the bachelor programmes of Biology, our lab is responsible for more specialized theoretical courses and practical sessions in the masters of Biology and Biochemistry & Biotechnology, including "Comparative Endocrinology" and "Ecophysiology". We are joined every year by Biology, Biochemistry and/or Bioscience Engineering students who come to our lab to make their bachelor or master thesis (information only in Dutch).
Staff
Prof. Veerle Darras is the current head of the lab. Our group consists of a postdoctoral researcher, five PhD students, three lab technicians and one administrative co-worker.
Interested?
Motivated students or postdocs interested in joining the group or scientists interested in collaboration should contact Prof. Veerle Darras. Opportunities for funding of travel and subsistence are available at several granting agencies (international students, doctoral students, researchers; Marie Curie actions).
Contact details
Research group of Comparative Endocrinology
Naamsestraat 61
B-3000 Leuven
Belgium
Tel. +32 16 32 39 92
Fax +32 16 32 42 62
E-mail: veerle.darras@bio.kuleuven.be
