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Research institutes headquartered in Belgium

Tamtam tracks 80 research institutes headquartered in Belgium. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by KU Leuven, Ghent University and Université libre de Bruxelles. Their median headcount is 598. Half of them were founded in 1962 or later. The most common headquarters are Brussels (12), Antwerp (3) and Leuven (3).

🇧🇪 Belgium50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

This selection features large research institutes in Belgium, predominantly universities and university hospitals. These organizations are engaged in higher education, advanced scientific research, and often provide specialized services to society. Many were founded in the 19th century, with others established more recently in the late 20th or early 21st century.

Key institutions include KU Leuven, a multidisciplinary university founded in 1425, and Ghent University, which offers diverse courses and conducts extensive research. Imec innovates nano- and digital technology, while VIB conducts pioneering basic research. Hôpital Erasme is an academic hospital providing patient care, education, and research.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
KU Leuvenkuleuven.be

A multidisciplinary university founded in 1425, offering research-driven education and being Belgium's largest and one of Europe's most renowned universities

Research Services 🇧🇪 Leuven 14,935 1425
2
Ghent Universityugent.be

Offers diverse courses and conducts extensive research across multiple scientific fields, welcoming students from all backgrounds.

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Ghent 11,347 1817
3
Université libre de Bruxellesulb.be

Large multicultural university offering diverse academic programs, conducting advanced research, employing thousands, and fostering international collaborations and scientific events.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Ixelles 7,528 1834
4
Université catholique de Louvainuclouvain.be

Provides higher education programs, conducts high-level research, and offers services to society across multiple campuses in Belgium, employing thousands of staff.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Louvain-la-Neuve 7,288 n/a
5
Vrije Universiteit Brusselvub.be

High-quality research, customised education, and strong social commitment focused on addressing future challenges with critical thinking and humanism.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Brussels 5,504 1969
6
University of Antwerpuantwerpen.be

Offers bachelor and master programs, conducts competitive research, supports doctoral studies, and fosters student-centered, competency-based education.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Antwerp 5,488 2003
7
University of Liègeuliege.be

A public university in the Belgian French-speaking community focused on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation within a pluralistic vision

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Liège 4,883 1817
8
imecimec-int.com

Innovates nano- and digital technology with global partners to create advanced solutions in healthcare, clean energy, and Industry 40 Shapes future

Research Services 🇧🇪 Leuven 4,867 1984
9
Thomas More University of Applied Sciencesthomasmore.be

Largest university of applied sciences in Flanders offering a range of bachelor's degree and postgraduate programs in English and Dutch

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Mechelen 2,855 2012
10
Hasselt Universityuhasselt.be

Dynamic university offering interactive education, fostering critical thinking, conducting innovative research, and supporting regional and international collaboration for sustainable development.

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Hasselt 2,297 1973
11
VIBvib.be

Conducts pioneering basic research to generate insights into molecular mechanisms, translating them into innovations for patients, society, and agriculture

Research Services 🇧🇪 Ghent 1,772 1995
12
UMONSweb.umons.ac.be

Comprehensive academic institution providing diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, engineering, economics, architecture, and medicine including specialized adult training and international research.

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Mons 1,714 2009
13
Hôpital Erasme - Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelleserasme.ulb.ac.be

Academic hospital affiliated with a university, providing patient care, education, and research in various specialized fields with over 3,000 staff members

Medical Practices 🇧🇪 Anderlecht 1,633 1977
14
Université de Namurunamur.be

A prestigious university in Namur, Belgium, with six faculties and 1300 staff members, offering cutting-edge research and unique Jesuit-inspired education

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Namur 1,497 1831
15
VITOvito.be

Independent research organization advancing cleantech, sustainable development, energy transition, circular economy, healthcare innovation, and sustainable use of space and water

Research Services 🇧🇪 Mol 1,388 1991
16
Thomas Morethomasmore.be

Leading educational institution offering a wide range of bachelor and associate programs to over 17,000 students in various locations, serving as a key partner for businesses and organizations

Education Administration Programs 🇧🇪 Mechelen 1,033 2012
17
Hasselt Universityuhasselt.be

An independent university with a global focus, specializing in education, cutting-edge research, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through interdisciplinary research and technology transfer

Research Services 🇧🇪 Hasselt 951 1973
18
SCK CENsckcen.be

A global leader in nuclear research, services, and education, focusing on six research topics to develop innovative applications for society's benefit

Research Services 🇧🇪 Mol 889 1952
19
F.R.S. - FNRSfrs-fnrs.be

Funding and supporting fundamental scientific research, promoting intellectual freedom, fostering innovation, and training researchers for societal and economic growth.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Brussels 833 1928
20
Sciensanosciensano.be

A multidisciplinary research institute focusing on the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health through the "One Health" concept

Research Services 🇧🇪 Ixelles 828 2018
21
HOWEST University of Applied Scienceshowest.be

Applied sciences university offering multidisciplinary, practice-based education, research, and community service with strong industry collaboration and innovative programs.

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Kortrijk 787 1995
22
HOWEST Hogeschool West-Vlaanderenhowest.be

A forward-thinking university offering diverse programs, focusing on practical education, research, and innovation to prepare students as competitive professionals

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Kortrijk 663 1995
23
Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerpitg.be

A leading institute in Antwerp, Belgium specializing in training, research, and assistance in tropical medicine and healthcare for developing countries

Research Services 🇧🇪 Antwerp 625 1906
24
LUCA School of Artsluca-arts.be

Multidisciplinary arts education and research across multiple cities, offering diverse professional and academic programs in visual, performing, and design arts.

Artists and Writers 🇧🇪 Brussels 604 n/a
25
European Research Council (ERC)europa.eu

Stimulates scientific excellence in Europe, encouraging competition for funding between the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age from anywhere in the world.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode 598 2007

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26
Vlerick Business Schoolvlerick.com

A leading international business school offering accredited programs, innovative research, expert faculty, and a spirit of openness, vitality, and innovation

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode 592 n/a
27
ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek)ilvo.vlaanderen.be

A research institute focused on sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food processing, conducting policy-supportive scientific research to improve products and policy instruments

Research Services 🇧🇪 Merelbeke 576 n/a
28
Buildwisebuildwise.be

Founded by and for the construction industry, we aim to improve quality, productivity, and sustainability while fostering innovation in construction projects and companies

Construction 🇧🇪 Zaventem 439 1960
29
UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxellesuclouvain.be

An university in the heart of Brussels focusing on humanities with programs in philosophy, law, economics, translation, and European studies

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Brussels 421 1858
30
EORTC - European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancereortc.org

A non-profit organization in Europe conducts clinical cancer research to develop better treatments, prolong survival, and improve quality of life for patients

Research Services 🇧🇪 Brussels 369 1962
31
Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Managementsolvay.edu

Leading educational institution offering EQUIS- and AMBA-accredited programs in economics and management, focusing on training responsible professionals and promoting scientific excellence

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Brussels 342 1903
32
Royal Military Academy, Belgiumrma.ac.be

Provides academic, military, and physical training for future officers, conducts advanced training and university-level research for Defence needs.

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Brussels 333 n/a
33
CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies)ceps.eu

A leading EU think tank based in Brussels since 1983, providing independent research and a forum for debate on EU affairs

Think Tanks 🇧🇪 Brussels 327 1983
34
CETICcetic.be

Specializing in applied research & technology transfer, connecting academic research with industry in software engineering, service oriented technologies, and embedded systems

IT Services and IT Consulting 🇧🇪 Charleroi 326 2001
35
Flanders Makeflandersmake.be

Strategic research center driving open innovation, custom innovation trajectories, and testing infrastructure for manufacturing industry, contributing to future technological advancements

Research Services 🇧🇪 Lommel 325 2014
36
Royal Higher Institute for Defencedefence-institute.be

A leading defense institute in Belgium, focusing on research, scientific studies, training, and knowledge transfer in the fields of security and defense

Think Tanks 🇧🇪 Brussels 324 n/a
37
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Ghent Universityugent.be

Training future veterinarians, operating the largest national animal hospital, and conducting leading veterinary research with global recognition.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Merelbeke 306 1933
38
KMDA vzwzooantwerpen.be

A society founded in 1843 managing four institutions, a nature reserve, and a concert venue, attracting over 2 million visitors annually Prominent in research and conservation

Travel Arrangements 🇧🇪 Antwerp 301 1843
39
CRA-W Centre wallon de Recherches agronomiquescra.wallonie.be

A scientific establishment under the Regional Government of Wallonia focused on agricultural research for sustainable development in Wallonia

Government Administration 🇧🇪 Gembloux 260 1872
40
Faculté Polytechnique de Monsportail.umons.ac.be

Engineering education focused on civil engineering, combining scientific curiosity, mastery of sciences, and societal service with diverse career opportunities.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Mons 255 n/a
41
INBO (Research Institute for Nature and Forest - Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek)vlaanderen.be

Independent research institute supporting Flemish government biodiversity policy through scientific research, data sharing, and advising nature and forestry organizations.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Brussels 249 2006
42
Gembloux Agro-Bio Techgembloux.uliege.be

Leading institution in sustainable development and eco-innovation specializing in agronomic sciences, biological engineering, environmental management, forestry, agronomy, chemistry, and bioindustries

Higher Education 🇧🇪 Gembloux 245 1860
43
ISSePissep.be

An organization specializing in environmental measurement, data collection, and knowledge development for a healthier and safer environment through scientific research and expertise

Environmental Services 🇧🇪 Liège 235 n/a
44
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciencesnaturalsciences.be

A Belgian Federal State institution involved in research, public service missions, and operating a museum with over 300,000 annual visitors

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos 🇧🇪 Brussels 235 1846
45
CRM Groupcrmgroup.be

Research center providing innovative industrial solutions across circular economy, energy transition, digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and construction sectors for large companies and SMEs.

Think Tanks 🇧🇪 Sart-Tilman 230 1948
46
Sirris | Innovation forwardsirris.be

Provides hands-on technological support, industrial research, and development services for Belgian companies across advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, green transition, and innovation management.

Business Consulting and Services 🇧🇪 Brussels 227 1949
47
Multitelmultitel.be

A private research center specializing in applied research and development for industry leaders, SMEs, and spin-off companies in various technological fields

Research Services 🇧🇪 Mons 192 1999
48
KU Leuven - Group T Leuven Campuskuleuven.be

Engineering education combining technical expertise with creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and holistic understanding of interconnected natural, cultural, and societal systems.

Research Services 🇧🇪 Leuven 190 1961
49
Centexbelcentexbel.be

Provides textile manufacturers with technological innovation support, specialized testing, certification, and research services to enhance industrial competitiveness through sustainable development and expert consultancy.

Textile Manufacturing 🇧🇪 Zwijnaarde 182 1950
50
Royal Observatory of Belgiumastro.oma.be

Internationally renowned research institute specializing in Earth and space sciences, providing services to scientific community, government, and society

Research Services 🇧🇪 Uccle 151 1826

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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