# 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 UniversitΓ© 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). 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. HΓ΄pital Erasme is an academic hospital providing patient care, education, and research. πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Belgium Β· 50 companies Β· Updated Nov 12, 2026 | # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | [KU Leuven](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ku-leuven) (kuleuven.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Leuven | 14,935 | 1425 | | 2 | [Ghent University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ghent-university) (ugent.be)
Offers diverse courses and conducts extensive research across multiple scientific fields, welcoming students from all backgrounds. | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Ghent | 11,347 | 1817 | | 3 | [UniversitΓ© libre de Bruxelles](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-libre-de-bruxelles) (ulb.be)
Large multicultural university offering diverse academic programs, conducting advanced research, employing thousands, and fostering international collaborations and scientific events. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Ixelles | 7,528 | 1834 | | 4 | [UniversitΓ© catholique de Louvain](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-catholique-de-louvain) (uclouvain.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Louvain-la-Neuve | 7,288 | | | 5 | [Vrije Universiteit Brussel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vrije-universiteit-brussel) (vub.be)
High-quality research, customised education, and strong social commitment focused on addressing future challenges with critical thinking and humanism. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 5,504 | 1969 | | 6 | [University of Antwerp](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-antwerp) (uantwerpen.be)
Offers bachelor and master programs, conducts competitive research, supports doctoral studies, and fosters student-centered, competency-based education. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Antwerp | 5,488 | 2003 | | 7 | [University of LiΓ¨ge](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-liege) (uliege.be)
A public university in the Belgian French-speaking community focused on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation within a pluralistic vision | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ LiΓ¨ge | 4,883 | 1817 | | 8 | [imec](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/imec) (imec-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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Leuven | 4,867 | 1984 | | 9 | [Thomas More University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/thomas-more-university-of-applied-sciences) (thomasmore.be)
Largest university of applied sciences in Flanders offering a range of bachelor's degree and postgraduate programs in English and Dutch | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mechelen | 2,855 | 2012 | | 10 | [Hasselt University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hasselt-university-hasselt) (uhasselt.be)
Dynamic university offering interactive education, fostering critical thinking, conducting innovative research, and supporting regional and international collaboration for sustainable development. | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Hasselt | 2,297 | 1973 | | 11 | [VIB](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vib) (vib.be)
Conducts pioneering basic research to generate insights into molecular mechanisms, translating them into innovations for patients, society, and agriculture | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Ghent | 1,772 | 1995 | | 12 | [UMONS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/umons) (web.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mons | 1,714 | 2009 | | 13 | [HΓ΄pital Erasme - Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hopital-erasme-cliniques-universitaires-de-bruxelles) (erasme.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Anderlecht | 1,633 | 1977 | | 14 | [UniversitΓ© de Namur](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-de-namur) (unamur.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Namur | 1,497 | 1831 | | 15 | [VITO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vito) (vito.be)
Independent research organization advancing cleantech, sustainable development, energy transition, circular economy, healthcare innovation, and sustainable use of space and water | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mol | 1,388 | 1991 | | 16 | [Thomas More](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/thomas-more) (thomasmore.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mechelen | 1,033 | 2012 | | 17 | [Hasselt University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hasselt-university) (uhasselt.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Hasselt | 951 | 1973 | | 18 | [SCK CEN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sck-cen) (sckcen.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mol | 889 | 1952 | | 19 | [F.R.S. - FNRS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/f-r-s-fnrs) (frs-fnrs.be)
Funding and supporting fundamental scientific research, promoting intellectual freedom, fostering innovation, and training researchers for societal and economic growth. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 833 | 1928 | | 20 | [Sciensano](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sciensano) (sciensano.be)
A multidisciplinary research institute focusing on the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health through the "One Health" concept | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Ixelles | 828 | 2018 | | 21 | [HOWEST University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/howest-university-of-applied-sciences) (howest.be)
Applied sciences university offering multidisciplinary, practice-based education, research, and community service with strong industry collaboration and innovative programs. | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Kortrijk | 787 | 1995 | | 22 | [HOWEST Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/howest-hogeschool-west-vlaanderen) (howest.be)
A forward-thinking university offering diverse programs, focusing on practical education, research, and innovation to prepare students as competitive professionals | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Kortrijk | 663 | 1995 | | 23 | [Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institute-of-tropical-medicine-antwerp) (itg.be)
A leading institute in Antwerp, Belgium specializing in training, research, and assistance in tropical medicine and healthcare for developing countries | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Antwerp | 625 | 1906 | | 24 | [LUCA School of Arts](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/luca-school-of-arts) (luca-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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 604 | | | 25 | [European Research Council (ERC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Saint-Josse-ten-Noode | 598 | 2007 | | 26 | [Vlerick Business School](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vlerick-business-school) (vlerick.com)
A leading international business school offering accredited programs, innovative research, expert faculty, and a spirit of openness, vitality, and innovation | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Saint-Josse-ten-Noode | 592 | | | 27 | [ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Merelbeke | 576 | | | 28 | [Buildwise](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/buildwise) (buildwise.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Zaventem | 439 | 1960 | | 29 | [UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uclouvain-saint-louis-bruxelles) (uclouvain.be)
An university in the heart of Brussels focusing on humanities with programs in philosophy, law, economics, translation, and European studies | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 421 | 1858 | | 30 | [EORTC - European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eortc-european-organisation-for-research-and-treatment-of-cancer) (eortc.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 369 | 1962 | | 31 | [Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/solvay-brussels-school-of-economics-and-management) (solvay.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 342 | 1903 | | 32 | [Royal Military Academy, Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-military-academy-belgium) (rma.ac.be)
Provides academic, military, and physical training for future officers, conducts advanced training and university-level research for Defence needs. | Higher Education | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 333 | | | 33 | [CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 327 | 1983 | | 34 | [CETIC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cetic-charleroi) (cetic.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Charleroi | 326 | 2001 | | 35 | [Flanders Make](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/flanders-make) (flandersmake.be)
Strategic research center driving open innovation, custom innovation trajectories, and testing infrastructure for manufacturing industry, contributing to future technological advancements | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Lommel | 325 | 2014 | | 36 | [Royal Higher Institute for Defence](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-higher-institute-for-defence) (defence-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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 324 | | | 37 | [Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Ghent University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculty-of-veterinary-medicine-ghent-university) (ugent.be)
Training future veterinarians, operating the largest national animal hospital, and conducting leading veterinary research with global recognition. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Merelbeke | 306 | 1933 | | 38 | [KMDA vzw](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kmda-vzw) (zooantwerpen.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Antwerp | 301 | 1843 | | 39 | [CRA-W Centre wallon de Recherches agronomiques](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cra-w-centre-wallon-de-recherches-agronomiques) (cra.wallonie.be)
A scientific establishment under the Regional Government of Wallonia focused on agricultural research for sustainable development in Wallonia | Government Administration | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Gembloux | 260 | 1872 | | 40 | [FacultΓ© Polytechnique de Mons](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculte-polytechnique-de-mons) (portail.umons.ac.be)
Engineering education focused on civil engineering, combining scientific curiosity, mastery of sciences, and societal service with diverse career opportunities. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mons | 255 | | | 41 | [INBO (Research Institute for Nature and Forest - Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/inbo-research-institute-for-nature-and-forest-instituut-voor-natuur-en) (vlaanderen.be)
Independent research institute supporting Flemish government biodiversity policy through scientific research, data sharing, and advising nature and forestry organizations. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 249 | 2006 | | 42 | [Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gembloux-agro-bio-tech) (gembloux.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Gembloux | 245 | 1860 | | 43 | [ISSeP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/issep) (issep.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ LiΓ¨ge | 235 | | | 44 | [Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-belgian-institute-of-natural-sciences) (naturalsciences.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 235 | 1846 | | 45 | [CRM Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/crm-group-liege) (crmgroup.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Sart-Tilman | 230 | 1948 | | 46 | [Sirris \| Innovation forward](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sirris-innovation-forward) (sirris.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels | 227 | 1949 | | 47 | [Multitel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/multitel) (multitel.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Mons | 192 | 1999 | | 48 | [KU Leuven - Group T Leuven Campus](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ku-leuven-group-t-leuven-campus) (kuleuven.be)
Engineering education combining technical expertise with creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and holistic understanding of interconnected natural, cultural, and societal systems. | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Leuven | 190 | 1961 | | 49 | [Centexbel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centexbel) (centexbel.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 | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Zwijnaarde | 182 | 1950 | | 50 | [Royal Observatory of Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-observatory-of-belgium) (astro.oma.be)
Internationally renowned research institute specializing in Earth and space sciences, providing services to scientific community, government, and society | Research Services | πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Uccle | 151 | 1826 | ## 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. ## More company lists in Belgium - [The largest companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-belgium) (6,987) - [Multinational companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-belgium) (1,745) - [Manufacturers in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-belgium) (630) - [Retail chains in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-belgium) (622) - [Companies with in-house R&D in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-belgium) (605) - [IT services companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-belgium) (551) - [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-belgium) (542) - [Family-owned companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-belgium) (435) - [Software Development companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-belgium) (430) - [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-belgium) (409) - [SaaS companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-belgium) (407) - [Professional services firms in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-belgium) (396) - [Critical infrastructure operators in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-belgium) (354) - [Hardware manufacturers in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-belgium) (320) - [Financial services firms in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-belgium) (314) - [Distributors and wholesalers in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-belgium) (314) - [Consulting firms in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-belgium) (285) - [Retail companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-companies-belgium) (285) - [Food and Beverage Manufacturing companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-manufacturing-companies-belgium) (282) - [Truck Transportation companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/truck-transportation-companies-belgium) (259) - [Logistics companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-belgium) (258) - [Advertising Services companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/advertising-services-companies-belgium) (222) - [Education providers in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-belgium) (209) - [Consumer goods companies in Belgium](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-belgium) (205) ## The same list elsewhere in Belgium - [Research institutes in Flanders](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-flanders) (31) ## The same list elsewhere - [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686) - [Research institutes in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-europe) (2,713) --- Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-belgium