Dr Yvan Devaux, Associate Head of the Cardiovascular Research Unit, presented LIH and the research topics of his unit at a New Year’s conference organised by the Business Club France-Luxembourg.

The Business Club France-Luxembourg (BCFL) was founded less than one year ago with the purpose to create synergies between the innovative ecosystems of the two neighbouring countries. On 26^th January 2016, around 100 members of the BCFL gathered for the conference “Silicon Duchy meets FrenchTech” at the Luxembourgish Embassy in Paris. The one-day programme included pitches from different companies and round tables about the French and Luxembourgish innovative business landscape.

During a pitch, Dr Devaux had the opportunity to present the mission of LIH and its activities, in particular in the field of biomarker discovery for a personalised medicine approach in cardiovascular disease.

Charles-Louis Machuron who is the founder of Silicon Luxembourg, a media channel designed to profile start-ups and promote entrepreneurial activity in Luxembourg, chaired the subsequent round tables. Luxinnovation was represented in one of them to highlight the support services offered to start-ups and innovative businesses. The e-Science unit of Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) participated in another one that reflected on the link between R&D and the entrepreneurial world.

‘I think researchers from public institutions should be more proactive in seeking contacts with companies.’ says Dr Devaux. Partnerships with industry allow to develop and strengthen research projects and to economically valorise the results. ‘The meetings of the BCFL are an excellent opportunity for networking and for initiating new collaborations,’ he adds.

Photo: His Excellency Mr Paul Dühr, Ambassador of Luxembourg (left) and Dr Yvan Devaux, Associate Head of LIH’s Cardiovascular Research Unit.