BEHOLDER Project
University of Louvain
Centre for Applied Molecular Technologies
Who we are
The Centre for Applied Molecular Technologies (CTMA) at the University of Louvain (UCL) is an academic-clinical biotechnological platform specialising in infectious disease research. Its core focus lies in the rapid and safe detection of biowarfare agents and response to biological threats. CTMA operates the B-LiFE (Biological Light Fieldable Laboratory for Emergencies) — a WHO-recognised Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory (Type 2) — deployed in crises arising from accidental, intentional or natural biological releases. Acting as a technological incubator, CTMA integrates and validates emerging technologies for on-site field applications.
Reason for Joining BEHOLDER
CTMA joined BEHOLDER to contribute to addressing critical challenges in CBRN-E (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear threats and Explosives) detection and assessment in urban environments. The project provides a valuable opportunity to test, validate and implement innovative solutions in real-world contexts to counter both existing and emerging biological threats.
Our Role in BEHOLDER
CTMA’s primary role in BEHOLDER focuses on:
- Testing and evaluating biological measuring devices in laboratory settings.
- Implementing communication systems for seamless data exchange between field devices and the central BEHOLDER platform.
- Developing a modular training curriculum for end-users, integrating practical exercises, scenario-based learning, and real-world simulations to ensure effective and safe CBRN-E response operations.
Collaboration
CTMA works closely with project partners on:
- Communication system integration and informatics support within the BEHOLDER architecture.
- Contributing to biological detection principles and experimental validation.
- Developing joint experimental protocols for performance testing of various measuring devices.
Innovation
CTMA introduces a novel biosensing approach by integrating nanobody-based molecular recognition with holographic microscopy.
Expected Outcome
CTMA anticipates breakthroughs in biological agent detection across diverse environments and surface types, strengthening Europe’s preparedness and rapid response capabilities against CBRN-E threats.
Future Vision
Participation in BEHOLDER aligns with CTMA’s strategic vision to advance on-field bioagent detection, identification, monitoring and decontamination technologies under realistic operational conditions. The project supports CTMA’s mission to train and equip first responders with cutting-edge tools and procedures for biological incident management, thereby reinforcing the centre’s long-term goals in public health security and biotechnological innovation.
Other CBRN-E Related Projects
CTMA is actively involved in several European initiatives enhancing preparedness and innovation in CBRN-E response: eNOTICE-2, eNOVATION, TeamUP, MOBVEC and Easy2reUse.
Staff involved
Prof. Jean-Luc Gala
Jean-Luc is a professor at UCLouvain, Chief Resident at the Sint-Luc Academic Hospital, and a leading expert in clinical molecular biology and biodefense. He founded and directs the Centre for Applied Molecular Technologies (CTMA), which supports the European Commission, NATO and multiple Ministries of Defence on biothreats and biorisk management. CTMA also develops advanced diagnostic tools for pandemic and bio-warfare agents. Jean-Luc has contributed to major European security and public health projects, including eNOTICE-2, eNOVATION, TeamUP, and MOBVEC, and he serves on several international CBRN advisory boards. He also created the B-LiFE mobile laboratory, deployed during crises such as Ebola, COVID-19, and Monkeypox, and is a Visiting Professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. In BEHOLDER, he supervises and aligns UCLouvain’s contributions with first responder technologies in FR projects.
Dr. Olga Vybornova
Olga is a Senior Researcher and EU Project Manager at UCL-CTMA, and a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group on the Community for European Research and Innovation for Security (CERIS), sub-group on Disaster Resilient Societies (DRS). She is responsible for research, coordination and management across multiple EU projects, including eNOTICE and eNOTICE-2—the European Network of CBRN Training Centres—as well as eNOVATION, the Extended Network of CBRN Training Centres for Innovation. Her work focuses on innovation management practices and supporting security end-users by identifying capability gaps and research needs. She also contributes to training activities, promotes the uptake of innovative technologies and oversees their testing and validation in operational environments. Additionally, she facilitates synergies among security research projects to enhance impact and collaboration.
Dr. Omar Nyabi
Omar is a Senior Researcher and EU Project Manager at UCL-CTMA. With a background in molecular biology and biosensor design and functionalization, his expertise spans molecular diagnostics, nanobiotechnology and applied innovation in the security and health domains. His research focuses on developing and integrating biosensing technologies for pathogen detection, biosecurity, and crisis-response applications. He has contributed to several European collaborative projects, including ENCIRCLE, PANDEM-2, TEAMUP, and eNOVATION. In addition to his technical work, Omar studies innovation management practices, end-user engagement and capability-gap assessment to support the transition of emerging technologies into operational use. He also promotes cross-sector collaboration and synergies among European security research initiatives, advancing resilient and technology-enabled societal preparedness.
Emile Van Cauwenberghe
Holding a Master's degree in Bioinformatics from ULB with a thesis focused on optimizing viral genetic enrichment through sequencing, Emile is a Research Assistant at UCLouvain-CTMA. He specializes in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analytics and applied bioinformatics across multiple security and public health projects. In BEHOLDER, beyond contributing to device testing and communication system design, he manages the system integration component, ensuring seamless data transmission from field sensors and establishing the vital technological bridge between biological methodologies and IT implementation. He is responsible for the technical deployment of a robust LIMS platform (based on GNUhealth/PostgreSQL) within MOBVEC, which is critical for tracking biological samples and inter-connecting with sequencing instrumentation. He also supports eNovation by managing the data emission pipeline from measurement devices to the central Kafka broker digital system.