Yakult Honsha European Research Center for Microbiology VOF
Advancing the Globalization of Research Activities
As an R&D hub of the Yakult Group,
the European Research Center investigates the effectiveness of Yakult's probiotics among people in Europe.
At the same time, it expands our regional scientific network and contributes to the globalization of our research activities.
Research area
- Studying the effects of the intake of probiotics on the intestinal microbiota and intestinal functioning.
Yakult's Overseas Research Institute Supporting Global Business Development
To fulfill Yakult Honsha's mission as a leading company in the probiotics field, we established this research center (YHER) in Europe -- the birthplace of the probiotics concept -- as a key base for our scientific activities. Our main research theme focuses on verifying the intestinal health benefits of probiotics, such as their ability to improve the gut microbiota, in order to scientifically demonstrate their effectiveness for European consumers. By accumulating scientific evidence, we aim to build a solid foundation for Yakult's global business expansion, starting from Europe.
A Research Base Linking Us to the World
The European Research Center is located in a corner of the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park*1 in the city of Ghent, where it has its base inside the Bio-Incubator operated by VIB*2 (a cluster facility for biotech-related companies).
The VIB research facility is equipped with laboratories and research instruments available for paid use, as well as technical support services provided by specialized staff. This environment enables a broad range of research, from basic to applied science.
YHER works closely with Yakult Europe to continuously expand the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Yakult's probiotics.
- *1 Tech Lane Ghent Science Park
- Tech Lane Ghent Science Park is operated by a joint venture that includes Ghent University and the City of Ghent Development Agency, supporting academic research and industrial activities. It hosts university laboratories and corporate research institutes, forming one of the largest research clusters in Ghent, and supports life science research activities in Europe.
- *2 VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie - Flemish Institute for Biotechnology)
- VIB is an international research institute that collaborates with Ghent University, KU Leuven, and other institutions. Its research spans a broad range of life science fields, from basic biology to applied biotechnology. VIB's scientific achievements have contributed to advances in medicine and agriculture, and have led to the creation of numerous biotech companies.
Exterior view of VIB Bio-Incubator
(the European Research Center is located on the first floor of the same building)
