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 within the Ghent University Technology Park*1 in Belgium, inside a bio-incubator facility operated by VIB*2 (the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology), which hosts a variety of innovative biotech companies and research institutes.
This environment allows YHER to access state-of-the-art shared facilities and advanced instruments available on the campus--including flow cytometers, electron and confocal microscopes, and equipment for molecular biology, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and single-cell analysis. Technical support provided by experienced specialists further promotes an environment ideal for both basic and applied research.
YHER works closely with Yakult Europe to continuously expand the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Yakult's probiotics.
Located in Technologiepark Zwijnaarde in Ghent, Belgium. Exterior view of bio-incubator facility
*YHER is located on the first floor of this building.
- *1 Ghent University Technology Park
- Ghent University is one of Belgium's leading comprehensive universities, internationally recognized especially in the life sciences. The Technology Park, operated by the university, hosts a variety of research institutions, advanced facilities, and innovative companies, forming a major center for academic and industrial collaboration in life science research across 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.
