The Institute of Tropical Medicine

The Institute for Tropical Medicine (ITM) was established over a century ago. We began by training doctors and nurses to work in the Congo and are now internationally recognised in the fields of education, medicine, science and world health.

In 1906, in an old villa in Brussels, King Leopold II established a school devoted to the study of tropical diseases (the School voor Tropenziekten). He wanted to train doctors and nurses to allow them to work in the Congo Free State. There were similar tropical institutions in England, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.

Each year about 700 health professionals and researchers from all over the world study at ITM. Many students come from low- or middle-income countries.

We mainly offer ‘advanced teaching and training’: doctoral and master degree programmes, postgraduate certificate courses and short courses as part of lifelong learning.

Our education – in human or veterinary tropical medicine and international public health – is problem-oriented and focuses on both academic and professional skills. The courses use a participatory approach to learning. Exchange on professional experience between students and teaching staff is very enriching. Debate and critical reflection are key.

For over a century, the Institute of Tropical Medicine offers a window to the world. Students from over 30 countries specialise in tropical infectious diseases and health care right here in Antwerp. Our scientists carry out research in laboratories and in the field, in collaboration with partners in Africa, Asia and Latin-America. Our doctors and nurses offer travel advice, vaccinations and medical care tailored to the individual patient, treating imported diseases, HIV and STDs.

Our globalised world is changing rapidly and the Institute adapts. As a result of increased trade, migration, tourism and climate change, we face big health questions today. With our top level education, research and service delivery we contribute to the answers to these questions. We strengthen our partner organisations so they can take charge of science and health care in their own country and we jointly work towards scientific progress and better health.

Scientific progress is at the core of our academic mission. We disseminate our knowledge through higher education and the provision of medical, scientific and societal services . Through an interdisciplinary approach and a focus on our niche in tropical medicine and international health we strive for both scientific excellence and societal relevance.

ITM believes that each world citizen should be able to enjoy a healthy life, and that scientific progress is a motor of societal development.

ITM aims at the advancement and spread of the sciences that contribute to tropical medicine and to public health in developing countries, inclusive of their global dimensions.

ITM conducts, within a coherent academic triad, fundamental, translational and applied scientific research; delivers advanced education and training; and provides medical, scientific and societal expert services.

ITM strives in the fulfilment of its mission for excellence, integrity, specificity and efficiency. It upholds human dignity and diversity, academic creativity and critical sense, solidarity and collaboration, and the well-being of its employees, students, patients and other clients.