Prof. Rudi Balling, director of the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), was bestowed the Order of Merit by Grand Duke Henri for his contribution to research.

Rudi Balling was recognised for his commitment to research. The scientist received the distinction during the official celebrations of Luxembourg’s National Day on 23 June 2016 at the Philharmonie Luxembourg concert hall.

In his congratulatory speech, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel emphasised how Balling had recently built up a laboratory from scratch, which now employs more than 200 people: “Excellent research is being done here, among other things in the field of Parkinson’s research. The Government sees research in this sector as a highly important mainstay for Luxembourg of the future.” Bettel highlighted, in particular, how Balling had also established the “Scienteens Lab – de Labo fir Jonker” under the patronage of Princess Stéphanie.

Prof. Balling regards the distinction as a special tribute to the University of Luxembourg: “This award is in fact a compliment for the entire University, which plays a very important role in Luxembourg. The LCSB is a part of this University. And it is a good feeling to have our contribution to this country endorsed so highly.”

© Michel Brumat / University of Luxembourg