1. Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Gerrit Rauws. I’m Director of the Health Program at the King Baudouin Foundation. We help philanthropists realize their goals and projects for the common good. We also develop projects to improve healthcare and patients’ quality of life. Within the King Baudouin Foundation, the Rare Diseases and Orphan Medicines Fund is also very effective in providing a consultation platform for players active in Belgium to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.

2. Why is the King Baudouin Foundation interested in genomics? 

Most rare diseases have a genetic origin. A better understanding of genomics will undoubtedly lead to better diagnosis, and could guide the development of new drugs. The FRB funds scientific research into the genetic origins of pancreatic cancer and several rare diseases. But we’re also interested in the societal aspects of genome sequencing. At the request of the French Minister of Health, we have organized a dialogue with citizens on the possibilities of genome sequencing, as well as on issues of confidentiality and solidarity.

3. Why are you supporting the 101 Genomes Foundation’s Marfan 101 Genomes Project?

Ludivine Verboogen and Romain Alderweireldt presented their project in a very convincing, innovative and relevant way, with a lot of dynamism. They have surrounded themselves with top-level researchers, as well as representatives of patient associations and numerous experts. I’m very impressed by their systematic approach. Through the 101 Genomes Fund, chaired by Professor Anne De Paepe, we’re trying to help them realize this project as quickly as possible.