The Muscle and Brain Lab (MaBLab), led by Prof. Dr. Liesbeth De Waele, is part of the Department of Development and Regeneration and the Leuven Brain Institute at KU Leuven. The lab focuses on studying the neurodevelopmental impact of pediatric neuromuscular disordersan area that remains insufficiently explored despite major therapeutic advances.

MaBLab occupies a unique position at the intersection of pediatric neuromuscular medicine, neurodevelopmental research, translational science, and patient-centered outcome assessment. The research group aims to better understand how disease-related mechanisms affect the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and psychosocial development of children, and how this translates into participation and quality of life.

The group has a strong international profile and plays a leading role in several global initiatives. Prof. De Waele is Chair and co-founder of the DuMAND Network, and MaBLab serves as coordinating center for large-scale i...