Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Prof. K. Benhalima is an international expert in the field of diabetes and pregnancy. Prof. K. Benhalima completed a large multicenter Belgian study in which 2,000 pregnant women were recruited early in pregnancy to compare different screening strategies for gestational diabetes (the BEDIP-N study). This is the largest study ever conducted on gestational diabetes in Belgium. Based on this research, new guidelines for gestational diabetes screening in Belgium were developed. Prof. Benhalima’s other research topics include pre-existing diabetes and pregnancy, new technologies (such as glucose sensors and smart insulin pumps), type 2 diabetes prevention, and type 2 diabetes in young adults. Prof. Benhalima’s research group currently has four doctoral students.
Project
The SERENA study (Semaglutide for the treatment of glucose intolerance in women with prior gestational diabetes: a double-blind RCT) is a collaboration between 13 Belgian centers (University Hospitals Leuven, University Hospitals Zaventem, University Hospitals Brussels, University Hospitals Groeninge Kortrijk, Jan Yperman Ieper, St Jan Brugge, University Hospitals Turnhout, ZNA, OLV Aalst-Asse, University Hospitals St Niklaas, Centre Hospitalier Mouscron, University Hospital Liège, and Erasme). This study is ongoing, and recruitment is expected to be completed in mid-2026.Participants will be followed for a maximum of 3.5 years. The goal is to randomize 252 women with prediabetes to Ozempic (semaglutide) or placebo (both groups will receive standardized lifestyle advice). The study is powered by the prevention of type 2 diabetes. There will be a study visit every 6 months (alternating between fasting blood tests and a 75g oral glucose tolerance test). This study receives funding from the FWO (FWO-TBM grant).
As part of your doctoral research, you will assist with clinical research, administering questionnaires, and collecting blood samples from participants at University Hospitals Leuven. Other tasks include database management and coordination of the other Belgian centers participating in the study. Additionally, as part of your PhD, you will be able to contribute to an IPD meta-analysis on the use of glucose sensors in gestational diabetes.
Profile
Master’s degree in Medicine (resident physician), Master’s degree in Midwifery, or Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (clinical specialization preferred, and willingness to pursue additional training to perform blood tests). You should preferably have a strong CV (at least with high honors, >75%, and/or publications in international journals as first or last author). You must not have worked elsewhere since completing your studies, as you will no longer be eligible for a doctoral fellowship and will not be eligible to apply for an FWO grant. You are fluent in Dutch, French, and English.
Offer
Full-time PhD scholarship student position for 4 years, starting August 1 or September 1, 2026.
Interested? For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Katrien Benhalima at katrien.benhalima@uzleuven.be.
More info SERENA: https://www.serenaproject.b
Interested?
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