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The JRC in Geel (Belgium)

Geel is one of the six scientific sites of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Since 1962, the JRC facility in Geel brings together multi-disciplinary expertise for developing new measurement methods and tools such as reference materials, promoting standardisation and harmonisation across the European Union to stimulate innovation and to protect consumers and citizens.

About 280 people who work on:

  • biotechnology
  • food and feed safety
  • food fraud detection
  • healthcare, nanotechnology
  • nuclear safety and security
  • threat detection

The Geel site hosts staff from three JRC Knowledge Production Directorates:

  • Directorate responsible for Health, Consumers & Reference Materials
  • Directorate for Space, Security & Migration
  • Directorate for Nuclear Safety & Security

 

Address

Joint Research Centre

European Commission

Retieseweg 111

2440 Geel

Belgium

 

Directions

The JRC in Geel is located 7 km outside the town of Geel. To travel to the JRC, Geel, the most convenient airport is the Brussels airport in Zaventem. Geel can be reached by train from Brussels, Antwerp, Eindhoven and Liege. Transport from the railway station to the institute can be arranged beforehand by calling a Belbus.

If you travel by car you can either:

  • Drive via E313, take exit 23, then N19 direction Geel. Continue straight at the roundabout, follow signs for Retie. At the 2nd traffic lights turn right direction Retie. After the church (St. Dimpna) turn to the left following signs N118 to Retie. Stay on this road for about 5 km (pass one gasoline station, but not over the bridge) until on the right hand side you will find a small street with signs for VITO and JRC. The gates of the JRC are at the end of this road.
  • Drive via E313, take exit 24, then N174 direction Geel. Continue straight at the roundabout, follow signs for Geel. At the 2nd traffic lights turn right to follow N118 direction Retie. After the church (St. Dimpna) turn to the left following signs to Retie. Stay on this road for about 5 km (pass two gasoline stations, but not over the bridge) until on the right hand side you will find a small street with signs for VITO and JRC. The gates of the JRC are at the end of this road.
  • Drive via E34, take exit 25 or 26 and either N18 or N118 direction Retie and Dessel. In Retie follow signs for Geel on the N118 and across the kanaal. After the bridge take the second street on the left, with signs for VITO and JRC. The gates of the JRC are at the end of this road.