"My mission is to make a positive impact to peoples lives
​through knowledge, tools, and authentical connection"

​Dr. Eline Dekeyster obtained her PhD in Neuroscience in 2015 and holds multiple degrees in the biomedical field. She has received several awards for her work. She is the head of the Lifestyle Brain Interaction (LBI) research group and below she shares her story.

I am a Professor at the Institute of Psychology of Leiden University and head of the Lifestyle Brain Interaction (LBI) Research Group. My work focuses on metabolic psychiatry and neurology, an emerging field that investigates how metabolism influences brain function and mental health.
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​"MY CAREER IN SCIENCE WAS BORN FROM MY KEEN INTEREST TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THINGS COUPLED WITH A DESIRE TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT TO THE WORLD."

Dr. Eline Dekeyster, Assistant Professor Cognitive Neuroscience, Head of the LBI research group

After completing my PhD in neurobiology, I spent eight years in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to academia. This combination of academic and industry experience has shaped my translational approach to research, with a strong focus on moving scientific discoveries towards clinical application.

My interest in metabolic interventions was sparked when I first encountered the ketogenic diet in a personal context and became intrigued by its potential science based effects on brain health. Exploring the scientific literature revealed a rapidly growing body of evidence, as well as many unanswered questions. This inspired me to dedicate my research to understanding the mechanisms and clinical applications of metabolic therapies in psychiatry and neurology.

At the LBI Research Group, we investigate the role of ketogenic interventions in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and dementia.

​Beyond research, I am committed to advancing the field through three interconnected pillars: scientific research, education, and policy development. By building evidence, training professionals, and contributing to informed healthcare decision-making, we aim to accelerate the integration of scientifically proven metabolic approaches into brain health research and clinical practice in a safe and responsible way.
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​"In my role as assistant Professor and head of the LBI research group, I combine my fascination for Neuroscience with my heart for people development."

Memberships and scientific consulting:

• Advisory board Lifestyle as Medicine Foundation
• Advisory board member MedPsy
• Member Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition
• Member Impulse and Wordblend society for Neurodiversity
• Member Leiden academy for Vitality of Aging
• Member Leiden Healthy Society Centre

Grants and Awards:

2025 - Metabolic Scholarship Award by Baszucki Group 
2020 - Johnson and Johnson leadership award
2018 - Johnson and Johnson project award
2017 - Johnson and Johnson Woman in Science award
2015 - Belgian Society of Neuroscience (BSN) grant
2014 - Funds for Research in Ophthalmology (FRO) prize by Braille Liga
2012 - FRO prize by la société Royale de Philantropie
2011 - FWO (Funds for Scientific Research Flanders) fellowship
2011 - Best Biology master by Botany and Zoology alumni of KU Leuven

Third-party funding:

2025 - KetoSwiss industrial funding for one study (Ketone Salt supplementation in MCI patients)
2023 - TdeltaS industrial funding for a 4 year PhD position (KME supplementation and cognitive healthy ageing)
2024 - European Keto Foundation funding for Research Assistance
2023 - Seed Funding secured from a senior colleague in recognition of the potential impact of our work

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