Research project HOME (BRAIN-be program)

The aims of the HOME project are to assess, on the basis of collections and associated archives, the historical, scientific, legal and ethical context of human remains housed by Belgian federal institutions, as well as those housed in other public, university-owned and private collections in Belgium.

This will include studying all relevant documentation in order to examine how they were acquired and whether there have been previous requests for repatriation. It will also involve examining how remains contribute to the understanding of past lifestyles, both culturally and biologically. In addition, the documentation associated with the remains will provide important insights into the history of these various vestiges. Part of this study will focus on the history of colonisation and its impact.  The project also involves digitising the specimens. 

Inventories and research will be made available to help inform policy aimed at defining the best way to manage physical and virtual collections - all this based on facts and supported arguments from research into the collections and their origins. We will also examine specific case studies in order to improve the collections' management. This will be done in dialogue with all stakeholders, including potential descendants and experts from the countries of origin, but also by working with different institutions and governmental organisations.

Comparisons will be made with other countries.



Coordinator :  IRSNB-KBIN
Promotors : MRAC-KMMA, USL-B, NICC-INCC, Université libre de Bruxelles – Stéphane Louryan, Faculté de Médecine