What We do
Why CBHRI
Discover Our Research
Publications
Partner with us
Vision
The vision of CBHRI is to become an institute of academic excellence where basic research and applied research is conducted.
Mission
Advancing Public Health Research in the Dutch Caribbean
CBHRI conducts interdisciplinary research on epidemiology, infectious diseases, immunology, social sciences and cancer to improve human health in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Who We Are
Located in Willemstad, Curaçao, the Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute (CBHRI) is dedicated to improve public health outcomes in the Caribbean and Dutch Caribbean.
We focus on studying diseases that affect the region, conducting innovative research, and fostering collaborations that drive impactful solutions for our communities.
Why It Matters
The Caribbean faces unique health challenges, from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases. Our work aims to better understand and address these conditions, preparing for healthier futures in the region.
See how our work supports the UN
CBHRI’s research and community work actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on health, education, equality, and climate resilience in the Dutch Caribbean.
Translating Biology into Medicine
Each department operates from a Translational Medicine philosphy
the key is cross functional teamwork
In our model of translational research the patient is central and the research focuses on a landscape of multiple diseases. Therefore, we have to be a highly collaborative organization.
organization
The organization is composed of post-docs, techncians and PhD students working together to study the different problems in each project.
Advancing Health and Innovation Together
Join us in our mission to advance public health research in the Dutch Caribbean
Collaborate with us to drive impactful research that addresses public health challenges in the Caribbean & Dutch Caribbean. Together, we can make meaningful strides toward healthier communities.

Discover Our Research:
Want to collaborate or learn more about our research?
In addition to our ongoing investment in research to support CBHRI and healthcare providers in addressing major health and societal challenges, we respond swiftly to both national and international research priorities.
In this section of our website, you can learn more about our current research projects. You will also find detailed information about other ongoing studies within our institute under the respective categories.
Are you interested in collaborating on one of our research topics? Feel free to contact us and explore how we can work together to contribute to innovative solutions for the future of healthcare.

Publications
The impact of science on society is immense. It enables the power to do good as well as making a difference by stimulating innovations and influencing public policies which result in the improvement of people’s lives.
All CBHRI-scientists will include in their publications sufficient information about their experimental methods and procedures, and make available data, software, and tangible research materials, to enable other scientists to reproduce and extend the results of all publications on which the CBHRI laboratories have participated. CBHRI strongly encourages all it scientists to publish their original, peer-reviewed research in journals that make publications freely available and downloadable online immediately after publication (i.e. open access journals).



Strengthening Partnerships
CBHRI recognizes the importance of scientific collaborations between its laboratories and other scientists, and strongly encourages such collaborations as an essential part of scientific research. CBHRI laboratories may collaborate with colleagues at other non-profit or academic institutions and with colleagues at for-profit companies.
Conflict of interest issues may arise where a researcher has an equity interest in a company with which he or she is collaborating. If a laboratory head proposes to collaborate with a company in which he or she owns equity, CBHRI will consider whether it is appropriate for the researcher to engage in the collaboration while holding the equity interest.
The advisory board will be consulted in such cases. In evaluating these situations, CBHRI will consider such factors as the nature of the collaborative work, the significance of the collaboration to the company and to the laboratory, the amount of the equity interest, how large the company and whether it is publicly held, and how the equity was obtained.
Promoting Cross-Sector Collaborations to Advance Public Health in the Dutch Caribbean
At CBHRI, we believe that addressing complex public health challenges requires collaboration across sectors. By partnering with academia, government, private companies, and non-profits, we can create sustainable, impactful solutions for public health in the Dutch Caribbean.
Our research spans critical areas like infectious diseases, cancer, and social sciences, but collaboration accelerates the translation of these findings into real-world interventions. Through cross-sector partnerships, we exchange knowledge, drive innovation, and strengthen local scientific capacity.
Together, we can improve health outcomes and build a healthier, more resilient future for the Dutch Caribbean. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact.
CBHRI Webinars, Events & Latest News
Stay Informed on Research, Events & Innovations from the Dutch Caribbean
The CBHRI Webinars, Events, and News section offers updates on biomedical research and healthcare innovation across the Dutch Caribbean. Discover insights from leading experts as they share developments, preventive strategies, and tailored healthcare solutions for the region.
We regularly share updates on our research programs, public health insights, and upcoming webinars hosted by CBHRI and our partners. Stay connected and informed about the latest developments in virology, immunology, oncology, epidemiology, and social sciences—all with a focus on relevance to the Caribbean context.
Latest News
Podcast
Latest Webinar
COVIDCAS webinar video from CBHRI on Vimeo.
COVIDCAS is a ZonMW funded research project dealing with the impact of COVID-19 measures on vulnerable families in Curacao, Aruba and Sint Martin.
Click here to read more about the Project
CBHRI Highlights
- May 26, 2025 – GGZ Carib Final Report: Roadmap to Accessible and Appropriate Mental Healthcare in Curaçao and Bonaire
This report outlines a multi-year strategy to strengthen mental healthcare by improving access, bringing services closer to communities, and fostering better coordination with schools, neighborhoods, and public health initiatives.
Read more
The Story behind our Logo

The Ants 🐜🐜🐜: A Symbol of Teamwork
Ants represent tireless teamwork, resilience, and dedication to the community. Just as ants work together for the good of their colony, CBHRI thrives on collaboration and shared efforts to achieve a healthier future for the Dutch Caribbean.
The Olive Tree: A Symbol of Growth and Wisdom
The olive tree stands for wisdom, strength, and flourishing growth. Its deep roots symbolize the strong foundation of CBHRI, and its branches represent our continuous development and contributions to public health research.
Departments
At CBHRI, our six departments collaborate across disciplines, uniting expertise to address the most pressing health challenges. By combining insights from virology, immunology, oncology, epidemiology, and social sciences, we drive groundbreaking research that makes a meaningful impact on healthcare in the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.

Immunology
The Department of Immunology is involved in understanding of the immune response in infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions.

Epidemiology
The Department of Epidemiology focuses on the study of frequency and distribution of diseases and the underlying determinants of health.

Virology
The Department of Virology is involved in development and validation of diagnostics, studies of pathogenesis and development of intervention strategies for several viruses of importance for Dutch Caribbean and the region.

Oncology
The department of Oncology will study several aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cancers relevant to the Dutch Caribbean, in close collaboration with other groups in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Social sciences
The Department of Social sciences focuses on the determinants of health, health behavior and health services utilization.

Capital Management
The Capital Management Office (CMO) of CBHRI is responsible for the financial administration of grants funded by life-science funding agents, corporate responsibility foundations (CRF), charity foundations (CF), and crowd funding (FR).
GROUP LEADERS





EXPLORE OUR RESEARCH PROJECTS
Contact Us Today and Make a Difference!
Your support helps us drive groundbreaking research, improve healthcare outcomes, and create lasting impact. Whether you have questions, want to collaborate, or are ready to support our mission, we would love to hear from you!