Dear readers,

The year 2025 was marked by several important developments that further strengthened the role of the Laboratoire national de santé (LNS) within Luxembourg’s healthcare system. Across its activities in diagnostics, public health, medical expertise and scientific support, the institution continued to expand its capabilities, develop new services and contribute to addressing emerging healthcare challenges.

Alongside these developments, 2025 marked a new chapter in the governance of the LNS with the partial renewal of its Board of Directors. Bringing together continuity of expertise and new perspectives, this renewed governance provides a strong foundation for the institutions future development and its ability to respond to the evolving needs of Luxembourg’s healthcare landscape.

Among the most significant milestones of the year was the adoption of a new healthcare profession for genetics in Luxembourg. By officially recognizing by law, the profession of genetic counsellor, this legislation establishes an important framework for the future of medical genetics in the country. Building on the expertise developed over many years within the LNS, this evolution enables faster access to genetic counseling, will strengthen patient support, facilitate access to specialized genetic services and contribute to the continued development of personalized medicine in Luxembourg.

The year also marked an important step forward in preventive medicine through the continued expansion of neonatal screening activities. Preparations were finalized for the introduction of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) screening, which became effective on 1 January 2026. At the same time, work progressed on the development of twelve additional screening programs targeting inborn errors of metabolism. Together, these initiatives reinforce the LNS commitment to early diagnosis and improved health outcomes for newborns and their families.

In the field of public health, the launch of LëtzHBM represented another major achievement. Conducted as part of a European human biomonitoring program, this national study involves 300 children and their parents and aims to generate valuable data on exposure to chemical substances encountered in daily life. The results will contribute to a better understanding of environmental determinants of health and support the development of evidence-based public health policies in Luxembourg and beyond.

Technological innovation also remained a key focus throughout the year. The installation of a CT scanner dedicated to medico-legal investigations significantly enhances imaging capabilities and provides new opportunities for non-invasive forensic examinations. This investment strengthens the quality and precision of medico-legal expertise provided by the LNS in support of judicial authorities.

Beyond these flagship developments, the institution continued to promote multidisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing across the healthcare ecosystem. Through scientific exchanges, expert meetings and awareness initiatives, the LNS contributed to fostering dialogue between healthcare professionals, researchers and public authorities while helping to increase public understanding of medical and health-related issues.

These achievements reflect a broader ambition: to continuously adapt the institutions expertise, technologies and services to the evolving needs of patients, healthcare professionals and society.

Throughout 2025, the LNS continued to invest in its people, infrastructure and capabilities, while pursuing its mission of delivering reliable diagnostics, scientific excellence and trusted expertise in support of public health.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication of our employees and the valuable collaboration of our partners and stakeholders. We sincerely thank all those who contribute every day to advancing the mission of the LNS and helping us build a healthier future for Luxembourg.