Luxembourg Institute of Health Employees Honoured With National Distinctions for Contributions to Research

Luxembourg Institute of Health Employees Honoured With National Distinctions for Contributions to Research

(IN BRIEF) Two Luxembourg Institute of Health employees, Dr Laurent Vallar and Florence Henry, have received prestigious national honours for their long-standing contributions to research, coordination and institutional support. Florence Henry, Executive Assistant to the CEO and CFAO office since 2009, was named Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg in recognition of her professionalism and support for LIH’s leadership and corporate activities. Dr Laurent Vallar, Head of Science Strategy at LIH, received the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre Grand-Ducal de la Couronne de Chêne. His recognition reflects his work in scientific strategy, funding support, strategic collaborations, international visibility and support for early-career researchers.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 15-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Two employees of the Luxembourg Institute of Health have received prestigious national honours in recognition of their long-standing commitment to scientific research, institutional coordination and the development of Luxembourg’s research ecosystem.

Dr Laurent Vallar and Florence Henry were awarded national distinctions during the National Day festivities. The honours were presented on 19 June by Stéphanie Obertin, Minister of Research and Higher Education, as part of the traditional medal ceremony recognising individuals who have made important contributions to research and higher education in Luxembourg.

Florence Henry, Executive Assistant to the CEO and the CFAO office at the Luxembourg Institute of Health since 2009, received the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg.

Her distinction recognises her dedication, professionalism and contribution to the effective organisation, coordination and administration of corporate activities at LIH. Through her work supporting the institute’s leadership, Henry has helped create the conditions needed for research excellence.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have received this distinction,” said Henry. “It has been a privilege to support LIH’s leadership and work alongside such dedicated colleagues over the years.”

She added that her approach has been guided by a quote that has long inspired her: “In the end, people will not remember what you did or what you said, but only how you made them feel.”

“I have always tried to approach my work with kindness, respect and a genuine commitment to supporting others,” she said.

Dr Laurent Vallar was awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre Grand-Ducal de la Couronne de Chêne.

A long-standing member of the LIH community, Dr Vallar joined the institute in 1997 as a postdoctoral researcher before going on to lead his own research laboratory. In 2017, he became Head of Science Strategy.

In this role, Dr Vallar has played an important part in shaping the institute’s scientific strategy. His work has included supporting researchers in securing competitive funding, fostering strategic collaborations and strengthening LIH’s research excellence and international visibility.

More recently, he has also focused on building an institutional framework to support the development and career progression of early-career researchers. This initiative reflects a cause close to him, shaped by nearly three decades of experience in biomedical research.

“I am sincerely honoured to have received this distinction,” said Dr Vallar. “I see it not only as a personal recognition, but also as a reflection of the excellence of our researchers and colleagues at the LIH.”

He added that helping turn scientific ideas into successful projects remains one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

The distinctions recognise both individual dedication and the broader role of the Luxembourg Institute of Health in advancing scientific research, research coordination and institutional excellence in Luxembourg.

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SOURCE: Luxembourg Institute of Health