Antwerp University Hospital signed a partnership agreement with Duffel's Psychiatric Hospital in 2011. The association's University Training Unit was officially recognised by royal order in 2012. The academic mission integrates high-quality clinical care with scientific research, training and education.

The Unit is led by Prof. Bernard Sabbe, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and a coordinator at the Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI).