Peter Hellings conducts research into the mechanisms of chronic upper respiratory tract conditions, with a particular focus on rhinitis (an inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose): both allergic rhinitis such as hay fever and the non-allergic form that causes similar symptoms of stuffy nose and sneezing. A further area of interest is chronic rhinosinusitis – an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nasal passage and sinuses – and in functional and aesthetic nasal problems. His research spans the entire spectrum from animal research to in vitro and clinical studies.

Hellings has held various posts at the University Hospital Leuven (UZ Leuven) since 2004, where he has been professor since 2012. In addition to his clinical work, Hellings is also a researcher at the Clinical Immunology Laboratory. He is a member of the Flemish Agency for Care and Health, and has served as the Belgian representative in the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and coordinator of the Excellence in Rhinoplasty course at KU Leuven since 2008. He has received various research grants and international awards for his scientific work. Hellings has also authored many articles in leading scientific journals including Nature, Lancet, Allergy, Journal of Clinical Investigation and Journal of Immunology.