[1] His early life in Blégny-Trembleur, near Liège, revolved around his father's pharmacy, providing initial scientific exposure.
[2] Despite German occupation during his university years, he clandestinely obtained degrees in pharmacy and chemistry, subsequently gaining a PhD for his research on RNA in 1951.
[2][1] Ghuysen's career progressed at Labaz Laboratories, where he led research on bacteriolytic enzymes, advancing knowledge of bacterial cell wall structure.
[2] This work earned him an Agregation Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1957, the highest academic honor in Belgium.
[2] His subsequent work explored penicillin's interaction with peptidoglycan biosynthesis, providing insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance.