We are becoming increasingly interwoven
Utrecht Advanced in Vitro Models Hub
"A lot is happening, but a lot stays on the shelf as well," says Evita van de Steeg, Senior Scientist Human Biology & Microbiology at TNO. "When PhD candidates complete their research project after four years, it is of vital importance that knowledge transfer takes place. TNO acts as an intermediate between the researcher and the business community, and is therefore in the position to ensure that knowledge transfer actually takes place."
The collaboration between TNO and researchers at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 (UU) and HU 木瓜福利影视 of Applied Sciences Utrecht (HU) already existed, for instance with the research group of Roos Masereeuw (UU). "So far, we have already worked together in several projects, but the hub will ensure that we become more and more interwoven."
There are already a number of concrete ideas for structural collaboration. The UAIM hub, for example, will make a contribution to the Vital Tissue project, which was started at HU and TNO. Van de Steeg explains: "An important prerequisite for setting up alternatives to animal experimentation is that we have access to vital human tissue or human cells that can be isolated from it. In order to make this possible, it will be examined whether Vital Tissue can be set up in the Netherlands using the network of the UAIM hub. Tissues that are released from operating rooms and which are not needed for further research by doctors or pathologists, can be used for scientific research, of course only with the patient's consent. "
Another important pillar within the hub is jointly applying for grants. "Dami毛n van Berlo, who has recently been appointed as Scientific Program Officer, will fulfill important tasks. But everything stands or falls with budget. The UAIM hub has applied for a Stimuleringssubsidie from ZonMw, with which we will apply for grants, for example the National Science Agenda. By doing this together, we can accelerate even faster and take the necessary steps."