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21 research consortia get the chance to make a breakthrough thanks to funding from the Open Competition ENW-XL. Riccardo Levato, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, is the main investigator for one of these projects and will conduct research into how stem cell islets can contribute to the cure of diabetes.

The summary of the project reads: "Pancreatic islets produced from stem cells hold the potential to cure diabetes. However, how to obtain labmade islets that faithfully recapitulate their native counterparts remains challenging. Using whole genome analysis, we will reveal how islets emerge during human development. Using this information as reference, starting from stem cells, via a novel microfluidic technology we will produce large quantities of islets encased in a shell to prevent immune rejection. Finally, 3D bioprinting will allow to assemble these coated islets into a transplantable engineered pancreas, which will be tested in vivo to assess its potential to counter diabetes."

The NWO Open Competition ENW-XL

A total of nearly 64 million euros has been awarded in the NWO Open Competition ENW-XL. The program funds consortia for curiosity-driven, untied fundamental research in the research areas of the NWO's Exact and Natural Sciences (ENW) domain. You can read more about the call and the other projects that have been awarded funding on the .