Collaborating within the LUMC
At the LUMC, researchers and doctors work together on regenerative medicine, specifically within the theme "Regenerative medicine of tissues and organs". They are spread across various departments, focusing on different organs, diseases, and treatments. These efforts take place in research groups, research facilities, and patient departments. Since 2023, many of these experts have been working together in the Mirai House, a new LUMC location. Here, researchers from different departments and groups collaborate closely, sharing insights and learning from each other, especially since they work on similar techniques.
Collaborating with Leiden University
Researchers at the LUMC also collaborate with various faculties at Leiden University through the Regenerative Medicine interdisciplinary program. The Faculty of Medicine (LUMC) leads this program, with the Faculty of Science (FWN) being involved from the start. By working together in healthcare, (stem) cell biology, and technology, we can develop new ideas in the lab and test treatments. Additionally, the program recognized the need for expertise beyond the lab and hospital, such as in legal and ethical matters. Therefore, the Faculty of Law is now also involved, working alongside the LUMC’s Ethics & Law department and the Faculty of Humanities on various projects.
Collaborating with the Leiden Bio Science Park
The LUMC collaborates with partners at the LBSP to train new talent, conduct research, and ensure that new discoveries reach the patients who need them. This partnership is crucial for translating knowledge into products, a process known as valorization. A key aspect of this is the collaboration between public institutions (like universities) and companies. Universities excel in research and education, while companies are often more skilled in product development and commercialization. The LUMC plays a pivotal role as an innovation engine in these collaborations at the park, combining efforts to improve healthcare.
Collaborating in the Netherlands
The LUMC also collaborates extensively with organizations outside Leiden. Across the Netherlands, various groups work on similar topics bringing together universities, hospitals, companies, health funds, and patient organizations. A significant example for Leiden is RegMedXB, which focuses on developing new treatments for chronic diseases. This initiative includes not only researchers but also companies like NecstGen, which assist in creating these treatments. Additionally, the LUMC co-founded hDMT, a group dedicated to research on organs-on-chips. Other collaborations include:
- Medical Delta, which works on innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare;
- The Dutch Transplantation Society, which promotes science and optimizes the quality of transplant care;
- The National Science Agenda route for Regenerative Medicine, a network that stimulates and renews regenerative medicine research nationally.
Several major funding initiatives have also led to the development of national projects, such as NOCI, LymphChip and CURE4LIFE.
Collaborating globally
Science knows no borders. To gather enough knowledge and expertise to solve problems, we must collaborate internationally. This happens through various projects funded by the European Union. Examples include the ISLET-project, which focuses on cell therapy for people with type 1 diabetes, and the REGeRNA-project, which seeks ways to repair heart tissue and treat heart failure. Another major initiative involving the LUMC is reNEW, where nearly 500 researchers work on stem cell research. Within reNEW, we explore treatments for diseases, create human models from stem cells, and address the ethical and economic questions that arise. The collaboration extends not only within Europe but even to Australia!