Introduction
The Twente Health School 2026 offers an intensive multi-day programme for PhD candidates, master students, and early career researchers who want to explore how health and technology intersect in research, policy, and practice.
The core programme consists of three thematic days at the University of Twente, combining keynote lectures, interactive sessions, and hands-on workshops. In addition, participants can opt for a fourth, optional day focusing on real-world engagement and societal impact beyond the university context.
Across the programme, participants will engage with perspectives from health sciences, data science, AI, ethics, governance, and implementation.
Day 1 – Technology shaping health & society
This day focuses on the societal, ethical, and conceptual foundations of health technologies. Participants will explore how technology influences health systems, policy, and society, and reflect on responsible innovation in health.
Day 2 – Frontiers in data, AI & health
Day two zooms in on data-driven and computational approaches in health research. Through keynotes and workshops, participants will engage with AI, data analytics, and their applications in healthcare and public health.
Day 3 – Evaluation, implementation & responsible innovation
The final day addresses evaluation, governance, and implementation. Participants will reflect on how health technologies can be responsibly assessed, embedded in practice, and translated into sustainable societal impact.
Optional Day 4 – Cultural city trip
An informal cultural city trip offering participants the opportunity to connect, reflect, and experience Dutch culture together.
Programme structure
The Twente Health School programme is structured around three core thematic days, each addressing a different dimension of health and technology. The days are designed to build on one another: from conceptual and societal foundations, to data-driven innovation, and finally to evaluation, implementation, and responsible governance.
Each day combines keynote lectures, interactive sessions, and workshops, allowing participants to engage with both theoretical perspectives and practical applications. The programme encourages interdisciplinary exchange and active participation throughout.
In addition to the core programme, participants may opt to join an optional fourth day that focuses on health innovation in practice beyond the academic setting.
- Day 1 – Technology shaping health & society (May 18)
- 09:00 – 09:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
Badge pick-up at DesignLab
- 09:30 – 10:30 | Opening & Keynote
New Frontiers in AI & Health
Prof. Catherine Burns (University of Waterloo)
- 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
30 min
- 11:00 – 12:30 | Talk & Interactive Session
Transformation of Care: From Prediction to Impact
Dr. Xavier Pouwels, Dr. Marissa van Maaren & Dr. Lieke Heesink
- 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch
Buffet lunch at DesignLab
- 13:30 – 15:30 | Workshop
Impact in Health Research
ir. Tom Boogerd
- 15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break
15 min
- 17:00 - 18:00 - Informal networking dinner
Welcome dinner & informal introductions
- Day 2 – New Frontiers in Data, AI & Health (May 19)
- 09:00 – 10:30 | Interactive Lecture
Explainable AI & LLMs in Healthcare
Dr. Maryam Amir Haeri
- 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
30 min
- 11:00 – 12:30 | Interactive lecture
Process Mining in HealthCare
Dr. Faiza Buksh
- 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch
Buffet lunch at DesignLab
- 13:30 – 15:30 | Heads-on Workshop
Data Analysis in Health Research
Prof. Stéphanie van den Berg & Dr. Jorge Piano Simões
- 15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break
15 min
- 15:45 – 17:00 | Case Study: FAIR Data in Health Research
AI, technology & data-driven approaches for health
Prof. Lonneke Lenferink
- 17:30 - 20:30 - Social Activity & Dinner
Bowling and dinner
- Day 3 – Evaluation, implementation & responsible innovation (May 20)
- 09:00 – 10:30 | Thematic workshops
• Human Factors in Healthcare
Dr. Simone Borsci
• Simulation & Serious Games for Health
Dr. Jan-Willem van ’t Klooster
- 10:30 - 11:00 | BMS Lab tour
Tour through the BMS Lab
- 11:00 - 11:15 | Coffee Break
15 min
- 11:15 – 12:45 | Interactive lecture
Ethics & Responsible AI in Health
Dr. Saana Jukola & Dr. Yj Erden
- 12:45 – 13:30 | Lunch
Buffet lunch at DesignLab
- 13:30 – 15:30 | Talk & Interactive Session
From Vision to Implementation — How AI Works in Practice: Process Mining, Evaluation & Lessons Learned
BMS Health Theme
- 15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break
15 min
- 15:45 – 17:00 | Closing Session
Reflections & Certificates · Networking drinks to close the school
- Optional Day 4 - Amsterdam Trip
- 09:00 - 11:30 | Travel to Amsterdam
We travel together as a group from Twente to Amsterdam. The bus will be at the main entrance of our campus, near the Spiegel building. Building 2 on our campus map.
The bus leaves at 09:00. - 11:30 - 16:30 | Free time in the city
Explore Amsterdam at your own pace — shopping, cultural highlights, or simply enjoying the atmosphere — and continue informal discussions with peers and speakers.
- 17:00 - 19:00 | Private canal boat tour & dinner
To close the day, we gather for a private boat tour through the famous Amsterdam canals, with dinner served on board — a relaxed setting to network and reflect on the week.
We will gather at Singel 9, 1012 VC Amsterdam at 16:30-16:45. The boat will leave at 17:00.
Discover how technology, data, and society intersect in shaping the future of health. Re:Health brings together researchers from engineering, social sciences, and health domains to inspire new ways of thinking and collaborating.
Move beyond the classroom — through hands-on workshops, case studies, and simulation sessions, you’ll learn how to translate research into real solutions that make a difference in healthcare practice and policy.
Gain insights directly from international academics and practitioners working at the forefront of health, data, and technology. The Twente Health School offers rare opportunities to exchange ideas and receive feedback on your own work.
Meet peers from across Europe and beyond. Through social activities, pitch sessions, and interactive discussions, you’ll connect with a dynamic community of early-career researchers who share your curiosity and ambition.
Hosted at the University of Twente’s DesignLab — a creative hub for responsible innovation — the Spring School immerses you in the Dutch ecosystem of health and technology. An optional day in Amsterdam adds a cultural dimension to your experience.
