The University of Twente (UT) and the University of Münster (UM) have awarded Strategic Collaboration Grants 2026 to four joint research teams. The grants are intended to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two universities and stimulate new research initiatives in health.
This year’s call focused on health, a priority area for both institutions. Researchers were invited to submit joint proposals that build on the complementary strengths of UT and UM in the broader field of health and life sciences. The selected projects receive up to €40,000 for approximately six months to initiate or intensify collaboration and prepare joint applications for external research funding.
The FOUR projects
Addressing Hospital Bed Blocking: Predictive Models for Patient Flow to Aftercare Facilities
Prof. André Karch (Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster) and Prof. Richard Boucherie (Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research, University of Twente) will develop predictive models to improve patient transfers to aftercare facilities and support more efficient hospital capacity management.
A Transcriptomic Atlas of Neuro-Immune Interactions in a Human Midbrain Organoid-on-Chip Model
Prof. Gerd Meyer zu Hörste (Department of Neurology and Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster) and Prof. Kerensa Broersen (Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente) will investigate how nerve cells and immune cells interact in the brain, combining expertise in neurology, stem cell technology and organ-on-chip systems.
Breath-Based Biomarkers for Early Detection of CTD-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Prof. Martin A. Kriegel (Department of Translational Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Münster) and Prof. H.E. Vonkeman (Department of Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour, University of Twente) will explore whether breath analysis can contribute to earlier detection of severe lung disease in patients with connective tissue disorders.
Physiological Regulation and Interactional Social Modelling (PRISM)
Prof. Mitja Back (Institute of Psychology, University of Münster) and Dr Ying Wang (Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente) will develop a joint computational framework to better understand stress in everyday life by combining expertise in wearable sensing, physiology and social interaction modelling.
Since 2018, the University of Twente and the University of Münster have supported joint research initiatives through the Strategic Collaboration Grants programme. The grants help researchers build new collaborations, deepen existing partnerships and prepare for larger international funding opportunities.
PHOTO: the four awarded teams with rectors Tom Veldkamp and Johannes Wessels
More recent news
Thu 16 Jul 2026Veni grant for three UT researchers
Wed 15 Jul 2026Globally unique measurements in Enschede to improve the prediction of urban heat stress
Tue 14 Jul 2026UT professor Cristian Hesselman contributes to advice on strengthening the resilience of the Netherlands’ telecom and internet infrastructure
Mon 13 Jul 2026From a Twente idea to a global company: Geert-Jan Bruinsma receives the Van den Kroonenberg Lifetime Achievement Award
Thu 9 Jul 2026NWO grants awarded to four UT researchers