The University Fund Twente has received a donation of more than €900,000 to support two innovative research projects at the University of Twente: halting retinal ageing in older adults and developing micro-robots that can travel through the gastrointestinal tract.
Thanks to this technology, future intestinal examinations could become far less invasive and more comfortable for patients. The donation comes from a foundation that is being dissolved, originating from the former Protestant nursing organisation of 'Zusters achter ’t Hofje' in Enschede. The amount will be placed in a named fund carrying the same title.
The deed of donation will be signed on Tuesday 7 October by Miriam Luizink (chair of the Twente University Fund) and Vinod Subramaniam (President of the Executive Board of the University of Twente).
Miniature retina
Professor Andries van der Meer and his team at the Organ-on-Chip Center Twente (OoCCT) are developing an ‘eye-on-a-chip’: a miniature model of the retina made from patient-specific tissue. The OoCCT is a collaboration between the MESA+ Institute and the TechMed Centre. This model makes it possible to simulate retinal ageing and test new treatment methods. In the future, it should allow doctors to better predict which therapies will be effective for which patients and to prevent unnecessary or burdensome treatments.
Micro-robot for intestinal research
Dr Islam Khalil and his team at UT’s TechMed Centre are developing a micro-robot capsule that can be swallowed by the patient. As the capsule moves through the gastrointestinal tract, it captures images of the intestinal walls, helping to detect abnormalities more quickly and accurately. The goal is to make intestinal diagnostics less invasive without compromising quality or safety. In the future, the micro-robot may also be used for diagnosis and treatment of other medical conditions.
Involvement of the donors
Josine Meerburg, Relationship Manager at the Twente University Fund, explains:
“The donors were deeply impressed by the potential impact of these studies, especially as both projects contribute to improving the quality of life for many patients. We are delighted that—thanks in part to the mediation of ABN AMRO Philanthropy—we were able to make this match. There is always too little funding available for groundbreaking medical innovation. Thanks to contributions from foundations and private donors, research like this can progress more quickly, which is great news for future patients.”
Twente University Fund
Since 1961, the Twente University Fund has supported the university and its academic community through gifts from alumni, companies, foundations and other partners. These contributions help accelerate special initiatives and make innovative research possible.
Photo: Vinod Subramaniam, Islam Khalil, Andries van der Meer, Miriam Luizink.
