Bioengineering Technologies
Researchers in bioengineering technologies conduct both fundamental and applied research to innovate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients. They leverage cutting-edge technologies spanning chemistry, (stem)cell and molecular biology, biomaterials, membrane science, microfluidics, microengineering, and nanotechnology. Additionally, they contribute to education and foster an environment conducive to research valorization, leading to product development and spin-off companies. This multidisciplinary research is applied across various fields, including injectable hydrogels for osteoarthritis, implantable bioartificial pancreas devices for type 1 diabetes, and organs-on-chips for drug testing, aiming to minimize reliance on animal experimentation.
Design of medical devices & Robotics
The researchers in the medical devices & robotics domain develop engineering solutions based on robotic technology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of widespread diseases in society. The research in this domain focuses on scientific know-how that is relevant for various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and mobility deficiencies, and to develop engineering solutions based on medical devices and robotic technology that can help to diagnose or treat those diseases. This will often go hand in hand with imaging technologies, which form an integral part of the solution as it happens in robotic interventional radiology and image-guided surgical treatment.
Imaging & Diagnostics
The researchers in the imaging & diagnostics domain aim to revolutionize the entire medical trajectory from diagnosis to follow-up. This will enable healthcare professionals to improve their care for patients by using accurate, quantitative and personalised imaging in screening, diagnosis and evaluation. It also improves their ability to practice precision medicine.
Medical Physiology & E-Health Technology
Researchers within this domain aim to improve prevention, diagnostics, (remote) monitoring, therapy and management of the cardiovascular and respiratory system, neurological disorders and mental health with translational research at the interface of science, engineering and medicine. Where this domain historically focused primarily on the hospital environment, it has expanded towards a focus where healthcare is in a transition towards its own living environment, with an ageing population and increasing number of chronically ill patients.
HealthTech in Society
The researchers in the healthtech in society domain use a cutting-edge and interdisciplinary approach to gain more insight into the conditions and mechanisms that make health technologies effective in daily practice. In close collaboration with designers of technology, patients, healthcare professionals, providers and managers, we contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of value-based technologies that can be used in prevention, homecare and in (pre-) clinical settings. Improving healthcare by addressing the needs of patients and professionals and stimulating user engagement and social connectedness are the main priorities in all our activities.