Science and technology join forces for medical innovation and economic opportunities
27 October 2006 by TNWToday | M&CDelft, Leiden and Rotterdam form national focus region in the field of medical care
Thursday 26 October 2006 saw the formal inauguration of the Health Science & Technology (HST) research institute, an organisation spanning the three cities of Leiden, Delft and Rotterdam. Never before in the Netherlands have so many scientists, medical specialists and technologists joined forces. The aim of HST is to improve medical care by optimally combining (medical) science and technology and to create or stimulate economic opportunities within the health care and medical technology sectors.
The founder members of HST are Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, University of Leiden, Leiden University Medical Centre and Delft University of Technology. On 26 October in Delft the final signature was applied to the declaration of intent, marking the formal start of HST. This act took place in the presence of the Royal Commissioner for the Province of Zuid- Holland, Mr J. Franssen.
Medical Delta
Prof. Ted Young, one of the initiators of HST on behalf of TU Delft, commented: “The South Wing of the Randstad conurbation, within a radius of just 20 km, contains an absolutely unique combination and concentration of expertise, strengths and economic potential in the field of health care and medical technology. Where else in Europe can you find such a concentration such as that formed in the South Wing by two teaching hospitals, three universities and a continually growing number of companies? If we can combine these forces optimally then we have the chance to make the region into a “Medical Delta”, where everyone gains maximum benefit from the medical sector as a care provider and as a major economic motor. This is why we are setting up HST.”
Medical and economic strengths
Thanks to the close proximity of the organisations and the wide spectrum of expertise, the alliance is able to create major strengths in both economic and medical terms. The regional domestic market, with a population of some 3.5 million, provides a strong foundation for HST.
Innovative projects
HST has exciting plans for the coming period, such as establishing new links with industrial partners, encouraging spin-off companies and setting up new joint research projects. Just two examples of projects currently being explored by HST are the development of innovative technology for the representation, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular complaints and cancer, and techniques for maximal gearing and optimisation of therapies to fit the needs of the individual patient by using the molecular profile of each patient.
For more information on HST please contact:
Prof. Dr I.T. Young, chairman of the HST taskforce, Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft,
T: 015 278 5390,
E: i.t.young@tudelft.nl.
The HST website can be accessed at www.HSTresearch.nl
Photographs of the signing ceremony are available from Maarten van der Sanden, Research Information Officer TU Delft,
T: 015 278 5454,
E: m.c.a.vandersanden@tudelft.nl.
