Recent research funding announcements from across the Netherlands signal significant investment in a range of medical advancements, from personalized diabetes care to innovative cancer treatments and improved diagnostic tools. These grants, totaling over €2 million, underscore a commitment to bolstering scientific research and improving patient outcomes. The funding will support projects at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and beyond, addressing critical gaps in healthcare and paving the way for more effective therapies.
A substantial portion of this funding is directed towards understanding the complexities of chronic disease management. Dr. Marleen Kunneman, a researcher at the Health Campus Den Haag, has received a Senior Fellowship from the Diabetes Fonds to investigate the crucial role of “care circles” in diabetes care. Recognizing that individuals with diabetes rarely navigate their condition alone, Kunneman’s research will map the dynamics of these support networks – involving partners, family, friends, and digital tools – to identify how healthcare providers can better integrate them into treatment plans. This approach aims to create more sustainable and patient-centered care, acknowledging the broader context of a person’s life. More information about Dr. Kunneman’s research is available on the Diabetes Fonds website.
Advancing Global Health Through Innovative Diagnostics
The commitment to global health is likewise being recognized with the awarding of the Eijkman Medal 2026 to Professor Dr. Annemieke Geluk (LUCID-R). This biennial award from the Royal Tropical Institute honors individuals dedicated to tropical and global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Geluk is being celebrated for her operate developing a new, point-of-care diagnostic test for leprosy, a disease that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The jury specifically praised the progress made in testing, production, and scaling up this innovative technology. Further details about Professor Geluk’s achievements can be found on the KIT website. Her work extends to improved diagnostics for tuberculosis and research across Africa, Asia, and South America, alongside a dedication to mentorship and capacity building.
Boosting Cell Therapy Production with EU Funding
Cellular therapies, which harness the power of the immune system to fight diseases like cancer, are showing immense promise, but their widespread adoption is hampered by high production costs and complex regulations. A €884,000 grant from EU-Horizon 2025 aims to address these challenges. The funding will support researchers at the Centrum voor Cel- en Gentherapie (CCG) and the Department of Hematology at LUMC in developing more affordable and efficient production processes. Dr. Rosa de Groot, and Dr. Pauline Meij will lead the research, focusing on how the characteristics of immune cells impact therapy quality and leveraging smart technologies to create a flexible, cost-effective manufacturing system. This work is part of the larger European consortium IMPACT.
‘Ubi-tagging’ Technology Offers Precision in Immunotherapy
Another innovative approach to cancer treatment is receiving a boost through a grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). Dr. Ferenc Scheeren has secured funding to further investigate “ubi-tagging,” a novel technique that allows scientists to precisely attach multiple molecules to antibodies. This technology holds the potential to create more targeted and effective immunotherapies. Ubi-tagging utilizes ubiquitine, a naturally occurring protein in the body, and offers the unique advantage of reversible attachment through specific enzymes. Scheeren’s team will focus on developing reliable antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that activate T-cells without overstimulation, building upon previous work with Huib Ovaa. The NWO has awarded €416,222 for the project, titled ‘Next-generation targeted therapies through multimodal conjugations and deconjugation.’
Supporting Physician Assistant Research and Neonatal Care
The importance of research conducted by physician assistants is being recognized with a NAPA Science Grant awarded to Ilona Withagen. Withagen, who works on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at LUMC, will use the €10,000 grant to investigate preventative respiratory support for newborns after Cesarean section. Her research will explore providing support to babies immediately after birth while they remain with their mothers, potentially improving outcomes and strengthening the mother-infant bond. More information about Withagen’s research can be found on the NAPA website.
New Funding for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research
Finally, Dr. Setareh Moghadasi has received two significant research subsidies focused on improving the detection and treatment of breast and ovarian cancer. A KWF project will focus on improving the identification of individuals at risk for hereditary breast cancer, addressing the fact that genetic testing is not always offered to eligible patients. The LUMC will investigate the reasons for this gap and explore new testing strategies, collaborating with Borstkankerzorg Leiden. Dr. Moghadasi received a ZonMw Clinical Fellowship to gain a better understanding of the cancer risk associated with specific variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, potentially leading to more personalized screening and preventative measures. Details on the KWF project are available on the KWF website. Information on the ZonMw fellowship can be found on the ZonMw project page.
These research initiatives represent a substantial investment in the future of healthcare, promising advancements in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As these projects progress, continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure their impact on patient care. The next steps for these projects include initiating research protocols, recruiting participants, and analyzing data, with preliminary findings expected within the next 12-24 months.
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