Stories
Click through to our stories and be inspired by these examples of research generating impact through valorisation.
Find a business partner as soon as possible
By request of the dermatologists at VUmc, Ruud Verdaasdonk has developed a ‘UV-mirror’. It enables people to see whether UV-light has damaged their skin and helps them to assess their sunscreen application skills. “The mirror is a very effective instrument for education and prevention purposes”, says Verdaasdonk, who is not only professor of Biophotonics and […]
More effective surgery through improved alignment of bone segments
Iwan Dobbe is bringing the benefits of modern 3D image analysis and printing technology to the clinic. As a researcher at the Biomedical Engineering and Physics department at AMC he devised a method for the design and production of a patient-specific plate for the alignment of bone segments. It requires a single CT scan, preoperative […]
A few minor tweaks, a slick design and it’s ready for use
Apply existing eye-tracking technology for the development of a state-of-the art digital instrument for orthoptic strabismus measurements. This clever idea by physicist Bob van Dijk is now nearly a reality with Laméris Ootech, a Dutch supplier of orthoptic practice equipment. In his office at VUmc Van Dijk proudly demonstrates his almost perfectly functioning prototype. “A […]
Extensive media coverage and a positive impact on my academic development
At the Academic Medical Centre Arthur Kievit has developed a method for diagnosing prosthetic loosening of Total Knee Replacements (TKR) in a direct manner. The orthopaedic surgeon in training designed a device that enables the application of a constant force to the knee while recording a CT-scan. With the use of dedicated software the condition […]
An electrolarynx for use in IC-units
The idea had been lingering for years. When Armand Girbes decided to finally pursue it, he almost instantly got a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. The electrolarynx, which is known for its use after laryngectomy, produces vibrations that allow the intubated user to speak. As professor of intensive care medicine, Girbes understands […]
A ‘pearl’ of an idea provides unexpected business opportunities
About three years ago orthopaedic surgeon Olivier Temmerman approached the Physics and Medical Technology (FMT) department of VUmc. He had an idea to improve the surgical chisel for removing old cementing layers during hip prosthesis revisions. It was ‘a real pearl’ according to Micha Paalman, head of the development group at FMT. “Olivier had worked […]
Developing a product of clinical value takes time
With their user-friendly measurement instrument for the quantification of spasticity, Jules Becher and Jaap Harlaar aim to revolutionise therapy in children with spasticity. Becher explains that the cause of spastic muscles can be of neurophysiological or biomechanical origin, each requiring specific therapy. By employing three different sensors the new device can pinpoint the precise cause […]
Valorisation in medical technology
These are exciting times for Dave Koolbergen, congenital cardiac surgeon at AMC. With his company Haermonics he hopes to bring a new technology to market for postoperative pericardial flushing. It was developed upon his observation that after heart surgery often the removal of accumulated blood and clots can be achieved by flushing the pericardial space […]
Biobanks crucial for novel diagnostics or therapeutics
Biobanks contain valuable information on the donor of the sample. Access to these collections can be crucial for companies developing novel diagnostics or therapeutics.
Define your short and long term value
In valorisation, it is very important to think carefully about the exchange of values between the organizations you work with and the team of scientists