On Monday, 30 March 2026, Minister Rianne Letschert (Education, Culture and Science) paid a working visit to the University of Twente. At the TechMed Centre, she met with researchers and regional partners to discuss the crucial role of education and science in transforming healthcare.
The visit focused strongly on research and science. In Twente, new healthcare concepts are being developed on a scientific foundation: from technical medicine to medical technology, and from imaging, chip technology and data to robotics. This knowledge underpins the so-called hospital of the future, where technology helps address the growing demand for care and the increasing shortage of healthcare staff.
Minister Letschert indicated that she was impressed by the potential of Twenteâs research and innovation-driven knowledge development to address major societal challenges in healthcare.
A living lab for the healthcare of tomorrow
The TechMed Centre functions as a living lab. Here, new technologies are not only developed but also tested and implemented. In close collaboration with partners such as Medisch Spectrum Twente, companies and regional stakeholders, healthcare processes are being redesigned to deliver better care with fewer people.
During the visit, the minister was introduced to examples of ongoing research, including home monitoring via apps, organ-on-a-chip technology and new imaging techniques within womenâs health. These projects demonstrate how science can directly contribute to more efficient and patient-centred care.
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