MUMC+ invests 3.5 million in young research talent

With an investment of 3.5 million euros, Maastricht UMC+ is focusing on young research talent. Fifteen researchers will receive funding for PhD and pilot research, focusing on prevention, vitality and rare diseases. The grants, from the Academic Fund, should not only accelerate innovation, but also contribute to solutions for growing pressure on care and better prospects for patients. In this way, the university hospital wants to invest in research and stimulate it as much as possible.

"Young members of our medical staff are thus given the opportunity to start or further develop their own line of care or research," says MUMC+ board chair Helen Mertens. She explains that these are mostly already PhD researchers working at Maastricht UMC+ as (prospective) medical specialists. "They can thus further develop their expertise themselves and contribute to the innovative academic climate," says Mertens.

Academic Fund

The Academic Fund jury, consisting of the Staff Council and the Client Council, speaks of entries with a striking high innovative content and great enthusiasm. According to jury member Marc Spaanderman, this made the selection exceptionally difficult. According to the jury, the chosen researchers combine innovative ideas with a solid scientific basis and show a strong commitment to the patients of Maastricht UMC+.

The Academic Fund has existed since 2011 and is an initiative of the Staff Committee. It supports talented professionals at the start of their careers or in their further development, while contributing to strengthening the academic profile of Maastricht UMC+. The fund does not have a fixed annual budget, but is fed from the hospital's financial results.

Alliance

Maastricht UMC+ is also committed to improving healthcare provision by collaborating with other healthcare institutions. Just last month, for example, we wrote about Maastricht UMC+'s collaboration with Zuyderland. Within the alliance Zuyderland - MUMC+, cooperation has been strengthened, focusing on care content, digitisation, research and prevention. By joining forces, both organisations aim to strengthen the quality of care and create space for innovation, with the goal of sustainably improving the health of residents in the region.

The collaboration is in line with a broader movement to make health more central than treatment alone. At the same time, it is a response to the growing demand for care and the increasing shortage of healthcare personnel, which are further increasing pressure on the healthcare system.

Source: ICT & health