DRIVE-RM is a Dutch NWO Summit grant consortium — a recognition for research teams operating at the highest international level. We are a partnership between University Medical Center Utrecht, Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, Utrecht University and the Hubrecht Institute.
We unite scientists across biology, engineering and medicine to explore how smart materials can guide the body to heal itself. From early-career talent to leading experts, we work across institutions to expand knowledge, and bring regenerative therapies closer to the clinic.
What connects us? Curiosity, collaboration, and the drive to push boundaries together.
Funding is provided by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) through the NWO Summit call.
Steering committee
Prof. Dr. Marianne Verhaar
Translational RM in nephrology and vascular biology
Prof. Dr. Carlijn Bouten
Cell-matrix interactions for cardiovascular RM
Prof. Dr. Jos Malda
Biofabrication for muscoskeletal RM
Prof. Dr. Clemens van Blitterswijk
Cell biology, tissue engineering, bone biomaterials, regenerative medicine
Prof. Dr. Jeroen Bakkers
Zebrafish, heart regeneration, genetics
Prof. Dr. Sabine van Rijt
Nanomaterials for Regenerative Medicine
International Scientific Advisory Board
Prof. Dr. Annelien Bredenoord
Ethics of biomedical innovation, leadership, strategy and politics &governance
Prof. Dr. Paul Riley
Cardiovascular development and regeneration
Prof. Dr. Abhay Pandit
Biomaterials and RM: designing materials that engage the body's own biological signals to drive repair.
Prof. Dr. Joost de Bruijn
Entrepreneurial scientist specializing in RM, osteoinductive biomaterials, bone regeneration, and bioreactor systems.
Support staff
Manon Smitt
Senior Projectcontroller
Wanda Konijn
Program Manager
Principle investigators
Our principal investigators are pioneers in regenerative biology, engineering and medicine. They lead the science, mentor the next generation, and shape the direction of the programme.
Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Beekman
Organoids, cystic fibrosis, drug development
Dr. Ir. Aurélie Carlier
Computational modeling
Dr. Stefan Giselbrecht
3D in vitro models, morphogenesis, microfluids
Dr. Karin Jongsma
Bioethics, responsible innovation, ethics of (bio-) medical technology
Dr. Ir. Sandra Loerakker
Computational biomechanics
Prof. Dr. Roos Masereeuw
Bioengineering of kidney tubules
Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibovic
Bone regeneration, inorganic biomaterials, microfluids
