Linking Pin

“We are looking for ways to promote animal-free research', says Cyrille Krul, Professor Innovative Testing in Life Sciences & Chemistry at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (HU). 'Within the UAIM hub, we are an important linking pin between fundamental research in the lab and applications in daily practice.”

As part of the UAIM hub, Cyrille Krul and her team at HU ensure that scientific results make it from the research lab to the business sector as quickly and effectively as possible. Krul: 'At the design of a study, we already consider: does this model respond to a need in the market? How can it be applied later on? We are not waiting until the end of a scientific project to see whether it might be of useful in day-to-day practice. In fact, it's the other way around, we are working with experts in the field: what are the challenges of the industry, and do we have something that can solve their problem? If not, can we develop a solution? This approach ensures that – for example – the wonderful work of a PhD candidate is actually be applied in practice and doesn't get shoved away in a drawer.'

Within the UAIM hub, we are an important linking pin between fundamental research in the lab and applications in daily practice

HU Utrecht University of Applied Sciences envisions an additional role in innovations. 'Our students are the future users of new innovative technologies. The world of laboratory animal research is changing at a rapid pace due to new developments such as organoids and organs-on-a-chip. However our researchers may eventually work in research groups that have not yet started using these new technologies at all. It would be great if they could introduce such innovations at their workplace, and we train and educate them to do just that.'

Cyrille Krul
Professor Innovative Testing in Life Sciences & Chemistry Utrecht
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (HU)