TRAINING FUTURE EXPERTS IN MEDICAL 3D BIOPRINTING

16-09-2025

The future of healthcare is taking shape – quite literally.

On September 1st, a new minor in medical 3D bioprinting was launched at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, co-developed with UMC Utrecht. This six-month program brings together 15 students from engineering and life sciences backgrounds to explore the latest innovations in 3D printing for medical applications.

This is the first time a program of its kind has been offered, with a dedicated curriculum in a rapidly evolving field. Students will gain hands-on experience in 3D-printing technologies already in use at UMC Utrecht’s 3D lab — such as printing cartilage models or structures for cell culture — while also exploring the possibilities that lie ahead.

The program was developed under the leadership of Lennard Spauwen, a researcher at both HU and UMC Utrecht, in collaboration with Professor Jos Malda’s research group. It represents a strong partnership across Utrecht Science Park, involving UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, HU’s Institutes for Life Sciences & Chemistry and for Design & Engineering, the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, and ICAT.

Interest in the program was high, with the first cohort fully enrolled and the course running until February 2026. If successful, a second edition is planned for September 2026.

By investing in education aligned with cutting-edge research, UMC Utrecht and its partners are preparing students to shape the future of healthcare — one printed layer at a time.