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Research, innovation and ambitions

The University Hospital azM and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) of Maastricht University have decided on four main research themes: cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic disease and mental health.

The hospital and the FHML apply an integrated approach to research. Prevention, treatment and follow-up care methods are studied from the perspective of their mutual interrelationships and interactions. As a result, research focuses strongly on matters that are relevant to patients. By involving patients in research activities, the quality of patient care is improved.

Research activities are integrated in specialized research institutes:

  • School for Cardiovascular Diseases (Carim)
  • School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism (NUTRIM)
  • School for Mental Health and Neurosciences: Brain and Behaviour
  • School for Oncology and Developmental Biology

Innovation
Stakeholders acknowledge the innovative capacity of the azM. The university hospital carries out scientific research in collaboration with external partners, especially industrial companies. As such, the hospital exlores numerous business opportunities. A case in point is the Medical Field Lab®, a unique concept to facilitate the development of innovative products and services.
How does it work? The Medical Field Lab® is the single point of contact for both public and private initiatives that want to explore the market opportunities of an innovative concept. A multidisciplinary team screens ideas, problems or needs. High potential ideas are subsequently disseminated through a worldwide network of companies, engineers, researchers and physicians. Interested parties exchange ideas in a secure ‘meet and greet’ setting. Innovation scenarios are created through brainstorm sessions, eventually leading to a project plan. Public-private funding arrangements constitute the financial foundation for the practical application of the project plan.

Ambitions
Further cooperation projects of the azM will take shape in joint research projects, exchange programs for graduate students and exploring best practices in health care management.
In addition to existing alliances, the University Hospital azM seeks cooperation with one or more leading global medical centers. The hospital has ambitious goals to gain access to world-class knowledge, expertise and human potential to further improve its care services and to realize the ambitions formulated in the four research areas mentioned above. All efforts are ultimately aimed at serving the needs of individual patients.