20 feb 2025
A group of 16 Biomedical Sciences bachelor students, together with researchers from the biotech company Genmab, conducted research into potential new forms of cancer therapy. This challenge-based learning took place in the Biomedical Research Lab (BRL) course at the Biomedicine Student Research Hub at UMC Utrecht.
A group of 16 Biomedical Sciences bachelor students, together with researchers from the biotech company Genmab, conducted research into potential new forms of cancer therapy. This challenge-based learning took place during the Biomedical Research Lab (BRL) course at the Biomedicine Student Research Hub at UMC Utrecht.
During the course, the group of students was presented with a current challenge by Genmab, an international biotech company based at Utrecht Science Park, specializing in antibody therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. The students designed a research project, developed an approach, carried it out, and reported their findings in a scientific manuscript and a conference-style presentation.
In this way, students develop important skills in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and solving complex problems in a creative and scientifically grounded manner. Students also get a glimpse into the biotech industry, helping them experience whether a career in research within academia or industry suits them.
During their work in the Biomedicine Student Research Hub, a few patients also visited. Students had the opportunity to hear patient stories and present their research to the patients.
This unique course connects education to research, patient care, society, and stakeholders from the biotech industry, with the aim of developing new therapeutic strategies that could lead to better treatment or quality of life for patients. This concept aligns with the vision of the New Utrecht School.
The educational concept was published this week in Nature Biotechnology.
(Article on the website in Dutch)