The future of healthcare is taking shape – literally. On 1 September, a unique new minor in medical 3D bioprinting launched at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, co-developed by UMC Utrecht. Fifteen students with backgrounds in engineering or biology have started an intensive six-month program on the latest 3D-printing applications in healthcare.
This minor is an initiative of UMC Utrecht, where Professor Jos Malda’s research group has been leading in the fields of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting for years, and the innovation lab medical 3D-(bio)printing at the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. Under the direction of Lennard Spauwen, researcher at both the HU and UMC Utrecht, the program was developed and realized in a short time.
It is the first time students receive this kind of dedicated training in a field that is evolving at high speed. They will learn what is already possible in UMC Utrecht’s 3D lab – such as printing cartilage models or structures for cell growth – and will also get a glimpse into the future of this technology.
The future of medical 3D bioprinting requires new expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration. This minor prepares students for the healthcare of tomorrow.
Collaboration at the Utrecht Science Park
A key feature of this minor is the close collaboration between education and research. The content was developed in cooperation with several partners at Utrecht Science Park: UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Institute for Life Sciences & Chemistry and Institute for Design & Engineering), the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht and the innovation Center for Advanced Therapies (ICAT).
This makes the minor a powerful example of how disciplines and institutions work together to bring healthcare innovation closer to patients.
Ready for the future
Interest in the minor was high: the first group of 15 students was quickly filled. The program will be evaluated after this first edition ends in February 2026. If the experience proves successful, a new group will start in September 2026.
UMC Utrecht is proud of this initiative. It shows how we – together with partners – invest in education that matches the innovations of tomorrow. By connecting research and education in this way, we ensure that students are well prepared for a future in which 3D bioprinting becomes part of standard care.
Want to know more?
View the minor on the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences website (Dutch): Medisch 3D-bioprinten
