Funding for German-Dutch health research
The University of Münster and the University of Twente (UT) are strengthening their academic partnership. As part of a joint funding programme, four research teams have been selected to receive financial support to facilitate strategic collaborations in the field of health, a priority area for both institutions. Researchers were invited to submit joint proposals that build on the complementary strengths of the Universities of Münster and Twente in the broader field of health and life sciences. The selected projects receive up to €40,000 for approximately six months to initiate or intensify collaboration and prepare joint applications for external research funding.
The FOUR projects
Addressing Hospital Bed Blocking: Predictive Models for Patient Flow to Aftercare Facilities
Prof. André Karch (Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster) and Prof. Richard Boucherie (Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research, University of Twente) will develop predictive models to improve patient transfers to aftercare facilities and support more efficient hospital capacity management.
A Transcriptomic Atlas of Neuro-Immune Interactions in a Human Midbrain Organoid-on-Chip Model
Prof. Gerd Meyer zu Hörste (Department of Neurology and Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster) and Prof. Kerensa Broersen (Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente) will investigate how nerve cells and immune cells interact in the brain, combining expertise in neurology, stem cell technology and organ-on-chip systems.
Breath-Based Biomarkers for Early Detection of CTD-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Prof. Martin A. Kriegel (Department of Translational Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Münster) and Prof. H.E. Vonkeman (Department of Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour, University of Twente) will explore whether breath analysis can contribute to earlier detection of severe lung disease in patients with connective tissue disorders.
Physiological Regulation and Interactional Social Modelling
Prof. Mitja Back (Institute of Psychology, University of Münster) and Dr Ying Wang (Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente) will develop a joint computational framework to better understand stress in everyday life by combining expertise in wearable sensing, physiology and social interaction modelling.
Since 2018, the University of Twente and the University of Münster have supported joint research initiatives through the Strategic Collaboration Grants programme. The grants help researchers build new collaborations, deepen existing partnerships and prepare for larger international funding opportunities.