By carrying out fundamental research and providing excellent education, universities become a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Apart from commercializing an invention through a spin-off company or patent, there are many ways to make an impact. The following highlights show a broad spectrum of knowledge transfer to society. 

'Organ-on-chip' technology

Organ-on-chip technology is used in drug research and customized treatments for patients. Research Institutes and industry join forces within the Institute for human Organ and Disease Model Technologies (hDMT). Combining facilities, people and expertise will allow the Netherlands to become a global player in this technology.
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Genes that affect spread of breast cancer

A team of toxicologists lead bu professor Bob van de Water and colleagues studied 1500 individual genes that cause breast cancer cells to migrate. They found eight, including the SRPK1 gene, that regulate the migration of tumour cells and correlate with disease outcome of breast cancer patients. These eight genes were shown to control cell migration, one of the causes of metastasis. Aggressive tumour cells have the capacity to invade the tumour environment and target other parts of the body.
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Antibiotics as weapons in nature

Bacteria use antibiotics as a weapon and produce more antibiotics if there are competing strains nereby. Antibiotics are important in combating diseases, but pathogens are becoming increasingly resistant to exitisting antibiotics. The research, which is aimed at developing new drugs, shows how bacteria can be stimulated to produce antibiotics by growing them in the presence of competing strains. 
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Solar telescope by crowdfunding

After 68 years the Old Leiden Observatory gained a new telescope, a solar telescope. This allows the university to provide the general public with a view on the sun. The image of the sun will be projected live on the basement wall of the visitors centre of the Old Observatory in Leiden. Now visitors can see sun spots and eruptions on the sun. 
Visit the website of the Old Observatory in Leiden

Open Access Research Infrastructure

Researchers from external academic institutes and from the industry are welcome to access our research infrastruture and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and related expertise. 
Access the online database

Science in the class room

Several education tools, lab work, teacher trainings, laboratories and other facilities for both primary and secondary education, to bring science in de class room!

Universe Awareness

The programme 'Universe Awareness' uses the beauty and grandeur of the Universe to inspire young children and encourage them to develop an interest in science and technology. The programme also aims to introduce children to the idea of global citizenship and tolerance at a crucial stage of their development, to show them that they are part of an international community. Until the advent of UNAWE, there were no large scale attempts to use astronomy as a tool for inspiring and educating young children. Therefore, while our resources are open to all, the programme is aimed at children aged 4 to 10 years, especially those from underprivileged communities.
Visit the website

More examples in Dutch