New cancer research UU students and Genmab

Since late last year, a group of 20 undergraduate Biomedical Sciences students have been working in the laboratory on a question posed by biotechnology company Genmab. This laboratory course called "Biomedical Research Lab" falls into the curriculum of the Biomedical Sciences program and takes place in the Bachelor Research Hub. It is designed to provide students with new research to develop their academic and research skills, while giving them an inside look at the biotech industry.

Ten-week laboratory course

Teacher-researchers at the Bachelor Research Hub said, "Our project's primary goal is to create synergy between research, education and the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. We developed a ten-week laboratory course for undergraduate Biomedical Sciences students. Working with experienced scientists, physicians and patients, students will investigate a question from Genmab, a renowned international biotech company."

Genmab's question: improving immunotherapy

Genmab's research question is about cancer treatment. Genmab scientist Erik Voets: "The goal of the research is to increase our understanding of cancer treatment by studying the immune system's response to it. Finding new targets to improve immunotherapy could potentially fuel Genmab's so-called early drug development pipeline."

Scouting excellent students

Students are involved in research at Genmab to train and enthuse them about the topic of tumor immunology and a career in the biotech industry. At the same time, new (pilot) research is being conducted to support Genmab's lead discovery. "This opens up opportunities for Genmab to be involved in education on campus, to train future biomedical scientists, and to further strengthen collaboration with the academy. We can also scout excellent students for future internships and available positions at Genmab." says Pauline de Goeje of Genmab.

Student experience

The Biomedical Sciences students experienced the education as fun and educational. "In this course I got an impression of both the industry and the academy, this was the first time for me in my education. I now have a clearer picture of what I want in the future," says student Marnix Geltink. Student Eline van Beest adds: "Also going into conversation with patients was part of this course, this impressed me a lot and gave context to the work we were doing. This motivated me tremendously."

Health~Holland

The research was made possible in part by the use of a PPP grant from Health~Holland to encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs). Health~Holland also attended the students' final presentation on Feb. 2.

Bachelor Research Hub

The Bachelor Research Hub is a dedicated and well-equipped laboratory, located in the heart of UMC Utrecht, where students conduct new and relevant research. The Hub strengthens the connection between research, education and healthcare and creates synergy between (undergraduate) students, scientists, doctors and patients. Read more about the Bachelor Research Hub.

Genmab

Genmab is an international biotech company. Their main goal is to improve the lives of patients through innovative antibody therapies. For nearly 25 years, the team has invented next-generation antibody therapies and technologies, resulting in a proprietary pipeline that includes bispecific T-cell engagers, novel immune checkpoint modulators, antibodies with enhanced effector functions and antibody-drug conjugates. Read more about Genmab.

Source: UMC Utrecht