Stronger together in trauma care: UMC Utrecht and Defense build on next phase of CETC
The CETC unites UMC Utrecht and Defense to enhance trauma care through research, innovation, and knowledge sharing in acute and psychotrauma care.
In the Civil-Military Center of Expertise for Trauma Care (CETC), colleagues from UMC Utrecht and the Defense Healthcare Organization (DGO) are working together on a joint mission to improve post-trauma care for both civilians and military personnel: zero avoidable mortality and minimization of disability after (psychological) injury. On Oct. 23, Brigadier General Diana Verweij (Commander DGO) and Prof. Dr. Carina Hilders (Chairman of the Board UMC Utrecht) signed a new cooperation agreement giving impetus to the next phase of the CETC.
With this agreement, UMC Utrecht and Defense formally ratify the existing cooperation in the CETC. In addition, the agreement marks the next phase in which UMC Utrecht and DGO continue to build the CETC together. In the coming years, the CETC will focus on various projects and research within the domains of complex acute care, psychotrauma and value-driven care. Central to this is the continuous improvement of care pathways by conducting applied research and developing and sharing knowledge about innovations and (data) technology. The four lines of research – Patient Journey, Burn Care, Synthetic Patient Data and Value-Driven Care – form the common thread.
The CETC was established in January 2024 as an innovation project, funded in part by the DOSCO Development Fund. At the Ministry of Defense, the CETC is part of the Central Military Hospital (CMH). At the UMC Utrecht, the CETC is part of the Trauma Center. The CETC collaborates with partners such as TNO, the Maasstad hospital and the Digital United Training Concept for Healthcare (DUTCH) consortium.
Free Bicycle Light Repairs Mark Launch of National Cycling Visibility Campaign in Utrecht
The national bicycle lighting campaign ‘AAN in het donker’ (Lights On in the Dark) will be launched on 29 October on Leuvenlaan at Utrecht Science Park. Between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., cyclists can have their lights checked and repaired free of charge. André van Schie, Member of the Provincial Executive, will be there to talk to Utrecht residents about the importance of proper bicycle lighting.
Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht awarded with twelve NWO Vidi-grants
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Vidi grants to 109 researchers. Twelve leading researchers at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht will each receive a Vidi grant of up to €850,000. NWO awards Vidi grants annually, enabling recipients to develop an innovative line of research over the next five years and further expand their research teams.
Ureka Mega Challenge winner 2026: ReVoice restores one’s own voice after voice loss
People who lose their voice, for example after surgery for head and neck cancer, want to be able to speak again with a voice that sounds like their own. ReVoice aims to provide this, with the help of AI. With this innovation, head and neck surgeon Weibel Braunius, innovation manager Mart Schoondermark, and patient Boudewijn Faber won the Ureka Mega Challenge 2026 from UMC Utrecht.
Looking back at Utrecht Science Week: research, education, and entrepreneurship in the spotlight
Utrecht Science Week 2026 has come to a close. For over a week, visitors enjoyed workshops, lectures, group discussions, and tours focused on science and innovation at Utrecht Science Park. With more than thirty program activities across over 25 locations, there were ample opportunities to experience science up close. We look back on a fantastic week that once again highlighted the essential role of collaboration, and the combination of research, education, and entrepreneurship, in addressing the societal challenges of our time.