Subsidy for high-tech research in Leiden
Two research groups at Leiden University are receiving funding from the HTSM programme (High Tech Systems and Materials) for innovative technology projects. Their research focuses on practical applications with a major societal impact: from improving industrial quality control processes to developing new MRI techniques without harmful contrast agents. This support from NWO and Holland High Tech not only strengthens fundamental scientific research, but also contributes to solutions that promote a more sustainable and healthier society.
Technological innovations for a healthier world
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Fast and smart quality control
In many industries, such as food processing and infrastructure, it is crucial to detect internal defects quickly and accurately. However, traditional methods are slow and prone to error. Within the DUAL IMPACT project, researchers at Leiden University are therefore developing a new imaging workflow that combines three-dimensional scans with the speed of automated inspection systems. Thanks to this approach, quality control becomes not only more efficient but also more reliable — an essential step towards safe production processes.
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MRI without harmful contrast agents
Standard MRI scans often use gadolinium, a contrast agent that ends up in the environment via urine and is difficult to filter out. The CLEAR Water project focuses on developing a safe alternative: a technique that involves magnetically labelling blood. This method provides the same diagnostic information, but without harmful side effects or environmental impact. The research contributes to more sustainable medical imaging and a healthier living environment.
Collaboration between science and industry
The DUAL IMPACT and CLEAR-water projects demonstrate how close collaboration between universities, colleges and businesses leads to concrete innovations. For example, researchers from Leiden University and The Hague University of Applied Sciences are working together with companies such as Meyn and APPLUS in DUAL IMPACT to develop new imaging technology for industrial quality control. In CLEAR-water, scientists from the LUMC and Leiden University are combining their knowledge to make MRI techniques more sustainable. This public-private partnership enables research results to be translated into practical applications more quickly.
A sustainable step forward
The DUAL IMPACT and CLEAR-water projects demonstrate how high-tech research can contribute to a safer, healthier and more sustainable society. Whether it concerns more efficient quality control in industry or environmentally friendly medical imaging, both initiatives focus on solutions with a lasting impact. Thanks to the support of the HTSM programme, Leiden researchers have the opportunity to develop technology that is not only innovative but also sustainable for the future.
