RMU
Regenerative Medicine Utrecht
Regenerative Medicine (RM) is a fast-growing life sciences field where biomedical research and clinical care merge to develop curative therapies by replacing, repairing or regenerating tissues. The Netherlands, especially Utrecht, is a leader in this field, excelling in both science and technology. Regenerative Medicine Utrecht (RMU) unites over 250 fundamental, translational, and clinical scientists. They conduct cutting-edge research related to organ-specific tissue regeneration and stem cell therapies for human and veterinary patients. RMU includes researchers from UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University’s Science and Veterinary Faculties, and the Hubrecht Institute, fostering innovation in regenerative medicine through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Infrastructure and User Services
Since its inception in 2009, RMU has developed a state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing access to a wide range of large and small animal models, in vitro systems, advanced technologies, patient materials, and multidisciplinary expertise. High-tech shared facilities include the Utrecht 3D Printing & Biofabrication Facility, the Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, the Gene Editing Facility, and the iPSC Facility. Additional resources support advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence-based imaging, RNA/DNA and single-cell analysis, molecular pathology, proteomics and metabolomics, bioinformatics, and high-throughput 3D organoid screening. This infrastructure is further strengthened by preclinical and clinical research capabilities, including a GMP-accredited Cell Therapy Facility and multiple biobanks.
RMU also offers a comprehensive campus-wide educational program, encompassing a PhD program, multiple summer schools, and Master’s programs. Additionally, it provides a Medical Master’s technology track and bachelor electives in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
In 2015, the RM Center Utrecht (RMCU) was established, bringing together most of Utrecht’s RM investigators under one roof. This integration fosters collaboration across fundamental science, emerging technologies, translational research, and clinical care—focusing on content rather than institutional boundaries. The RMCU represents a paradigm shift in research, where the convergence of diverse expertise and methodologies accelerates discoveries for patient benefit.
Examples/description of the type of research
Regenerative medicine aims to provide novel, curative solutions for diseases through replacing, repairing or regenerating damaged tissues and organs. Regenerative Medicine Utrecht (RMU) converges life sciences, engineering and physical sciences, and has a particular focus on the manipulation of living cell (or derivates thereof) as therapeutic or diagnostic products, or as preclinical research tools that support the definition of critical biology that underly tissue formation, repair and regeneration. Associated technologies include biofabrication, electrophysiology, molecular biology, medical imaging, microscopy (high speed, high content, high throughput, high resolution), -omics related studies (genetics, proteins, RNAs, metabolomes) and manipulation technologies (including gene editing technologies, viral vectors, virus-like particles) as well as data and cell resources (AI-based scripts for image analysis, clinical databases, biobanks). Production facilities to develop and implement living products or diagnostics are also provided, as well as regulatory knowledge for their development.
How to access the infrastructure?
We have a physical center. Entrance is provided by means of access tags, that must be requested