4 July 2022

On 1 June a new company was launched at the Leiden Bio Science Park: NecstGen. This expertise centre will focus on producing (stem)cell and gene therapies, partly in collaboration with the LUMC. As the step from theory to practice is being made, the company is looking for cooperation with humanities scholars.

What are the implications?

NecstGen translates protocols developed in the laboratory into products that may be used in patients, thus taking the step from symptom control to cure. However, we still have only limited insight into the impact of these developments on society. In order to implement these therapies in a socially responsible manner, it is necessary to understand the broader context. That is where help from the humanities is needed.

How can we work together?

In the light of the developments mentioned above and the University’s interdisciplinary programme in Regenerative Medicine, we want to look together for areas of overlap between our disciplines. We already work with medical ethicists and lawyers, but we are convinced that there are also many prospects within humanities. We want to search together with you for opportunities to strengthen both our research fields and possibly to develop a research agenda together. There might also be possibilities for collaboration in education.

What is regenerative medicine?

The development of (stem)cell and gene therapies is part of a relatively new research field called regenerative medicine. This field focuses on the regeneration of cells, tissues and organs. A nice example from the LUMC is the work of Frank Staal and his team. Recently, they treated a baby having no immune system by administering stem cell gene therapy.

Contact

If you want more information, you already have a good idea or would like to brainstorm together, please send an email to Mandy Segers via m.segers.nier@lumc.nl.