Testimonials

Programme

Natural Sciences

As a secondary school student, Jorn Essink already knew he'd study something in the sciences. He chose Natural Sciences at Radboud University, deliberately opting for a broad programme. The first-year student is pleased with the mix of science subjects this degree offers. In the long run, Jorn wants to work on sustainable solutions for environmental problems such as PFAS and CO₂.

Jorn Essink took part in the Science Olympiad at Radboud University in year 3 of secondary school. 'During that Olympiad, I was introduced to biology and chemistry in the laboratory. I found it really interesting; it set me on the path towards a degree in this field.'

Natural Sciences: a broad programme

Actually, Jorn enjoys everything related to science. In year 5 of secondary school, he began seriously exploring further education options. 'In the end, I chose Nijmegen and the Natural Sciences programme. A safe choice, because Natural Sciences is a broad programme in which you specialise in two subject areas', the first-year student explains. 'It's a mix of physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics. This way, I was able to discover what appeals to me most and what I'm good at during the first year.'

Laboratory days

Jorn's preference lies with physics and chemistry. 'They're subjects that overlap and complement each other. And I'm good at them. I really enjoy working in the laboratory.' His study week consists of lectures, tutorials, small-group sessions and occasional laboratory days. 'In the tutorial, you work with the material that was covered in the lecture. In the small-group sessions, the material is explained in a simpler way. I also write and prepare for the chemistry and physics laboratory days.'

Two study associations

In line with his degree, Jorn is a member of two study associations: Leonardo da Vinci, for Bachelor's students of the Natural Sciences programme, and Sigma for students in the molecular sciences cluster. 'The associations organise all sorts of activities, such as company visits, lunch lectures and, of course, social gatherings where you meet fellow students who are also science-minded.'

Connections between playing bridge and Natural Sciences

Besides everything related to his degree, Jorn is active as a bridge player. 'I started ten years ago when I was eight. I now play for the Dutch youth team and I'm training for the World Championships. I've been doing this with a regular partner since the beginning. You play as a team and have to practise together, learn to trust each other and make agreements. Bridge is different every time. It's always a new puzzle you have to solve through logical thinking, making choices and devising strategies, so that you and your bridge partner achieve the best result. During the game, you're analysing and thinking logically and solving problems – in that respect, bridge has connections with my degree.'

Social impact

After his Bachelor's in Natural Sciences, Jorn wants to do a Master's. 'I don't yet know whether I'll do my Master's at Radboud University or in Wageningen. In Wageningen, I believe there's more emphasis on nature and the environment in the programme. And perhaps I'd also like to obtain a PhD after my Master's. Natural Sciences is a degree with which you can have a social impact. In any case, my ambition is to contribute, after I graduate, with the knowledge I'll have then, to sustainable solutions for environmental problems such as PFAS and CO₂.'

This interview first appeared on TechGelderland. Text: Huub Luijten. Photos: Linda Verweij. 

Programme

Natural Sciences

Study start date

01 September 2024

Study end date

01 July 2027

Student Kynan de Boer volgt de bachelor Science aan de Radboud Universiteit.

Why did you specifically choose Radboud University?

I chose Radboud University because it was the only university that offered the combination of chemistry and physics that I find truly interesting.

What did you think of the transition from secondary school to university? How were you supported during your programme?

The transition from secondary school to university was quite difficult. The first week went well, especially thanks to the help of the tutors. But I was completely absent during the second week and catching up on all the assignments is still going quite slowly. However, everything is gradually falling into place again, partly thanks to the help of my fellow students, who were kind enough to explain things to me.

What's also worth mentioning is that we participated as a team in a Science competition at Radboud University with our research project. We won the Van Melsen Prize. This meant we could go to the 'European Union Contest for Young Scientists' (EUCYS) in Katowice, but unfortunately we didn't win anything there.

What appeals to you about the Bachelor's programme and why? What do you find most challenging about the programme?

The combination of physics and chemistry appeals to me most, approached in a fundamental way rather than combined with technology. What I find most difficult about this programme is planning. Your timetable is very full, especially compared to other programmes, and you still need to do things at home, alongside all the fun activities of course.

How do you experience the atmosphere within the programme?

The atmosphere among students is always good. I immediately clicked with a broad group of fellow first-year students and also with some older-year students. The lecturers have also always been willing to help so far, and in an accessible way too.

Are you involved in the study association? If so, in what way?

So far, I've mainly been involved in the study association by attending various activities. I'm also planning to join a committee.

Which student recruitment activities that you attended as a secondary school pupil did you find valuable and why?

I always found Bachelor's Open Days valuable, because you could talk to students themselves, and they give you the best picture of the programme. A shadow day did help to see what a study day looked like, but not much was explained about the subject content.

What advice or tips would you give to prospective students choosing a programme?

I would, very clichéd, go to multiple open days and talk to the students, not just attend the information presentations. This helps you best to really understand the programme and how it's experienced by students, which is therefore also a good indication for yourself.

It seems like a dream, but Wilhelm Huck firmly believes in it: a robot lab that combines chemistry and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop materials of the future. Huck is professor of physical-organic chemistry at the Institute for Molecules and Materials of Radboud University Nijmegen. He has received a contribution of 97 million euros from the government's National Growth Fund to realise the scientific programme Robotlab: the revolution of self-thinking molecular systems.

If we no longer want to use materials from the fossil industry, to reduce CO2 emissions, then new materials will have to be developed as quickly as possible, argues Wilhelm Huck. As a professor of physical-organic chemistry, he knows that there are an infinite number of combinations of molecules that can be made. More than people can imagine.

“In addition, we simply don't have the time to try everything out,” Huck argues. “That is why we need artificial intelligence to develop new, sustainable materials, but also paints, coatings without PFAS and medicines.”

First self-governing lab in the world

With the scientific research programme Robotlab: the revolution of self-thinking molecular systems, the professor expects to take a big step in the right direction. Together with other scientific partners and the business community, initiator Huck is working on building the first fully automated robot lab that can devise complex molecular systems.

By combining chemistry and high technology, such as robotics and artificial intelligence (big data and self-learning systems), such a self-governing lab is created. Such a lab can come up with solutions to complex questions much faster than humans.

“We humans have to formulate the problem, the robot lab works out the solution that we can then refine,” Huck explains. He emphasises that a huge acceleration of scientific research is needed to find answers to the questions we face due to the climate crisis.

Materials transition

The energy transition is just the start of all kinds of changes, the professor emphasises. 'We are at the beginning of a huge transition, in addition to the energy transition, there will also be a materials transition. Just think about what is made of plastic. Plastics are made from building blocks from the fossil industry, such as the oil industry. If we want to replace plastics, we have to use other combinations of molecules, other building blocks.'

Nijmegen, Eindhoven, Groningen

The robot lab is being developed by Radboud University Nijmegen in collaboration with the University of Groningen, the Eindhoven University of Technology, the research institute AMOLF in Amsterdam and the Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven.

After a period of preparation, the real work begins. “The first people have been hired and we are in the process of purchasing our first robot,” Huck reports. He is scientific director of the Big Chemistry foundation, which carries out the research programme Robotlab: the revolution of self-thinking molecular systems.

The aim of the research programme is to develop a fully automated laboratory, a robot lab, within seven years, complete with a network of supply companies.

The development of these economic activities is a condition for the subsidy from the National Growth Fund. The wish is to build the robot lab on the Novio Tech Campus in Nijmegen.

Train AI 

Scientists involved in the robot lab will initially work on training artificial intelligence systems. “We must first provide AI with the necessary chemical knowledge before you can use it,” says Huck.

"AI currently knows which molecules to make, but not yet how to combine them in such a way that they lead to solutions. We still have to make a lot of data available and do experiments."

Radically different: Big Chemistry

For example, the robot lab can contribute to the development of sustainable products for the paint industry, pharmaceuticals and the food industry.

The advantage of the lab is that it enables developments that are based more on big data and systematic analysis and less on intuition and trial and error, as is now common.

"It's super exciting. We are going to do everything radically different and call it Big Chemistry,” says Huck. "We are working on co-creation, where humans and computers work together in a new way. This way we can work faster and better on scientific breakthroughs."

The interview first appeared on TechGelderland. Photos: Linda Verweij

Programme

Molecular Life Sciences

Klaas Mulder is an associate professor of Molecular Developmental Biology at Radboud University Nijmegen. Together with a colleague, he heads the Radboud Single Cell Center (RSCC). There, he supervises scientists who are researching the mapping of errors in individual cells. In the long term, this should aid in combating certain types of cancer and immune disorders.

"Single cell technology is quite new. The first measurements at the level of the cell were performed in 2009. It then became possible to carry out such measurements because the technology became available to research institutes" says Klaas Mulder. 

Biologist by training

Mulder is a biologist by training, educated in Groningen. "Since my high school days, I have been interested in everything related to cell division and DNA. After my biology studies, I pursued a PhD. Among other places, I conducted fundamental molecular biological research in Utrecht and Cambridge on how a cell turns certain functions on and off. If you can figure that out, in principle, it should be possible to influence that mechanism in some way."

Bridging role

The Radboud Single Cell Center fosters collaboration between the academic hospital and the university. "We serve as a bridge between fundamental scientific research at Radboud University and patient-oriented research at Radboudumc," outlines Mulder.

"Our research focuses on tumor cells, where we try to understand why one tumor cell responds to treatment while another does not."

Mapping the gene pattern

Mulder has been using single cell technology for about eight years now. Before that time, it was possible to map the DNA of a group of cells, but to know exactly what happens, individual cells need to be mapped.

"With single cell technology, we can measure which genes are 'on' and which are 'off' in each individual cell. By mapping cells with the same gene pattern, you can very precisely distinguish between tumor cells and normal cells and also identify the defect in the tumor cells. With that knowledge, you can look for a way to influence the defect in those cells."

Collecting tissue

How does such research work in practice? "It's quite complex," Mulder thinks. "In addition to knowledge of biology, you also need chemistry." He describes the single cell technology in steps.

"The first step is to collect tissue, or a biopsy. The second step is that in the laboratory, we break down all the intercellular connections between cells with enzymes. This creates a fluid with individual cells. These then go into a machine, where each cell is placed in a tiny droplet of water. Each droplet is actually a separate reaction vessel, allowing us to determine in tens of thousands of cells at the same time which genes are on or off."

Measuring dozens of proteins

"As one of the few groups in the world, we can also combine this with measuring dozens of proteins in each cell," Mulder explains. "Then, using the computer and special search and selection software, we look for proteins and genes that help a tumor cell survive treatment."

Theory and practice

Mulder's research group currently consists of six people and works interdisciplinary with other departments at the university and in the hospital.

"In single cell research, different research directions are involved, as is the case with any scientific research. Our team includes biologists, chemists, data analysts, and laboratory analysts. These are both university-educated individuals as well as those with vocational and technical education. The strength of the team lies in the close collaboration between those with theoretical and practical training."

Better results

Klaas Mulder expects that single cell research will lead to better results in the treatment of certain types of cancer and immune disorders in the future.

"Although it will still take at least ten years before the research leads to initial results in patient care." 

This testimonial was previously published on TechGelderland.nl

Photo: Linda Verweij

Programme

Natural Sciences

Study start date

01 September 2004

Study end date

31 August 2010

Bram studied Science at Radboud University Nijmegen. With medtech company Orikami, he works on AI innovations: treating patients based on medical and personal data, not just according to protocols.

Using the value of both medical and personal data maximally for diagnosis, so patients receive treatment literally tailored to them. 'This prevents overtreatment or undertreatment, for example in elderly cancer patients,' says Bram den Teuling (38). According to him, doctors should look more at patients' resilience when diagnosing and treating elderly cancer patients. This can be done using home monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI).

Quality of Life

'Vulnerable elderly sometimes receive intense medication, which limits their quality of life. If this treatment doesn't result in significant life extension or improved quality of life, we call this overtreatment', notes Bram. 'At the same time, there's a large group of elderly who are still very fit but who, based on age as specified in medical protocols, don't qualify for certain treatments, such as stem cell transplantation.'

Science Studies

Bram studied Science at Radboud University from 2004 to 2010. Science is a programme where students combine different exact sciences. 'In high school, I had broad interests. I enjoyed mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, but also philosophy and economics. The idea emerged that it would be great to be able to look across disciplines, that's how I ended up at Science in Nijmegen. There you get quite some freedom to choose your own study path.'

Brain and AI

For Bram, this meant specialising in Biophysics, where he delved into neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 'I always found brains interesting, and with AI, you can essentially recreate brains,' he says with a smile. In his graduation internship, Bram investigated whether brain-computer interfaces could be developed using AI and EEG (electroencephalogram) data. EEGs measure electrical activities in the brain, and with brain-computer interfaces, you can control a computer by thinking. Bram wanted to put this knowledge into practice.

Tech Company Orikami 

He firmly believes in the idea that medical and other data can be better utilised. 'The ultimate way to prove that is to become an entrepreneur.' Bram founded tech company Orikami in 2011, focusing on data analysis in a broad sense. 'That was before the big data and AI hype that exists now. The steps taken with AI in recent years are gigantic.' Digital devices provide lots of data containing patterns that can be analysed with AI. In its early years, Orikami did this for various parties, from the Ministry of Education to ship engine builders.

Applications in Healthcare

The company also works for healthcare institutions, where Bram sees the great value of applying AI technology. 'It's a difficult market, but about nine years ago, we made the decision: we focused entirely on healthcare and managed to get our first own product to market.'

Personal Control with MS

As a medtech company, Orikami initially focused on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This is a chronic condition in the brain and spinal cord, where inflammation occurs in various places. Patients have very diverse symptoms but are almost all very fatigued.

'With MS, you're dealing with a data problem. Patients have ups and downs and only see their neurologist a few times a year, creating a discrepancy between what the patient experiences and what the neurologist sees and knows,' explains Bram. 'By letting patients collect their own data, the neurologist gains more insight into how the patient is doing and the course of disease treatment. The neurologist can, for example, switch medication earlier. By letting patients collect their own data, they also gain much more control over their illness and their life.'

Further Developing Digital Biomarkers

The app, which allows MS patients to monitor their health via smartphone, has now been certified based on medical studies and established in the independent company Sherpa. The lessons learned from developing and launching such a 'digital biomarker' are now offered by Orikami as a service to other parties, such as MedTech companies, Academic hospitals, or Pharma.

Making Better Decisions

These digital biomarkers are often algorithms for Orikami that extract information from data and may be used in clinical decisions. This allows healthcare providers to make better decisions. 'Our biomarkers help in diagnosing and monitoring patients,' explains Bram. The complexity of 'digital biomarker' products lies in both technical innovation and certainly in the regulations that must be met to use the product in practice.

Clinical Applications

Orikami helps various organisations to personalise treatments. Besides MS, the company is very active in developing a product for cancer treatment in the elderly, but also for mental healthcare. Bram: 'EEGs register brain signals. Based on that data, our client has developed algorithms that provide advice on medications for depression and ADHD.'

Goal on the Horizon

Being able to connect the technological knowledge gained during his studies with medical practice gives the Nijmegen entrepreneur satisfaction. However, he derives the most satisfaction from knowing that his company's products have a positive impact on people's lives.

Bram works hard to develop his ideas together with academic medical centres so innovations can be implemented more quickly. His goal on the horizon: 'That every patient is treated based on their own data instead of according to protocols.'

 

This article was previously published by platform TechGelderland.