Radboud university medical center celebrates 40 Years of Biomedical Sciences Four decades of innovation and impact on health and healthcare

15 April 2025

The Biomedical Sciences program at Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The program began in 1984 under the name General Medicine and was renamed Biomedical Sciences (BMS) in 2001. Since its inception, students have been trained to contribute to improving health and healthcare. Against the backdrop of increasing pressure on the healthcare system, the program is more socially relevant than ever. BMS educates curious and driven professionals who develop innovative solutions — from molecule to human to society.

Social relevance

The challenges in healthcare are immense. Healthcare costs have now exceeded 100 billion euros annually. Aging will continue significantly for at least the next 15 years, with far-reaching consequences for care, housing, and well-being. While there are currently two working people for every retiree, by 2040, this will drop to a one-to-one ratio. Meanwhile, staff shortages in healthcare continue to grow, as do the costs. This demands a new perspective on these challenges. What’s needed are innovators — people who can connect science, policy, and clinical practice.

A program for bridge builders

Biomedical Sciences trains exactly these kinds of professionals. The program offers students a broad view of health: from molecule to human to society. In doing so, it plays a unique role in educating professionals who can bridge the gap between research, policy, and clinical practice. Around 3,000 students have graduated from this program over the years.

Alumni making an impact

The alumni stories featured on the anniversary website speak volumes. From policymakers at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to internationally operating researchers and entrepreneurs in healthcare innovation — the success of these alumni highlights the social value of the program. A clear common thread runs through their stories: the broad scope of the program empowered them to think beyond boundaries and to connect disciplines.

A special milestone

A notable moment in this anniversary year: for the first time, a program alumnus has been appointed as program director — Esther Tanck. A wonderful illustration of how the program produces its own innovators. Tanck also received an innovation grant from Radboud University for the project Biomedical Sciences Education in Motion. Through this initiative, she aims to introduce more physical activity and dynamism into education, as an alternative to the prolonged sitting during lectures and meetings. Think of walking coaching sessions, standing workgroups, or short activities during lectures. According to Tanck, this can contribute to well-being, concentration, motivation, and learning outcomes.

Esther Tanck

Looking ahead to the next 40 years

The anniversary will be celebrated on April 16 with festive and substantive activities for alumni, students, and staff. But it is above all a moment to look forward. The need for smart, innovative thinkers in healthcare is only growing. Biomedical Sciences continues to evolve. New focus areas such as entrepreneurship and therapy development, alongside sustainability and generative AI, are being integrated into the curriculum. The program thus remains a breeding ground for talent and innovation — ready for the next 40 years.

About Radboudumc

Radboudumc is an academic medical center where care, research, and education come together with one goal: to improve people's health. The Biomedical Sciences program plays a crucial role in this as a source of knowledge and social impact.

Want to know more?

Check out alumni stories and the full anniversary program at: 40 Years of Biomedical Sciences

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