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Prof. Amir A. Zadpoor holds dual roles as Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Professor at TU Delft (Department of Biomechanical Engineering) and Professor of Orthopedics at Leiden University Medical Center. He leads the Additive Manufacturing Lab and specializes in biomaterials, tissue biomechanics, and orthopedic implants. His research focuses on 3D/4D printing, meta-biomaterials, and biodegradable metals for clinical applications. Key research interests include: designing function-tailored implants, antimicrobial biofunctionalized materials, and mechanically adaptive meta-implants. He has pioneered projects like 'Metallic clay' and 'Mechanobiology in-silico,' with applications in orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Notable awards include ERC grants, Vidi/Veni awards, and the Jean Leray Award. His lab develops deployable implants, self-folding origami lattices, and smart meta-implants. Ancillary roles include editorial positions at Springer Nature and directorships at Sylvanity/Zagres. Teaching includes courses on biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and computational biomechanics. Research outputs span over 150 peer-reviewed articles. Current priorities include sustainable biomaterials, AI-driven design optimization, and translating additive manufacturing innovations into clinical practice.

• Biomaterials
• Tissue Biomechanics
• Additive Manufacturing
• +7 more

Marianna Tryfonidou is a Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, where she leads the Surgery of Companion Animals division and the Regenerative Orthopedics research group. She holds the position of EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and delivered her inaugural lecture on July 11, 2019. Professor Tryfonidou's research focuses on developing innovative treatments for osteoarthritis and back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration. Her work follows the One Health-One Medicine principle, aiming to create therapies that benefit both canine and human patients. She employs spontaneous diseased canine models as preclinical platforms for translation toward human applications, recognizing that dogs suffer from similar degenerative processes as humans. Her research has identified two primary treatment approaches: innovative drug delivery systems using biomaterials for pain relief in early-stage degeneration, and advanced stem cell therapies for advanced disc degeneration. Her iPSpine consortium received 15 million euros from the European Union to develop stem cell-based treatments that could rejuvenate worn intervertebral discs. Schimmel-Viruly Award (2008) NWO subsidy of €183,000 (2007) Tryfonidou has led multiple significant research projects including BioAID (biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc), William Hunter Revisited (cartilage repair), and ArIADNE (anti-inflammatory drug delivery systems). Her Regenerative Orthopedics group operates within the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU) at Utrecht Science Park and maintains a biobank containing mesenchymal stromal cells, joint cartilage, and disc tissue from both healthy and degenerated sources.

• Regenerative Orthopedics
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Biomaterials
• +4 more

Dr. Sohrab Khatab is a Researcher in the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Erasmus MC, a leading medical center affiliated with Erasmus University Rotterdam. His work focuses on innovative treatments for joint disorders, particularly using stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine approaches. Dr. Khatab's research spans multiple disciplines including orthopedics, veterinary science, and regenerative medicine. His primary interests include stem cell research, arthritis treatment, intra-articular therapies, and osteoarthritis management. His work utilizes various animal models including equine, murine, and in vitro systems to develop novel treatments for joint inflammation and cartilage damage. Analysis of Dr. Khatab's publications reveals a consistent focus on regenerative approaches for joint disorders. His research demonstrates expertise in stem cell secretome applications, platelet-rich plasma therapies, and biomaterial encapsulation techniques. The work shows progression from basic in vitro studies to more complex animal models, indicating translational research aimed at clinical applications in orthopedics and sports medicine. Dr. Khatab has collaborated extensively with researchers at Erasmus MC, particularly with G. van Osch, N. Kops, K. Bos, and J. Verhaar. His work has generated significant academic interest with multiple publications accumulating substantial citations in the field of orthopedic regenerative medicine. Dr. Khatab's research is conducted within the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine department at Erasmus MC, which appears to have strong capabilities in regenerative medicine, stem cell research, and translational orthopedics. His work with both equine and murine models suggests access to comprehensive laboratory facilities for preclinical testing of novel orthopedic treatments.

• Stem Cell Research
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• +5 more

Dr. Nikae te Moller is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University. Her research focuses on equine musculoskeletal health , combining gait analysis (kinematics/kinetics), osteoarthritis progression in equine joints, and longitudinal data analysis . She employs advanced techniques like facial electromyography (fEMG) and R programming for statistical analysis, with applications in science communication (e.g., public dance demonstrations of joint dynamics). Expertise in equine cartilage injury models (blunt vs. sharp lesions) Developed equine carpal groove model for osteoarthritis studies Innovator in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and near-infrared spectroscopy for cartilage assessment Recent publications (2024-2023) emphasize quantitative MRI , micro-CT , and infrared spectroscopy for early detection of cartilage defects. Her work bridges regenerative medicine and equine locomotion , with collaborations across biomedical engineering (e.g., 3D T1 relaxation time studies) and veterinary science. Awards include the Public Engagement Seed Fund . Current projects involve objective pain quantification and biomechanical response to treadmill exercise in horses.

• Gait analysis (kinematics and kinetics)
• Osteoarthritis
• Longitudinal Data Analysis
• +5 more

Dr. Guillaume (Guy) Cornelis Maria Grinwis is an Associate Professor in Veterinary Pathology at Utrecht University's Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He has been appointed at the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC) in Utrecht since 1990, where he plays a leading role in diagnostic services and post-graduate training. Dr. Grinwis specializes in veterinary pathology with particular expertise in histopathology, liver pathology, ocular pathology, veterinary pathology, and forensic animal pathology. His research interests focus on regenerative medicine and stem cell applications in liver disease, pathologies of the intervertebral disc, and tumors of endocrine organs. He has been involved in numerous research projects within the strategic theme of Life Sciences, particularly in Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells. His recent scholarly output demonstrates significant contributions across diverse areas of veterinary pathology, with emphasis on canine endocrine disorders, spinal pathologies, and innovative surgical techniques. Dr. Grinwis has published extensively in high-impact veterinary journals, with recent work spanning from 2023-2025 on topics including intervertebral disc degeneration, novel organoid models for adrenal disease, and breed-specific inflammatory myopathies. As an educator, Dr. Grinwis is deeply involved in teaching veterinary students and supervising post-graduate residents in veterinary pathology and clinical veterinary sciences including internal medicine, oncology, and ophthalmology. He also regularly performs forensic autopsies on various animal species as assigned by public prosecutors. His professional activities include serving as Supervisor of the Committee for the Registration of Laboratory Animals and Toxicological Pathologists (CRP/TP) and Secretary of the Dutch College of Veterinary Pathologists (NCVP), demonstrating his leadership within the veterinary pathology community.

• Histopathology
• Liver Pathology
• Ocular Pathology
• +4 more

Prof. Bjorn Meij is a Professor of Surgery of Companion Animals at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University. He specializes in small animal surgery, particularly in orthopedics, neurology, and intervertebral disc degeneration. His research focuses on surgical techniques, biomaterials for disc regeneration, and endocrine disorders like pituitary tumors. He is an EBVS European Specialist in Companion Animal Surgery, contributing to clinical advancements in canine and feline medicine. His work integrates experimental models (e.g., sheep, pigs) with translational research to improve surgical outcomes and pain management. Collaborations include studies on 3D-printed implants and biologic disc repair. Prof. Meij’s contributions span over 100 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing canine osteoarthritis, spinal surgery, and pituitary adenoma treatment. His academic roles include teaching companion animal surgery and leading research groups in regenerative therapies. Affiliations: Department of Clinical Sciences (Surgery of Companion Animals), Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Professional Credentials: EBVS European Board-certified Specialist in Companion Animal Surgery Research Interests: Prof. Meij’s work centers on surgical innovation for companion animals, including: Intervertebral disc degeneration mechanisms and regenerative therapies Optimizing surgical techniques for spinal and orthopedic conditions Endocrine disorders (e.g., pituitary tumors, Cushing’s disease) Development of biomaterials and 3D-printed implants His studies frequently involve collaborations with biomedical engineers and clinicians to bridge preclinical and clinical applications in veterinary medicine.

• Veterinary Medicine
• Companion Animal Surgery
• Orthopedics
• +6 more

Dr. Debby Gawlitta serves as an Associate Professor specializing in maxillofacial tissue regeneration with primary focus on bone regeneration within the Strategic Program of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells. She leads the Maxillofacial Bone Regeneration research group, dedicated to developing bio-inspired regenerative strategies that recapitulate natural bone development and healing processes through stem cells, biomaterials, and bioengineering technologies. Her research program centers on endochondral bone regeneration via cartilage intermediates, investigating allogeneic cell therapies for clinical translation. Key projects explore immune system interactions, devitalization effects, and vascularization strategies to create off-the-shelf bone regeneration solutions. This work bridges fundamental biological mechanisms with practical clinical applications to overcome limitations in current bone grafting procedures. Recent publications demonstrate multidisciplinary integration of tissue engineering, immunology, and biomaterials science, with emphasis on translational outcomes including bioceramic grafts, immune-modulated bone healing, and vascularized scaffold development validated in large animal models. Dr. Gawlitta has secured significant competitive research funding: TKI/HealthHolland grant 'Wishing Table' (2024, co-applicant, €800,000) ZonMW Open competition grant ‘NutriBone’ (2024, lead applicant, €790,000) RegMed XB/Strategic Vascular Alliance Valorisation Voucher (2023, €25,000) NWO-TTW Open Technology Program 'XLbone' (2022) As research group leader, she mentors students and collaborators in regenerative medicine while maintaining strong industry and clinical partnerships to accelerate therapeutic development. Her team operates advanced laboratories for biomaterials synthesis, cell culture, and preclinical testing with particular expertise in immune-compatible bone constructs and vascularized tissue engineering.

• Regenerative Medicine
• Bone Regeneration
• Tissue Engineering
• +4 more

Dr. Monize Caiado Decarli serves as Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences, leading the Bioprinting and Biofabrication Group within the Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology (BBT/UMCG). Her research bridges clinical applications at UMCG with cutting-edge tissue engineering through four integrated pillars: biomaterials development, anatomical design, advanced manufacturing, and biological response analysis. Her educational trajectory includes a 2021 PhD through a double-degree program between Maastricht University and the University of Campinas, followed by postdoctoral work at MERLN Institute and completion of the MIT Catalyst Program in 2024 for biomedical innovation leadership. Research interests span bioprinting , humanized hydrogels , and 3D disease modeling , with strong emphasis on clinical translation using blood-derived materials and extracellular vesicles. Recent publications demonstrate a cohesive focus on vascular and ligament regeneration using xanthan gum-iron systems, blood-based bioinks, and multimaterial bioprinting. Her work consistently addresses Mechanical reinforcement of hydrogels Embedded bioprinting techniques Clinically relevant tissue mimetics with applications in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal repair. Awarded the 2023 Best Oral Presentation Prize by the International Society for Regenerative Medicine, her scientific contributions are recognized through: 21 research outputs including patents and high-impact journal articles Active supervision of three PhD projects targeting osteochondral defects, cardiovascular engineering, and vascular grafts Leadership in the Netherlands Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Dr. Decarli directs bioprinting activities within UMCG's ML-II facility, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to encapsulate human cells and organoids. Her group collaborates internationally on projects advancing tissue regeneration, with strong alignment to UN Sustainable Development Goals through biomedical innovation.

• Bioprinting
• Tissue Engineering
• Hydrogel Development
• +5 more

Saskia Plomp is a Researcher and Teacher at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, specifically within the Department of Clinical Sciences, where she focuses on equine health care and research. Her work centers on equine joint biomechanics, cartilage pathology, and innovative treatment approaches for equine orthopedic conditions. Dr. Plomp's research primarily investigates equine articular cartilage properties, osteochondral defects, joint inflammation models, and intervertebral disc degeneration in horses. Her work spans from basic science examining the composition and biomechanical properties of equine tissues to translational research developing and testing novel therapeutic approaches. She has made significant contributions to understanding how different types of cartilage damage affect joint function over time, and her research often employs advanced imaging techniques like micro-CT to evaluate tissue conditions. Her collaborative work spans multiple institutions and involves interdisciplinary approaches combining veterinary medicine, biomaterials science, and regenerative medicine. Analysis of Dr. Plomp's extensive publication record reveals a strong focus on equine joint pathology and repair mechanisms. Her research demonstrates expertise in creating and evaluating equine disease models, particularly for studying cartilage damage, joint inflammation, and intervertebral disc degeneration. She has contributed significantly to understanding the structural, compositional, and functional changes that occur in equine joints following injury. Her more recent work shows increasing interest in regenerative approaches, including stem cell therapies and novel biomaterials for tissue repair. The collaborative nature of her research is evident through her extensive co-authorship with experts across various disciplines. While specific advising information isn't detailed in the available materials, Dr. Plomp's extensive publication record spanning over a decade suggests active mentorship of students and junior researchers in the field of equine veterinary medicine. Her work appears to be supported by research grants that enable the sophisticated experimental models and advanced imaging techniques described in her publications. Dr. Plomp's research appears to be conducted within specialized equine research facilities at Utrecht University that include capabilities for advanced imaging, biomechanical testing, and surgical interventions. Her collaborative network includes researchers working on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine approaches for equine conditions.

• Equine veterinary medicine
• Articular cartilage research
• Osteochondral defects
• +5 more

Frank Riemers is a Researcher at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences (Surgery of Companion Animals). He obtained a Bachelor of Life Sciences from Hogeschool Utrecht (1998) and a Master's in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology from UVA/VU Amsterdam (2019). His research integrates wet-lab and computational approaches, focusing on RNA/protein analysis and bioinformatics. Riemers investigates tissue repair mechanisms, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine, with emphasis on intervertebral disc regeneration, osteoarthritis, and replication stress in cancer. He collaborates on projects like the EU-funded iPSpine initiative and KWF cancer research, leveraging single-cell transcriptomics and molecular profiling. His publications (2017–2025) reveal interdisciplinary trends: 40% focus on regenerative medicine (disc/join regeneration), 30% on cancer mechanisms (replication stress, oncogenes), and 30% on immunology/cell biology. Key methodologies include single-cell analysis, iPSC models, and hydrogels for therapeutic delivery. Riemers contributes to teams at the Hubrecht Institute and orthopaedic research groups, advancing translational studies in veterinary and human medicine. Current projects explore notochordal cell therapies and FOXM1-mediated stress responses.

• Bioinformatics
• Transcriptomics
• Tissue Repair
• +3 more

Dr. Sarah van Rijn serves as an Associate Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences. She is the head of the Companion Animal Surgery Department at the University Veterinary Hospital in Utrecht, where she performs surgical procedures with a focus on orthopedics and neurosurgery. Dr. van Rijn is also deeply involved in veterinary education, contributing to the Master of Veterinary Medicine program and the development of new curriculum. Her research interests center on companion animal surgery, particularly orthopedic procedures and pituitary surgery in dogs. Dr. van Rijn specializes in treating dogs with osteoarthritis using the Kyon total hip replacement, allowing dogs to regain pain-free mobility. Her work bridges clinical practice with academic instruction, as she regularly sees patients for consultations, diagnostics, and post-operative care while simultaneously teaching veterinary students. Analysis of her publications reveals a strong focus on pituitary disorders in dogs, particularly corticotroph adenomas. Her research spans surgical techniques, prognostic factors, molecular markers, and post-operative monitoring. She has made significant contributions to understanding transsphenoidal hypophysectomy outcomes, electrolyte imbalances following surgery, and molecular markers for tumor recurrence. Her work also extends to orthopedic surgery, stem cell research in pituitary tissue, and comparative molecular biology across species. Dr. van Rijn has received professional recognition as an EBVS® European Specialist in Companion Animal Surgery (ECVS Diplomate) and is accredited to perform the Kyon total hip replacement procedure. Her work contributes to high-quality patient care through both clinical practice and academic research. In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. van Rijn serves on the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, a position she has held since September 2023. She is actively involved in teaching across multiple courses including Basic Internship Companion Animals, Companion Animal Surgery 1, Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, and Clinical Internships.

• Companion Animal Surgery
• Companion Animal Orthopedic Surgery
• Pituitary Surgery in Dogs
• +3 more

Dr. Ineke Smit is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , specializing in Equine Sciences . Her work focuses on integrating Human Movement Science with Veterinary Medicine to advance equine locomotion analysis. Key methodologies: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) , Kinematic/Kinetic Analysis , Data Science Applications Current projects: Improving Pain Monitoring in horses, Muscle Activation Mapping , Biomechanical Standardization Her 2024 thesis builds on developing comprehensive tools for equine movement assessment, bridging Applied Data Science and Life Sciences . Collaborations span veterinarians , machine learning experts , and rehabilitation specialists . Publication Trends show emphasis on: 2024 : Lameness adaptation strategies, computational locomotion models, facial expression quantification 2023 : Back movement mechanics, skin preparation protocols for EMG 2022 : Gait synchronization studies, electrode standardization

• Human Movement Science
• Surface electromyography (sEMG)
• Gait analysis (kinematics and kinetics)
• +5 more

Dr. Anna Tellegen is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , specializing in Regenerative Orthopedics within the Department of Clinical Sciences . Her work bridges Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine , focusing on intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis across species. Academic rank: Assistant Professor Key research areas: Biomaterials, Controlled drug release, Stem cell applications Her research develops injectable biomaterials for sustained delivery of anti-inflammatory agents to treat disc degeneration and osteoarthritis, avoiding invasive surgeries. She investigates cross-species regenerative mechanisms using canine models to inform human therapies. Current projects explore matrix-producing cell combinations and biodegradable implants , with emphasis on ethical implementation. Anna's scientific publications focus on drug delivery systems (e.g., polyesteramide microspheres), animal model validation , and biomaterial-tissue interactions . Her work often involves collaboration with the UMC Utrecht , DSM , and TNO . Notable projects: "Controlled Local Medication Release" (2014-2018), "Biomaterials for Disc Disease" (2009-2014) Funding sources: NWO TTW, AO Foundation, Dutch Arthritis Foundation She contributes to the Regenerative Orthopedics Research Group , led by Prof. Marianna Tryfonidou, within the Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center. Her work aligns with the One Health-One Medicine principle, aiming to improve treatments for both animals and humans.

• Regenerative Orthopedics
• Veterinary Medicine
• Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
• +4 more

Dr. Michelle Teunissen is an Assistant Professor in the Surgery of Companion Animals department within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. She is also affiliated with the Hubrecht Institute. Her research focuses on comparative orthopedics, particularly canine osteoarthritis and joint distraction therapy, bridging veterinary and human medicine through the "One Medicine" approach. Dr. Teunissen's research interests span veterinary surgery, osteoarthritis mechanisms, cartilage biology, and regenerative medicine. Her work demonstrates how canine models can provide valuable insights for human orthopedic conditions and vice versa. She has made significant contributions to understanding the biological processes behind knee joint distraction therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis, particularly the catabolic-to-anabolic shift in cartilage following treatment. Her research also extends to stem cell therapies, intervertebral disc degeneration, and comparative studies of growth plates across dog breeds. Analysis of Dr. Teunissen's publications reveals a strong focus on translational research connecting veterinary and human medicine. Her work consistently explores how canine models of osteoarthritis can inform human treatments while simultaneously improving veterinary care. Key themes include the biological mechanisms of joint distraction therapy, comparative cartilage biology, stem cell applications in orthopedics, and the biomechanics of spinal and joint disorders in companion animals. Scientific Awards: Bertus Kemp award (2022) K.F. Hein Fonds Grant (2019) MNvG Grant (2018) Dr. Teunissen has secured multiple competitive research grants supporting her work in comparative orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Her doctoral thesis, "A joint effort: How dogs contribute and benefit from the 'One medicine' approach to osteoarthritis," represents a significant contribution to the field, demonstrating the bidirectional benefits of comparative research between veterinary and human medicine. While specific advising information isn't detailed in the provided materials, her extensive publication record suggests active mentorship of graduate students and junior researchers. Her research appears to be conducted through collaborations with multiple institutions including Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Hubrecht Institute, suggesting participation in interdisciplinary research teams focused on regenerative medicine and comparative orthopedics.

• Veterinary Surgery
• Osteoarthritis Research
• Comparative Orthopedics
• +6 more

Dr. Femke Verseijden serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in Companion Animal Surgery. She is recognized as an EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, having completed the rigorous three-year postgraduate program and examination required for this certification. Her work is based at the Prof. Dr. H. Jakob Building on Yalelaan in Utrecht. Dr. Verseijden's research spans veterinary regenerative medicine with particular expertise in stem cell therapy and tissue engineering applications for companion animals. Her work focuses on adipose tissue-derived stem cells, their chondrogenic potential, and applications for treating canine orthopedic conditions, particularly hip dysplasia. She has pioneered research on 3D-printed titanium implants for acetabular rim extension procedures in dogs, with multiple recent publications documenting surgical techniques and clinical outcomes. Her research also extends to stem cell sheet applications for tissue healing and addressing surgical complications like colon anastomotic leakage. Analysis of her publication record from 2008-2025 reveals a clear research trajectory evolving from fundamental stem cell biology toward increasingly translational veterinary surgical applications. Early work focused on in vitro characterization of adipose-derived stromal cells and vascularization mechanisms, while her recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize clinical applications, surgical techniques, and outcome assessments for canine hip dysplasia treatments using advanced implant technologies. EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery Dr. Verseijden maintains active collaborations with veterinary surgical researchers including Meij, B.P., Tryfonidou, M.A., and Kirpensteijn, J., resulting in numerous high-impact publications in veterinary and tissue engineering journals. Her work bridges fundamental stem cell research with practical surgical applications, contributing significantly to advances in veterinary orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Her research program appears well-integrated within Utrecht University's veterinary surgical facilities, with particular emphasis on developing and refining surgical techniques for companion animal orthopedics, especially innovative implant solutions for hip dysplasia. Current work focuses on 3D-printed titanium acetabular rim extensions and their clinical outcomes in canine patients.

• Veterinary Surgery
• Companion Animal Surgery
• Stem Cell Therapy
• +5 more