Undergraduate education as catalyst for public–private partnership in biotechnology

This Career Feature presents an innovative, challenge-based educational model that uses undergraduate biomedical education as a catalyst to strengthen public–private partnerships (PPPs) in biotechnology. By embedding student-led, industry-driven research projects into a full-time laboratory course, the program fosters collaboration between academia and industry while training students in key translational medicine skills—critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. This model enhances human capital development and promotes sustainable translational outcomes benefiting patients and society.

Toine ten Broeke, Thijs Koorman, Sandra Crnko, Erik Voets, Pauline de Goeje, Michael Y. Schakelaar, Heggert G. Rebel, Emma W. Pijnappel, Jorine G. F. Sanders, Jan Meeldijk,

Rian Terveer-Couperus, Esther L. Geven, Gönül Dilaver, Erik van Tilborg, Lucas M. P. Beekman, Lars Guelen & Niels Bovenschen