New CHDR Unit in the Eastern Netherlands to Expand Research Capacity

To support CHDR’s continued growth, the decision was made to build a new CRU approximately 200 km from the central facility in Leiden. This new location benefits from its proximity to the University of Twente, which offers a comprehensive life sciences and medicine programme, including technical medicine and biomedical engineering. In recent years, the University of Twente has already become an important collaboration partner for CHDR, especially in the field of technology and method development.

The new CRU, which will eventually accommodate up to 12 beds, will be located next to a major teaching hospital, Medisch Spectrum Twente in Enschede. CHDR has signed an agreement with the hospital to facilitate scientific collaboration and ensure medical support in case of emergencies.

The unit will operate independently with its own staff and research focus while relying on the Leiden facility for business development and operational support. No decisions have been made about the profile yet, but collaboration with local partners, especially the University of Twente, will be a guiding principle. Expanding to a new region also creates opportunities to recruit both trial participants and staff from a broader pool. The first commercial studies in the new CRU are expected to be performed in 2026.