Come and join the Closing event of the Impact Implants program on November 6th, 2026.
With the JTF-initiative reaching its final stage, we come together to highlight the shared achievements and partnerships driving the future of personalised implants and medical technologies.
Participation is free of charge; however, registration is not without obligation. Badges, lunch and drinks will be arranged. Additionally, spots are limited. Therefore, we count on you to inform us if you cannot attend.
9:30 Welcome and Registration
10:00 Day opening
♦ Welcome by Dr. Elena Merlo and Dr. Jan Willem Veldsink | UMCG Innovation Center
♦ Perspectives from the region
Speakers to be announced
Representatives from the clinic, the region and the industries will engage into a panel discussion about the roles of ecosystems in the future of medical devices and personalised solutions in MedTech.
10:45 Coffee and networking
11:00 Session 1: New Generation of (Jaw) Implants
♦ From Scan to Surgery: Optimizing the Workflow for the Next-Generation Patient-Specific Implants
Dr. Nick Assink | Technical Physician, UMCG 3D Lab
How can we make the journey from medical imaging to implantation faster, smarter, and more effective? Dr. Assink will share insights into optimizing the complete workflow for next-generation patient-specific implants, highlighting the power of collaboration between healthcare, research, and industry.
Project partners: UMCG 3D Lab, Maxillofacial Surgery, WITEC, and BAAT Medical.
♦ Smart Patient-Specific Implants that Prevent Bone Resorption
Assoc. Prof. Anastasiia Krushynska | Metamaterials, ENTEG, University of Groningen (RUG)
What if implants could actively support long-term bone health? Assoc. Prof. Krushynska will present innovative research on smart implant designs that help prevent bone resorption, opening new possibilities for durable and personalized treatments.
Project partners: RUG, WITEC, UMCG 3D Lab, Trauma Surgery, and Orthopedics.
12:00 Break Lunch, networking and showcase corner
13:00 Session 2: Complex reconstructions
♦ Customized implant for the treatment of complex fractures in severely injured trauma patients
Ms. Suzanne van Wees | UMCG, Trauma Surgery, IJpma’s Group
This project creates patient-specific implants for complex pelvic, wrist, and knee injuries. Through advanced design, rapid manufacturing, and rigorous testing, customized implants can be delivered within days, improving treatment outcomes and reinforcing the region’s leadership in personalized healthcare innovation.
♦ Personalized resection and reconstruction in bone tumor
Ms. Mirka Buist | UMCG, Orthopedics, Jutte’s Group
This project develops patient-specific implants to restore complex bone defects caused by tumors, trauma, or infection. Through customized design, production, and testing, the team aims to provide safe, effective solutions that can be integrated into clinical practice.
Project partners: RUG, WITEC, UMCG 3D Lab, Trauma Surgery, and Orthopedics.
13:45 Coffee and networking
14:15 Session 3: Materials and shapes
♦ Personalized triggered release of antimicrobials
Prof. Patrick van Rijn | UMCG, Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology
This project develops smart implant coatings that release antibiotics on demand through ultrasound activation, improving infection treatment in hard-to-reach areas while minimizing antibiotic exposure.
Project partners: Bether Encapsulates, Radiology UMCG(Martijn Verhagen)
♦ 3D design and production of personalized medical devices for patients with airway
Assoc. Prof. Gyuri Halmos | UMCG,Ear, Nose & Throat
The objective of the project is to realize innovative, individualized medical devices for patients with airway problems using 3D technology. In the various work packages, steps are being taken towards the design and production of trachea cannulas, laryngectomy tubes, vocal cord implants (and required customized surgical instruments) and facial masks for non-invasive ventilation based on 3D technology.
Project partners: 3D Lab UMCG, Department of Pulmonology
15:00 Coffee and networking
15:15 Closing presentation: look into the future
♦ Assoc. Prof. Joep Kraeima, UMCG 3D Lab & Maxillofacial Surgery
15:45 Closing remarks
16:00 Meet & connect, informal drinks
The definitive program will be released shortly. If you have any question, please feel free to reach out via implants@umcg.nl.
We hope to see you at the event on November 6th!
