Maastricht University (UM) is a prestigious research university in Maastricht, Netherlands. It is known for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, where students actively participate in small groups to solve real-world problems. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines and has a strong international presence, attracting students from around the world. UM emphasizes research in fields like sustainability, health, and governance. With its vibrant campus and cultural setting, Maastricht University provides an innovative education and a global perspective.

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Imaging is increasingly and widely applied in biomedical studies and clinical practice. Imaging is the application of advanced visualisation tools to bridge the gap between the biomolecular pathways to human diseases. In this unique specialisation students are trained to apply advanced imaging techniques like Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Nanoscopy, Advanced Microscopy, PET and MRI in biomedical research. With imaging, we are able to understand biological processes, support diagnosis, accessing effectiveness of current treatments and help in the development of new treatments. We have the unique opportunity to study organ function, such as movement of the heart. And we are able to follow a disease process in time, also before clinical symptoms occur. As a biomedical scientist, specialised in imaging, you are a key person in solving physiological questions with novel imaging methods. You communicate with both clinicians and engineers and you apply state-of-the art imaging methods to clinical demands. You make sure that novel imaging methods can be directly applied in a (pre)clinical (research) environment. Show less

Programme
Course 1: Pre-clinical Imaging
This first course is focused on pre-clinical imaging, which ranges from ex vivo imaging of a single molecule to in vivo imaging of animal models. The course aims to give you insight into the basic principles as well as the biomedical applications of ex vivo and noninvasive in vivo imaging techniques. Imaging techniques that will be discussed are mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), electron and light microscopy (EM and LM), ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and nuclear imaging (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (PECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

You learn to prepare samples, acquire, transform, analyse and utilise various imaging modalities to visualise sub-cellular structures up to whole animal imaging. Combined, these preclinical research methods pave the way for new diagnostic approaches required for personalised and systems medicine.

Within this course you will design a project to learn how to solve a biomedical research question with advanced imaging. The distinctive (molecular) imaging infrastructure at the Maastricht UMC+ is available for students, who will have the opportunity to meet and interact with experts in the imaging field.

Course 2: Clinical Imaging
This second course in this specialisation focuses on the application of imaging to address physiological and pathological disease processes in man in a clinical (research) setting. Imaging technologies provide increasingly accurate detail on morphology, structure, function and dynamics of living systems. In life sciences and (translational) clinical research, the use of (diagnostic) imaging technologies has become increasingly widespread and has now also entered the area of prevention and therapy monitoring.

This course focuses on imaging in treatment decisions based on molecular clinical diagnostic information and patient images. Clinical imaging focuses on in vivo imaging, image-guided interventions/biopsies and molecular tissue pathology and morphology. This course addresses translational aspects from systems biology to in vivo imaging of the patient with MRI/MRS and other radiological methods.

You will be introduced to the concept of radiomics in which imaging features are extracted from medical images. Intraoperative diagnostics and image-guided surgery are studied as innovative approaches that put molecular analytical information in the hands of medical practitioners. This course teaches biomedical scientists to be the interface between imaging technology and the clinic. Moreover, this course provides a translational / clinical environment to teach students to work side-by-side with clinicians on innovations in systems medicine.

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Maastricht University (UM) is a renowned public research university located in the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Founded in 1976, it has established itself as a leading institution in Europe for its innovative approach to education, interdisciplinary research, and international outlook. One of the distinctive features of Maastricht University is its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system. Instead of traditional lectures, students engage in small tutorial groups, actively participating in discussions and solving real-life problems. This interactive learning method fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and independent learning skills among students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines, including arts and social sciences, law, economics and business, health, medicine, life sciences, and technology. It has several faculties, such as the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, among others. Maastricht University has a strong focus on internationalization and hosts a diverse community of students and staff from around the world. Many programs are taught in English, attracting a large number of international students. The university also has partnerships with numerous institutions globally, providing opportunities for student exchanges, joint research projects, and international collaboration. Research at Maastricht University is highly regarded and encompasses a wide range of fields, including sustainability, health, data science, and governance. The university's researchers are actively involved in addressing societal challenges and contributing to scientific advancements. With its vibrant campus located in the historic city of Maastricht, the university offers a stimulating academic environment and a rich cultural experience. Students have access to modern facilities, libraries, and a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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