The Netherlands has eight University Medical Centers, or UMCs as they are referred to in short.

Our country has a worldwide reputation when it comes to (bio)medical scientific research. For example, four of the eight UMCs are on the list of top 15 European knowledge institutions. Nationally, the UMCs put out about one-third of the total number of scientific publications. In comparison with other countries, they publish the highest number of publications per million euros of research budget.

Profits can be made if companies succeed in converting the knowledge amassed at the UMCs into new medicines or technologies. Because the life sciences sector enjoys a strong position in the Netherlands and has the potential for further growth, it has been designated as a top sector by the government. Top sectors are sectors in which the Netherlands is strong worldwide, that offer solutions for social issues and in which the government invests.

Read more about each UMC: