New medicines emerge when expertise from different fields comes together. Fundamental research can uncover new targets and mechanisms, but developing a successful therapy requires much more: technology development, preclinical and clinical studies, manufacturing, regulation, behavioural science, ethics, patient involvement, and use in healthcare all play key roles.

Our research focuses on the full drug discovery and development process. We study the mechanisms underlying disease, identify potential treatment targets and develop new molecules, biologics and advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapies. We also investigate how to develop and evaluate these interventions to ensure they are safe, effective and of consistent quality.

This involves looking beyond the drug itself. How do we design research that generates relevant and reliable answers? How do we take account of differences between patients? What are the requirements for quality, safety and efficacy? And how do we ensure that new treatments can be implemented safely and responsibly for patients? By combining these perspectives, we help turn discoveries into practical applications.

Leiden University offers an excellent ecosystem for this multidisciplinary approach. We bring together expertise in medicine and the natural, life, and social and behavioural sciences. Across the university, the LUMC and the Leiden Bio Science Park, researchers work with healthcare professionals, industry, public organisations, policymakers and civil society partners. This environment enables us to explore therapeutic innovation from multiple perspectives.

Our teaching also reflects the full drug development process. Students, PhD candidates, postdocs and professionals learn not only about individual academic disciplines but also about the links among discovery, development, clinical application and societal impact. We bring together existing programmes and training, and encourage teaching that helps students and researchers collaborate across disciplinary boundaries.

Through our research, we contribute to the development of new therapies. Through our teaching, we prepare the next generation of researchers and professionals to develop and bring new medicines to patients responsibly, across disciplines and with patients’ needs at the centre.