Education & Research / Luxembourg
The crossroads of medical research
While Germany and France have established definitive edges in biomedical research, Luxembourg is carving out its own niche in medical translational research, whereby the Grand Duchy would become a depository for general research used to improve the global healthcare system.
In particular, medical professionals believe that Luxembourg is excelling in its ability to use clinical observations to stimulate research, and then apply those laboratory results quickly to develop new patient treatments (a process known as bedside-to-bench-to-bedside integration) due to its compact size. “Bedside-to-bench-to-bedside integration is working better here than in other countries simply because distances are shorter, so everything is more integrated and vertical planning is more effective,” observes Ulf Nehrbass, the newly appointed CEO of the Luxembourg Institute of Health.
This tight integration of the medical industry would enable Luxembourg to become a “test-bed” for more personalized approach to healthcare. “Luxembourg is able to have a first mover advantage in providing highly personalized healthcare solutions,” says Nehrbass. “Because Luxembourg sits at the crossroads between Germany and France, we thus have the potential to translate basic research for patients, either here or via an e-health platform. That is where Luxembourg can create synergies,” he adds.
