In 2024, employees of the 3RCU at Utrecht University Medical Center (UMC) discussed a research proposal dealing with the regaining of hearing function (deafness). Mouse experiments were proposed for this purpose, as there were – as yet – no in vitro models for “deafness.”

The staff at 3RCU, together with the applicant researchers, succeeded in analyzing the scientific questions and identifying the two most important processes that the researchers were interested in, namely the potential of stem cells to differentiate into functional hair cells and the recovery of neural connectivity in the inner ear. For these processes, NAMs were identified and contacts were established with scientists with practical experience. 

This has now led to a multicentric, highly collaborative project combining a mouse study with innovative stem cell-based models in parallel studies.

Source and further information:
https://www.uu.nl/en/news/suppo3rt-facilitates-the-integration-of-nams-in-basic-science-a-success-story