Strategy

Our strategic plan for 2024-2028

The groundbreaking scientific discoveries of the Hubrecht Institute stem from a fundamental curiosity about how cells and tissues function. For over a century, these discoveries have served as the foundation for significant insights in medical science and innovations, such as cancer treatments. With our long-term strategy, we ensure that we remain a global leader in molecular and developmental biology in the years to come.

What processes determine how an embryo develops? What factors determine that an organism stays healthy or becomes ill? How do our body’s cells ensure that our organs function? These are the questions that researchers at the Hubrecht Institute grapple with every day. For over a century, the Hubrecht Institute has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the human body’s functioning at the smallest levels. Discoveries that have led to significant medical insights and treatments for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes worldwide.

Our research into the fundamental processes of molecules, cells, and tissues is driven by pure curiosity. Our researchers have an unstoppable urge to understand how things work, down to the smallest molecular details. That curiosity, that sense of wonder, is embedded in our DNA. As an institute, we see it as our mission to provide the most fertile ground for that curiosity and to play a connecting role between various scientific disciplines and between science and society.

To shape this mission in the coming years, we have developed a strategy with four key pillars:

1. Fundamental and interdisciplinary research

Our core mission remains: making discoveries that redefine our understanding of cells, tissues and organisms. To achieve this, we will continue to invest in world-class research teams, cutting-edge technologies, and an interdisciplinary network.

2. Collaboration

We play a connecting role nationally and internationally, both within the scientific community and beyond. Through our research, we continue to drive innovations, even across the boundaries of (medical) science.

3. Societal impact

As a world-leading institute in molecular and developmental biology, we are aware of the societal impact of our research. In the coming years, we aim to strengthen our leadership in areas such as talent development, societal collaborations, and fostering innovations in medical science. Additionally, we strive to share our sense of wonder about our discoveries with the public in an accessible way.

4. Responsible and open

We are transparent and open about our working methods, share our results, and invest in a social, inclusive, and respectful work environment. We minimize our ecological footprint and adhere to international standards for responsible science and animal welfare.

With an open outlook, pushing boundaries, connecting, and always seeking collaboration, the Hubrecht Institute embarks on a fascinating journey of discovery, striving for scientific breakthroughs that contribute to a better world.