Research and development at Sanquin

Within all divisions of Sanquin, research relating to blood transfusion medicine and immunology in the broadest sense is performed by a dedicated research staff. This staff consists of about 120 researchers (including seven scientists holding professorships, and around 60 PhD students), and over 80 technicians. Every year over 150 papers are published, mainly in peer reviewed journals and about 12-15 PhD theses are defended.

A major part of the research takes place in different departments of Sanquin Research, located on the premises in Amsterdam, Leiden, Nijmegen and Groningen. Also, research is performed in close collaboration with Sanquin Diagnostic Services.

Sanquin has 7 products and services departments performing research, including the division of Plasma Products, Sanquin Reagents, and Sanquin Blood Bank. Each has their own departments of product- and process development. For more information about these departments visit their page.

Focus and collaboration

Much of the research in the fields of immunology, immunohematology, and blood-borne diseases is being performed within the setting of the collaborative Landsteiner Laboratory. The Landsteiner Laboratory houses the joint research program of the Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam and Sanquin. Research focuses on experimental and clinical immunology. The Laboratory is named after Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood-grouping system.

Research on transfusion medicine is performed within the setting of the joint Sanquin - Leiden University Medical Centre Jon J van Rood Centre for Clinical Transfusion Research. This long standing collaboration focuses on scientific research and education in the field of blood transfusion medicine. The centre is involved in training for medical specialists on blood transfusion medicine. Within the Jon J van Rood Centre, the Sanquin research department of Transfusion Medicine collaborates closely with the departments of Clinical Epidemiology & Immunohaematology and the Blood Bank of Leiden University Medical Centre. Furthermore, various clinical departments of this university hospital are involved in a number of clinically relevant studies and clinical trials in the field of blood transfusion medicine. The Cord Blood Bank is also part of the centre. The center is named after professor Jon van Rood, who is a pioneer in the field of transplantation and blood transfusion research, and still very active as a scientist. 

Research portfolio

Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product- and process development.

Co-development and business activities

Sanquin also performs research for third parties and is involved in co-development with other organizations. For more information on business activities, please visit the Products & Services page. 

Training

Sanquin offers a large number of opportunities for practical training for students from polytechnics and universities. Furthermore, Sanquin participates in undergraduate, graduate and post doctoral training programs in collaboration with several Dutch universities and other research institutes. Sanquin Research hosts national and international students, trainees, post docs and visiting scientists.

Funding

Besides research funded from within the Sanquin organization, Sanquin is also able to obtain funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the European Commission, and several charities. Moreover, Sanquin collaborates extensively with research groups within the Netherlands and abroad.

Research facilities

Library
Sanquin's research library offers services to research and medical staff and provides literature to third parties.

Equipment Core Facility
Sanquin has a large central facility with innovative and state-of-the-art equipment available to all divisions. In principle, other researchers are welcome to make use of these facilities. Contact the manager for more information.

Research code

Sanquin has drawn up a research code comparable to the research codes of most universities. For more information download the research code. Furthermore, Sanquin is affiliated to the National Organization for Scientific Integrity (LOWI).

Annual Report

Download the Scientific Report to read more information about the research performed at Sanquin in 2010.