Celebrating the first year of the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center at Erasmus MC
On Friday, 6 March, we celebrated the first anniversary of the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center at Erasmus MC.
A special milestone marking one year of progress in advancing women’s health research and innovation. The event was inspiring, reflective, and energizing, bringing together researchers, innovators, patients, and industry partners committed to improving women’s health outcomes.
The program was opened by Hanneke Takkenberg and Jeanine Roeters van Lennep, followed by keynote presentations from Sophie van Dijk (FemTechNL) and Annemarie Haverhals (Borski Fund) on the rapid rise of FemTech as an important field of innovation in women’s health. Inspiring contributions also came from researchers and clinicians, including Dr. Jasper Been, Dr. Astrid Kamperman, Dr. Langeza Saleh, and Dr. Koen Verdonk.
Rector Magnificus Prof. Dr. Jantine Schuit (Erasmus University Rotterdam) congratulated the center on its achievements and encouraged further collaboration with the university. The afternoon concluded with the presentation of the Jacqueline van Berkum Awards.
The afternoon highlighted how biological, social, and environmental factors influence women’s health across their lives. The speakers underlined the importance of working across disciplines and connecting expertise to drive meaningful progress in this field.
At Rotterdam Square, we are proud to contribute to the growing women’s health innovations. We had the pleasure of organizing the networking drinks and company fair and want to thank the companies who joined us: BreasTel, decipHER women, House of Noia, Memidis Pharma, Shakti Nutrition, Sibyl, CERTAIN B.V., 3mbrace Health | Formerly Mamamoon Health, VivArt-X, Flouria Health, LiGalli, Her Health Agents, Peony | flushable pads, Twente Medical Optics, and Smart Health.
Your presence once again highlighted the importance of collaboration among research, innovation, and industry in bringing new solutions to market.
Congratulations to the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center on this wonderful milestone. We look forward to seeing the center’s continued impact in advancing women’s health, strengthening healthcare innovation, and helping bridge the gender health gap in Rotterdam and beyond!
Date: March 7, 2026
