Association of Health Funds (SGF)
More effective health research for humans that is less dependent on animal testing: that is the goal of the human measurement models research programme. The Association of Health Funds (SGF, Samenwerkende Gezondheidsfondsen) developed this programme together with Health~Holland and the funding bodies of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw).
Human measurement models programme
The programme focuses on research using human material or computer models based on human data. It is expected that such research will be able to approximate the situation in the human body better than models based on animal testing. The aim is that human diseases can thus be prevented and treated even better. Through this approach, science will also become less dependent on animal testing. This is in line with the TPI programme.
Each model within this programme must be applicable to multiple diseases and have an effect for multiple groups of patients. The programme is currently funding 13 projects. Some examples of these projects are:
- an eye-on-a-chip: to better understand eye diseases and test treatments;
- a computer model to map out brain diseases better;
- a measurement method to visualise communication between brains and organs better.
Read more about the human measurement models programme on the SGF website (in Dutch).
Preventing, curing and treating diseases
The SGF comprises 24 health foundations that work towards preventing, curing and treating diseases. Together, they focus on issues that affect the entire medical spectrum, such as:
- immunological research;
- animal-free innovations;
- patient participation in research.
With their mission for the entire Dutch population to live healthily for longer, the SGF contributes as an agenda-setter to a society in which people can live more healthily, receive the best treatment and participate optimally. Read more about the SGF’s mission on its website (in Dutch).