University of Groningen and UMCG appoint Anne Been to explore creation of joint valorization organization to strengthen research-driven innovation

University of Groningen and UMCG appoint Anne Been to explore creation of joint valorization organization to strengthen research-driven innovation

(IN BRIEF) The University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen have appointed Anne Been as quartermaster to explore the establishment of a joint valorization organization designed to strengthen the translation of academic research into societal and economic impact. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration between universities, regional partners, and industry in order to accelerate innovation in areas such as healthcare, energy, circular economy, and digital technologies. The Groningen region has already produced promising academic start-ups including IMChip, MimeCure, and QT Sense, demonstrating the growing potential of research-based entrepreneurship. Been will evaluate how existing expertise, networks, and support systems can be combined into a more effective structure that better assists researchers and entrepreneurs while fostering stronger cooperation with public and private stakeholders. The exploratory phase will run until mid-2026, after which a proposal for the structure and operation of the joint valorization organization will be presented.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRONINGEN, 9-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Groningen (UG) and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) have appointed Anne Been as quartermaster to investigate the creation of a joint valorization organization aimed at strengthening the translation of academic research into societal and economic impact.

Through this initiative, the two institutions intend to explore how research-based innovation can be further accelerated in collaboration with regional partners and stakeholders. By establishing a shared organization focused on valorization, the UG and UMCG seek to enhance the process of transforming scientific discoveries into practical applications that address major societal challenges.

Valorization plays a key role in areas such as healthcare, energy transition, circular economy initiatives, and digital innovation. It also contributes to regional economic development by enabling research outcomes to generate new technologies, companies, and services.

The Groningen region has already seen increasing success in turning academic research into commercial and societal innovations. Recent examples include IMChip, MimeCure, and QT Sense, which were ranked among the top ten most promising academic start-ups in the Netherlands in the Academic Startup Competition last year.

As quartermaster, Anne Been will examine how a joint valorization organization could be structured and positioned to effectively support innovation. The role involves assessing how existing expertise, networks, and resources across the university, medical center, and regional ecosystem can be combined to strengthen support for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry collaboration.

A key objective of the exploration is to improve coordination between stakeholders involved in knowledge transfer and innovation. This includes strengthening collaboration between public institutions, private sector partners, and research organizations active in the regional innovation landscape.

Anne Been brings extensive experience in innovation management, valorization, and organizational development within knowledge-intensive environments. In consultation with the leadership of the UG, UMCG, and regional partners, he will provide recommendations on how the proposed organization should operate, including its structure, strategic positioning, and methods of supporting research-driven innovation.

Wiro Niessen, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences and member of the Executive Board of UMCG, emphasized the importance of cross-organizational collaboration in strengthening innovation capacity in the Northern Netherlands. He noted that appointing Anne Been as quartermaster marks an important step toward building a stronger framework for knowledge utilization.

Hans Biemans, Vice President of the Board of the University of Groningen, highlighted the significant innovation potential emerging from research at both institutions. According to Biemans, academic discoveries from the UG and UMCG can contribute to addressing societal challenges while also creating opportunities for new start-ups and economic growth within the region.

The exploratory phase led by Been will continue until mid-2026. Based on the findings from this process, a proposal outlining the structure and operational model of the joint valorization organization will be presented.

Media Contact:

Email: communicatie@rug.nl

SOURCE: University of Groningen