There is great potential in developing new technology that can address health challenges—and DTU aims to be part of the solution.
Denmark has a position of strength in relation to high-tech solutions for the healthcare sector. But there is still great unrealized potential to be gained if we make targeted investments in the cross-field between health and technology. This is the clear message from industry and the health sector, which seek multidisciplinary cooperation.
As co-arranger of the recent ‘Sund Teknologi’ (Healthy Technology) conference, DTU has invited industry to contribute by finding solutions that do things smarter, more efficiently, and across sectors.
“The health sector uses some of the most advanced technology for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, particularly in connection with patient-specific healthcare. At the same time, the market for healthcare technology is globally expanding,” notes Rasmus Larsen, Provost and Executive Vice President, DTU.
“We must contribute to the dual goal of ensuring that the Danish population has access to the best and latest technology, and that Danish companies are able to develop and market competitive health technology products and services. We must achieve this through joint research and innovation initiatives between the health sciences, technical sciences, and companies,” says Rasmus Larsen.
Future healthcare sector needs new solutions
A specific example where DTU is actively involved in health can be found at DTU Nanotech, where Thomas L. Andresen is working on how biomaterials can help cure cancer.
“As we develop new treatment methods for cancer—which causes 8.2 million deaths around the world each year—we need to think innovatively and practically. This is something engineers are particularly good at. We must work more closely with doctors, who are experts in the medical field, and find completely new solutions,” says Professor Thomas L. Andresen.
Like Rasmus Larsen, Thomas L. Andresen sees great potential for future engineers.
“I believe we need to focus on Denmark as a global leader in the development of new health technologies, so we can face the future health sector challenges and make Denmark an exporter of new technologies, to the benefit of patients. Health technology research and development has made a transition in recent years from the traditional medical field, to involving engineering to a much greater extent. It therefore makes sense to ensure that engineering has an even stronger position,” says Thomas L. Andresen.
The conference was organized by the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI), DTU, and the University of Copenhagen, and hosted by the Danish Liberal Party (Venstre) at Christiansborg on 19 May.
Consultant doctors, professors, and companies presented specific examples of excellent partnerships between industry and the health sector at the event.
The conference drew together a broad range of relevant players to discuss how Denmark can promote the development of new health technology.