Keynote talks | Programme | Technical Medical Centre

Keynote talks | From Campus to Career: Insights from UT Alumni in the Field

What happens after your PhD? Which choices and challenges shape the transition from academia to industry or policy? In these keynote talks, UT alumni share their journeys—from the decisions that influenced their careers to the insights that led them to where they are today. Whether it’s navigating a shift into science policy, key factors in career development, or valuable lessons learned along the way, expect inspiring stories and practical advice to help you shape your path.

Dr. Kicky van Leeuwen

Founder and managing partner - Romion Health | Health AI Register

How an entrepreneurial mind happened to become an entrepreneur

Biography
Kicky van Leeuwen is a market expert in artificial intelligence solutions for radiology and healthcare. During her PhD, she founded Health AI Register, a globally used platform offering insights into commercial AI software solutions. She co-leads Romion Health which supports the responsible adoption of AI, working on e.g. implementing AI in the Dutch breast cancer screening program and national deployment of AI in Norway.

Wouter Nijhof Phd MBA

Director Diagnostic Imaging - Siemens Healthineers

From Twente to MedTech: Bridging Medicine and Innovation

Biography
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a doctor like my granddad, inspired by his stories of making a difference. When medical school wasn’t an option, I pursued Technical Medicine at the University of Twente. During my PhD, I discovered my true impact: bridging the gap between medicine and technology. Now, by advancing imaging and treatment methods, I empower healthcare professionals with innovative solutions—continuing my granddad’s legacy in a new way.

Dr. Wieke Haakma

Program manager STZ - Samenwerkende Topklinische Ziekenhuizen (Collaborating Top Clinical Hospitals)

Career after my PhD: Choices, Opportunities, and Perspectives

Biography
Wieke Haakma is a program manager at the ‘Samenwerkende Topklinische Ziekenhuizen’ (STZ), where she is responsible for facilitating scientific research within Top Clinical Hospitals by strengthening collaborations and integrating scientific expertise. She also oversees the evaluation process for the recognition of 'Top Clinical Expertise Centers'. These centers provide highly specialized and complex patient care in specific diseases, diagnostics, or treatments.

Previously, Wieke worked as a program officer at the Dutch Research Council (NWO) in the MedTech & Health department. At NWO, she contributed to various valorization programs, including the Faculty of Impact and the Venture Challenge, which bridge entrepreneurship and science. She holds degrees in Technical Medicine and Health Sciences from the University of Twente and earned her PhD’s from Aarhus University (Forensic Medicine) and the University Medical Center Utrecht (Radiology). Passionate about driving scientific research and innovation in hospitals, Wieke is dedicated to fostering sustainable, high-quality hospital care.