Back to news

Meet the Researcher: Davide Ribezzi UMCU

March 7 2023

Meet ENLIGHT Researcher Davide Ribezzi, UMCU, PhD student in Biofabrication and Regenerative Medicine!

Davide, what societal/medical issue does your research address?

Current in vitro models fail in modelling the 3D complexity of native organs, while animal models are poorly reproducible and often not representative of human physiology. Due to limitations in current testing, only 10% of drugs from preclinical research reaches the clinic, with estimated losses of 85% of research funds invested in drug discovery. Although variable, these rates are similar across most diseases, including pancreatic diseases like diabetes types I and II. Within my research project, we will develop a groundbreaking technological solution that combines 3D printing, photonics and synthetic biology, to build a bioprinted pancreas to test and develop new therapies against diabetes

What do you like most about your role?

Biofabrication and Regenerative Medicine are complex field were the interplay between different expertise and scientific fields is a crucial key to success. Therefore I’m collaborating with scientists with different scientific background, such as biologymaterials science, physics and more, and I’m expanding my knowledge way faster than I was expecting.