The new agreement reaffirms the ETRL’s central role within the European transplantation network. The laboratory is responsible for quality assurance of international HLA laboratories, the immunological classification of transplant patients, and the advancement of scientific innovation aimed at improving organ allocation.
The partnership between LUMC and Eurotransplant is of strategic importance because it combines Eurotransplant’s international organ allocation activities with LUMC’s independent immunological expertise. This unique combination ensures that Leiden maintains its key position in promoting safe, fair, and effective organ transplantation throughout Europe.
The agreement was signed in the presence of André Matera and Erwin de Buijzer, Directors of Eurotransplant; Gottfried Fischer, Head of the ETRL; Hermelijn Smits, Head of the Department of Immunology; and Erik Klok, representing the Board of Cluster 2 at LUMC.
Through this renewed collaboration, both organizations take an important step toward further optimizing transplantation care and scientific research, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes and opportunities for patients awaiting a donor organ.