ProbenMaterialCenterBW brings clinics and industry together: Successful project conclusion with a look into practice
The ProbenMaterialCenterBW project focused on improving access to clinical sample material and explanted implants, which are a key component for research and development of new diagnostics and medical technology products in Baden-Württemberg. The aim of the innovation project was to build a sustainable bridge between clinical care and industrial innovation.
Diverse program with exciting insights
The expert forum was opened by Dr. Hanna Hartmann from the NMI, who provided scientific support for the project together with consortium leader Dr. Xin Xiong and Dr. Dagmar Martin. The consortium was complemented by the health network BioLAGO e.V., which as a partner particularly covered the interface to the healthcare industry and actively contributed the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises to the project.
Key project results were presented in the first program session. These included the specific needs of companies in the diagnostics and medical technology sector, the challenges of in-vitro simulation and the causes of implant failure in the area of conflict between material properties and hygiene standards. The guidelines developed in the project for structured cooperation between hospitals and industry were also presented.
Another focus was on the cooperation with BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbH, which was successfully promoted within the funding project. As part of the project, the Clinical Studies Pilot BW was jointly expanded so that clinics can be specifically networked with industry partners in the future and the visibility of clinical research in the region can be further improved.
Voices from the field as a special highlight
A highlight of the event was the second session with contributions directly from industry and clinical practice. Rosemarie Preyer, Managing Director of AID Autoimmun Diagnostika GmbH, gave an impressive account of the hurdles that manufacturers face in gaining access to clinical sample material. On the other hand, Heidi Zimmermann, the study coordinator responsible for the study center at the Hegau-Bodensee-Klinikum, offered an authentic insight into the views and challenges of the clinics. These two perspectives complemented each other and provided a multifaceted picture of the real framework conditions - with all their opportunities and limitations.
In the concluding session, key findings and successes of the project were summarized and discussed together. The progress made in the funding project was highlighted - including the establishment of the competence network with targeted mediation between clinics and industry. But also the development of new analysis methods and infrastructures.
At the same time, it became clear that structural and regulatory barriers continue to pose challenges. In order to develop sustainable solutions, the participants intensively discussed how cooperation between hospitals and industry can be made even more effective in the future.
The project sets standards for the future
The event, which met with great interest from healthcare companies and hospital representatives, made it clear that coordinated collaboration between industry and hospitals is possible if clear processes, legal certainty and mutual understanding are in place. The ProbenMaterialCenterBW has laid a forward-looking foundation for this, which will continue to have an impact beyond the duration of the project.
Source: Press release by BioLAGO e.V. - das Gesundheitsnetzwerk, June 3 2025
