We are excited to share that we have been awarded the Impact Award from the Amsterdam University Fund (AUF) for our upcoming project, “Engaging Society through Human Developmental Research.” This initiative invites dozens of citizens and students to contribute directly to cutting-edge scientific research by helping build detailed 3D models of anatomy and embryology.

Using micro-CT imaging data from the Dutch Fetal Biobank, participants will assist in a process called segmentation—a task similar to digital coloring—that helps reconstruct anatomical structures in 3D. These reconstructions will form the foundation of valuable ground truth datasets needed to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. These AI tools will accelerate our research in prenatal development and support global projects like the Human Organ Atlas Hub, which uses synchrotron-based imaging to map human anatomy in unprecedented detail.

All participants will work under close supervision from trained embryologists and anatomists, ensuring scientific accuracy and offering hands-on learning experiences. This collaborative process not only advances research, but also builds a supportive community for people distanced from the labor market.

Thanks to Puck Mulder, Sophie Visser, Daniël Docter, Marcella Zijta, Yousif Dawood and all other dedicated team members for their enthusiasm, expertise, and effort in shaping this project.

The first sessions will begin Summer 2025. Please get in touch if you want to get involved (p.p.mulder@amsterdamumc.nl).