Lifelines, a biobank and ageing research project focused on the northern provinces, has secured enough financing to continue operating for at least the next five years.
Translation by Traci White
RTV Drenthe reports that the UMCG spent months lobbying for the funding. Lifelines began in 2006 with the goal of tracking the health of 165,000 subjects from Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland for 30 years. Test subjects are screened every five years to see how ageing is impacting their health.
The future of the massive research project was uncertain for years. After two rounds of screenings and a number of investors backed out, it became apparent in 2017 that there would not be enough money to carry out the third round in 2019.
Half of the 40 million euros will be provided by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. UMCG and the University of Groningen will cover 15 million euros and the three northern provinces combined will give 5 million euros to the project.
The money will be enough to keep the project running for the next five years. In 2024, the hospital will need to secure another round of funding.