When Lifelines starts the third phase of their research programme in October, the intergenerational research project will be collaborating with Certe, a medical diagnostics company in the Northern Netherlands, on data collection.
The Northern Netherlands is a recognized leader in Europe in the field of healthier ageing. Lifelines and Certe also share the ambition to contribute to a healthier society. In addition to this shared vision, there are practical reasons to further shape the collaboration. Because of pre-existing plans to close a number of Lifelines locations at the end of 2017, the research project began searching for a professional in the Northern Netherlands that offered the needed service level and quality: Certe.
Smarter together
Innovation and efficiency are central to shaping the third round of Lifelines’ research. Similar to the first two phases, the new phase will also last about five years. Lifelines collects data and biological samples on a large scale, creating a unique biobank and databank. More than 100,000 people across the north have been involved with the project since it began in 2006.
An important advantage of the collaboration with Certe is that the company already has a number of locations that are suitable for Lifelines research. Certe meets the quality standards set within the framework of the ISO certification and the employees are experienced and knowledgeable. The regional facilities may expand in the future if necessary.
What does this mean for participants?
The new collaboration will not mean much change for participants: individuals will remain a part of the unique Lifelines project, and Lifelines will continue to be their point of contact. The only thing noticeable change will be that, starting in October 2019, participants will be visiting Certe locations (for measurements and the collection of bodily materials) instead.
