NAE fellow

Name: Gabriëlle Tuijthof
Specialism: Medical Technology
Organisation: Twente University 

"Coming up with something and then seeing it become reality, that is magical!"

Gabriëlle Tuijthof designs medical devices to help doctors assist their patients in the best possible way. To turn good ideas into actual products, she combines experimental research with managing diverse teams. She has designed more than 84 applications, holds multiple patents, and has contributed to the launch of new companies.
What amazes you about your field?
How difficult it is to bring a new idea for a medical device to market, one that is embraced by both medical professionals and patients. The playing field is incredibly complex. You have to deal with buyers and users who are not the same. Additionally, the new European law called the Medical Device Regulation is much stricter than before, requiring more documentation and clinical evidence. Lastly, after the initial phase of relatively small startup funding, it’s challenging to secure investments for real scaling and to make the medical device affordable. There are relatively few people who can do this.

What made you choose a technical education in your youth?

In high school, I was good at exact sciences, and they came to me quite easily. Initially, my father advised me to study mechanical engineering because he had seen through his work in the industry that it offered a lot of career flexibility. Later on, I became truly fascinated by the fact that you can conceive something completely new and then actually bring it to life. It’s really magical to see something that you imagined in your mind become a reality.

What do you admire in a leader and why?

Enthusiasm and the ability to inspire, because it makes your heart race and gives you the energy to commit to it. I find it important for a leader to stand for something, to be outspoken, especially if they can explain their position clearly.

 

What do you do in your free time?

Lots of walking with my dog Puck, doing DIY projects around the house, and going out to eat. I also do a lot of sports; in the past, I’ve done everything from hockey, rugby, cycling, and mountain biking to the Ironman triathlon in Maastricht. My endurance is quite good, so now I’m trying something different, namely boot camp, to build more strength in my arms. A recent highlight is my participation in Camp Ruygh, the smaller sister of Camp van Koningsbrugge.

 

If you could go on a trip, where would it be?

To the “middle of nowhere” to return to basics and realize where we come from. For example, the forests of Poland or Canada. Initially, with an experienced guide who knows the area, but I find being off-grid and going back to basics important and very exciting at the same time. It makes you humble and helps you appreciate how well we actually have it. But it also makes me sad when I see how we treat our nature.

 

What has been your most recent personal sustainable activity?

I have stopped drinking milk in my coffee, in addition to installing solar panels, separating waste, using compost in the garden, wearing extra sweaters instead of turning on the heating in winter, and traveling by public transport where possible. But I also realize that this is still far from enough.