Recap of the First Dutch Biomedical Optics Meeting
On 18 and 19 June 2026, the very first Dutch Biomedical Optics Meeting (DBOM) took place on the campus of the University of Twente, a historic moment for the Dutch biomedical optics community. What began as an idea from Nienke Bosschaart and Srirang Manohar (both of the University of Twente) grew into a two-day event that drew over 90 participants: researchers, clinicians, and industry representatives from biomedical engineering, technical medicine, applied physics, and the clinic.
A rich programme
The scientific programme offered a broad cross-section of the field, ranging from fundamental research to clinical application. Day 1 focused on advanced optical microscopy, laser speckle and optical coherence tomography, and photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging, with lively poster presentations and an engaging panel debate on the clinical translation of biomedical optics. Day 2 continued with sessions on fluorescence methods and spectroscopy, followed by an inspiring panel discussion on the future of Dutch biomedical optics as a national community.
Featured keynotes
A highlight of the meeting was the two keynote lectures. Prof. Ton van Leeuwen (Amsterdam UMC) reflected on the development of biomedical optics in the Netherlands, tracing its journey from the first research groups in the 1980s to current clinical applications in diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Prof. Richard Lopata (TU/e, PULS/e Lab) shared strategic insights from the already well-established Dutch ultrasound community (NVMU), offering guidance on how the biomedical optics community might further organise and strengthen itself.
More than a conference
Alongside the science, participants enjoyed a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at the TechMed Centre. In the evening, attendees walked together to the U Parkhotel for the social programme: a sumptuous welcome drinks reception, a lavish BBQ buffet, and many conversations that carried on well into the evening on the beautiful terrace.
What stayed with everyone was the atmosphere: open, generous, and warm. Not an ordinary conference, but rather a gathering with the energy of a genuine community rediscovering itself. Someone suggested that DBOM could also stand for "Da Bomb" — and looking back on the event, that felt like a fitting verdict.
To be continued
The message from those present was clear: this must not remain a one-off event. Conversations are already underway about organising the next edition and further developing the Dutch Biomedical Optics community. Many thanks to all participants from across the country who made their way to Twente, and to the organisers Nienke Bosschaart, Srirang Manohar, Sylvia Winters, and Joey Pals for turning this initiative into a reality.
Organisation
The Dutch Biomedical Optics Meeting is organised by the University of Twente, a leading research university with a strong international reputation in medical technology and engineering. The event is hosted within the TechMed Centre, the university’s interdisciplinary hub where researchers, clinicians, and industry partners collaborate on the development, evaluation, and implementation of innovative medical technologies. The scientific organisation of the meeting is led by research groups within TechMed Centre, including M3i (Multi-Modality Medical Imaging) and BMPI (Biomedical Photonic Imaging). These groups conduct research at the intersection of physics, engineering, and healthcare, with a focus on optical imaging, sensing technologies, data analysis, and clinical translation. Through their complementary expertise, the University of Twente, TechMed Centre, M3i and BMPI provide a strong academic foundation for the Dutch Biomedical Optics Meeting, ensuring a high-quality scientific programme and a stimulating environment for collaboration within the Biomedical Optics community.
