About Partrec
At PARTREC, we provide a broad range of high-quality particle beams tailored to the needs of companies and other clients performing radiation hardness testing of electronic components, complete systems, and other radiation-sensitive materials.
Our irradiation capabilities include a heavy-ion “cocktail” at 30 MeV per nucleon, comprising five different ion species ranging from oxygen to xenon.
In addition, we deliver high-energy proton beams with energies of up to 190 MeV.
PARTREC is embedded within the UMCG Departments of Radiation Oncology and Biomedical Sciences. The facility focuses on experimental research in radiation physics and biology, aiming to advance radiotherapy techniques and explore the use of proton and ion beams for cancer treatment. The cyclotron also plays a key role in nuclear physics and chemistry studies conducted by the University of Groningen and supports radiation hardness testing for industrial applications. A team of 25 FTE technical staff ensures expert support for designing, building, and operating experimental setups.
Whether for collaborative research or commercial projects, PARTREC connects you to cutting-edge technology and expertise, driving innovation in particle therapy and beyond.
Our journey
PARTREC has a rich history dating back to the 1960s. From its roots in nuclear physics research to its current focus on advancing medical treatments, discover how PARTREC has evolved into a leader in particle therapy and radiation hardness testing.
Our team
Leadership
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Hayo SchultinkLinkedIn profileHayo brings a broad background in chemical engineering, quality management, and business administration. His professional journey began with 14 years in the plastics industry, followed by 10 years in occupational health and safety services. He has been part of the UMCG since late 2010. In 2010, Hayo succeeded Henk Heidekamp at the Department of Genetics. From 2015 to 2022, he served as Director of Sector A (contemplative subjects), and in 2023, he became Manager of UMCG’s internal management consultancy.
Hayo is deeply aligned with the core values of the UMCG:
- We see people
- We take responsibility
- We move forward
- Together we are agileThese principles guide his leadership style, which is grounded in equality, open dialogue, collaboration, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
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Peter DendoovenLinkedIn profilePeter is associate professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology and team leader of the Particle Therapy Research Center (PARTREC) facility at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and visiting professor at the Helsinki Institute of Physics, University of Helsinki. Over the past 40 years, he has gained broad knowledge and experience in the production, detection and applications of radioactive isotopes, ionizing radiation and high-energy ion beams. This experience was gained in the fields of proton beam radiotherapy, molecular imaging, nuclear safety/security/safeguards, nuclear physics and inertial confinement fusion.
Peter Dendooven came to PARTREC (then called KVI) in 2001. His focus on instrumentation for experimental nuclear physics gradually changed towards medical physics, which has been his main research activity since 2012. He leads the research at PARTREC into new medical radioisotopes (presently focusing on several isotopes of the element terbium), small-animal positron emission tomography at the IMPACT infrastructure at PARTREC and positron emission imaging for in-vivo real time verification of proton therapy.
Peter Dendooven is PARTREC team leader since May 2026.
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