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PARTREC: A legacy of innovation in particle therapy

 

Since its inception, the Particle Therapy Research Center (PARTREC) has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research in particle therapy and medical diagnostic equipment. As part of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), PARTREC embodies a rich history rooted in scientific excellence, with origins dating back to the 1950s.
 

A vision takes shape: the early years

In response to a government call for nuclear physics research across the Netherlands, the visionary Prof. Dr. Hendrik Brinkman laid the foundation for what would become one of the country's leading research institutions. From humble beginnings at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Brinkman spearheaded the ambitious construction of a Nuclear Physics Accelerator Institute in Groningen. By 1964, the first concrete steps—literally—were taken, as the foundations for a state-of-the-art particle accelerator were laid in Paddepoel, marking the dawn of a new era in scientific discovery.
 

From elementary physics to medical breakthroughs

The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the KVI (Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut) flourish, rapidly becoming an international hub of elementary physics research. By the 1980s, it wasn’t just physics leading the charge—KVI was home to the first PET scanner in the Netherlands, with isotopes produced by its own accelerator. As the institute grew, its focus expanded from elementary physics to applied physics, with a clear mission: to advance radiotherapy techniques and improve cancer treatments.
 

The birth of PARTREC

In the 1990s, as research in medical physics gained momentum, the seeds were sown for a new chapter in Groningen. The idea of a proton therapy center began to take shape, and in 2018, PARTREC was born from the reorganization of KVI. While the elementary physics research was integrated into the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, PARTREC became a specialized arm of UMCG, dedicated to particle therapy research.
 

Leading the way in particle therapy and collaboration

Today, PARTREC stands as a beacon of collaborative innovation. It works closely with the UMCG’s departments of Radiotherapy and Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, driving advancements in medical equipment and therapeutic techniques. With decades of research, experience, and dedication behind it, PARTREC continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of particle therapy, improving patient care and revolutionizing treatment options.