Essential Techniques
The QPharmNL training program is modular in design and can be followed on-demand online, as well as on-site depending on the module. This enables participants to tailor their learning trajectory to their prior knowledge and specific learning objectives. “Some participants will already have extensive experience, while others need to start from a foundational level. By working modularly, everyone can chart their own learning path,” says Van Hasselt.
“Companies developing medicines, from startups to mid-sized biotech firms, often do not have the full range of computational pharmacology expertise in-house,” Van Hasselt adds. “By training employees in a targeted way, crucial analyses can be performed internally, allowing further development of new medicines to take place within the Netherlands.”
Approach and Collaboration
The program is being developed by an experienced team of computational pharmacologists and educational developers, in close collaboration with end users from the pharmaceutical industry. “Our industry partners ensure the training remains practically relevant,” Van Hasselt explains. “We draw case studies directly from real-world practice to provide participants with examples they can immediately apply in their work.”
For the didactic and technical development, QPharmNL will collaborate with a specialized organization in professional medical education. In addition, various partners representing different roles within the drug development process are involved, including the College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen (CBG), the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC, clinical practice), and the company Occams.
Six Learning Tracks: From Theory to Practice
The curriculum consists of six learning tracks covering the full trajectory of drug development, from drug discovery to the analysis of clinical trial data. Each track includes three modules: a conceptual module, a skills training module, and a project module in which theory and practice converge. Conceptual modules are offered online, while project modules are delivered on-site to stimulate interaction and discussion.
“Within each module, we also train participants in statistical techniques, AI and machine learning, and communication skills,” Van Hasselt notes. “It is crucial that participants can effectively communicate their analyses to physicians or other stakeholders without a technical background.”
The program is flexible and modular, allowing individual learning paths tailored to participants’ prior education, ranging from higher professional education (HBO+) to academic level. “Some participants already have substantial experience; others start from a more basic level. The modular structure allows everyone to design their own trajectory,” says Van Hasselt. On average, a conceptual module requires four half-day sessions including self-study, while project modules are more intensive and require active interaction.
Ambition
When does Van Hasselt consider the project a success? “Our ambition is to offer the courses annually and to train a relatively steady stream of new participants, primarily in the Netherlands but also internationally.” To organize this in a sustainable and flexible way, a foundation will be established. “With that model, once the PharmaNL grant ends, we will be able to involve new partners and hire external trainers when needed,” Van Hasselt explains.
With QPharmNL, Van Hasselt and his partners aim to lay a sustainable foundation for innovative drug development in the Netherlands. He concludes: “The goal is to make knowledge and skills in quantitative pharmacology widely accessible, enabling companies and researchers to work more efficiently and effectively. In doing so, we create a solid foundation for future innovation.”
Text: PharmaNL (author Marlies Schipperheijn)
Picture: Part of team QPharmNL, Coen van Hasselt bottom right.
News March 23, 2026 