QPharmNL
The QPharmNL project (Quantitative Pharmacology Training for the Netherlands) offers Dutch pharmaceutical professionals a modular training program in computational pharmacology. By using models to describe drug dosing, exposure, effects, and side effects, QPharmNL helps translate laboratory data to human applications and enables more efficient design and analysis of clinical studies. Supported by the Human Capital Growth program of PharmaNL, the project develops future-proof education closely aligned with industry needs.
QPharmNL is led by Prof. Dr. Coen van Hasselt (Leiden University) and involves a team of computational pharmacologists, educational developers, and industry partners. The project begins in April 2026 and runs for four years. The curriculum covers six learning tracks spanning the entire drug development process, from drug discovery to clinical trial data analysis. Each track consists of three modules: a conceptual module (online), a skills training module, and a project module (onsite) where theory and practice come together.
“With the knowledge and skills gained in QPharmNL, we can better translate laboratory findings to humans. This is essential to develop new medicines faster and with optimal dosing,” says Van Hasselt.
The program is modular and flexible: participants can tailor their learning path to their prior knowledge and goals, from higher professional (HBO+) to academic levels. A conceptual module typically lasts four half-day sessions, including self-study, while project modules require more intensive interaction and hands-on experience. Each module also integrates statistical methods, AI and machine learning, and communication skills, ensuring participants can effectively convey analyses to physicians and other stakeholders without technical backgrounds.
The program is developed in close collaboration with industry partners, including the CBG, CHDR, LUMC, and the company Occams, using real-world case studies. For didactic and technical development, QPharmNL partners with an organization specialized in professional medical education.
After the pilot phase, the training program will be structurally embedded in a foundation, allowing courses to be offered annually and enabling the involvement of new partners and external trainers.
Objective
To develop and sustainably embed modular, flexible education in computational pharmacology, so Dutch pharmaceutical professionals can continuously update their knowledge and skills and apply them directly in practice.
Read more
- Project launch at PharmaNL