Hildegard Regnerij

In 2025, Hildegard was awarded a scholarship from the KIVI Foundation Study and Travel Fund to contribute to her exchange to Tsinghua University in Beijing.

"It is very enriching that I can also be part of this, and it stimulates me in the next steps of my studies or work," she said. Several professors have indicated they would like to keep in touch in the future to exchange ideas together - this is a great compliment."

Tsinghua University is Asia's top university and is located in China's capital Beijing. More than 4,000 international students attend school here. It is a university that focuses on scientific research.

It is very fascinating how the university, professors and students encourage each other to do pioneering research in the field of science.

In the process, Tsinghua has weekly guest lectures by important professors and scientists. This creates a stronger interest in scientific research, provides networking opportunities, and creates space for innovation and development.

Subjects followed

I took a total of 7 courses this semester:

  • Basic principles and applications of 3D visualisation technology (PhD, 4 ECTS)
  • Management of technological innovation (BSc, 4 ECTS)
  • Strategic business management (BSc, 4 ECTS)
  • Biomedical materials (PhD, 4 ECTS)
  • 3D cryo-electron microscopy in structural biology (PhD, 4 ECTS)
  • Comparison of classical cultures (BSc, 6 ECTS)
  • Brain and cognitive sciences II (PhD, 6 ECTS)


Scientific

Of these, I took 2 courses in Chinese. This was challenging for me, as my skills in Mandarin are still very low. Nevertheless, it was very instructive and interesting to try. For this, I used different translation tools, and experienced how local students are taught.

I had heard from several students that local classes would be more difficult and groundbreaking, which further piqued my curiosity.

i even ended up in the top 3, for best idea, with the Chinese course 'Basic principles and applications of 3D visualisation technology (PhD, 4 ECTS)', see image below to see.

And through the other Chinese course '3D cryo-electron microscopy in structural biology (PhD, 4 ECTS)', I got in touch with researchers, mapping chloroplasts(chloroplasts) at the nanoscale. All 2 labs across China are doing this. And I could even be present to take the lab photos with a very high-tech microscope. I also helped with the research by mapping the crystal structure of chloroplasts.

in Brain and Cognitive Sciences II (PhD, 6 ECTS), we learned to ask fundamental questions and in this way discover the underlying functions and properties of the brain. It is a difficult but fascinating direction within science.

Besides attending lectures and writing several scientific proposals, I also went to seminars. Guest lectures were given during these seminars. After a guest lecture, I asked questions to the professors. At another guest lecture, I exchanged contact details with a professor from California doing research on stem cells and curing MS.

Biomaterials was one of my favourite courses. The course covered how the immune system interacts with biomaterials, tissue engineering, cancer treatment and nanoengineering. There was also the opportunity to do scientific research. I followed PhDs, gained experience with 3D printing of ceramics and expanded my network with professors from Utrecht on stem cell engineering.

One lecture that particularly inspired me was about biomaterials and their interaction with the immune system. The research focuses on rheumatoid arthritis, where a hydrogel combined with nanoparticles - which respond to electronic waves generated by ultrasound - can repair the cartilage wall in the knee. This eliminates inflammation in the cavity of fluid between the kneecaps.

At the end of April, I asked the professor concerned if I could follow a PhD student. In early May, I was able to attend several projects, including a particularly interesting study on rheumatoid arthritis and nanoparticles.

Cultural

I wanted to immerse myself culturally as well as academically, and I did this in various ways. For instance, I participated in a dragon boat competition and took the course Comparison of Classical Cultures (BSc, 6 ECTS). During this course, we discussed various topics of world importance.

During the last class, I received a PhD offer from an Oxford professor. This greatly flattered me. We exchanged our contact details, and I plan to find out more about this offer in the future. I am curious to see what the follow-up will look like. In doing so, I find the topic very interesting:

'The spread of disease that causes the spread of knowledge/philosophy during ancient Asia'. this research would be conducted at the universeit Oxford with possible trips to Asia.

Strategic innovation

During these courses, I was extensively introduced to innovation management and business strategies. Management of technological innovation focused on managing innovation processes in technological organisations, while Strategic Business Management offered insights into various market strategies, including niche markets, differentiation and cost leadership. Thus, I analysed companies such as AUTOHOME, ASML and Singapore Airlines alone and in partnership.

In addition, I attended Professor Pan's World Economics course four times, where I gained valuable insights into global economic dynamics. And I also participated in a guest lecture with the dean of Manchester Business School.

Scientific research

I undertook additional curricular development by participating in several scientific research projects.

First, I participated in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) research on the structure of chloroplasts at the nanoscale. This offered a unique insight into the molecular architecture of these crucial organelles. And it was very interesting to see the cryo-EM machine in operation, I had learnt about this during one of my courses I took in Chinese.

I also gained experience with 3D printing of ceramic materials. It was great fun working with a young team (Chinese students and a Taiwanese one). Interestingly, the word 'China' is etymologically linked to ceramics, so then you can say you made China in China.

Finally, I was able to tag along with a PhD student who makes innovative therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. In which she was researching the application of immunotherapy combined with nanoparticles for targeted treatment.

Subjects followed:

  • Basic principles and applications of 3D visualisation technology (PhD, 4 ECTS)
  • Management of technological innovation (BSc, 4 ECTS)
  • Strategic business management (BSc, 4 ECTS)
  • Biomedical materials (PhD, 4 ECTS)
  • 3D cryo-electron microscopy in structural biology (PhD, 4 ECTS)
  • Comparison of classical cultures (BSc, 6 ECTS)
  • Brain and cognitive sciences II (PhD, 6 ECTS)

Gallery

The photos in the photo gallery below show how we treat rheumatoid arthritis with immunotherapy and nanoparticles, 3D-print ceramics, and make 3D cryo-EM.

Sport & Networking

A very traditional Chinese sport, based on culture and teamwork. We trained in central Beijing a very beautiful environment. We did softball, dragon boat, and rowing.

Networking

The good relationship between China and the Netherlands in the field of scientific research is striking. For instance, in the guest lecture of the brain-course, I saw that they often collaborate with Dutch professors.

I also went to an event for 'women in science' organised by the Dutch Embassy in Beijing. This event was organised to inspire young ladies and everyone to pay more attention to opportunities for women in science.

During this event, several researchers had set up collaborations. Through this event, I was able to make several interesting connections. Moreover, I was able to help my professor of the subject 'Biomedical Materials' (PhD, 4 ECTS), who wanted to live in the Netherlands, to get the right contacts so that her son could be more easily admitted to a Dutch international school.

Besides strengthening Netherlands-China relations, I also helped my friends who were going abroad by putting them in touch with the right local connections. I really enjoy doing this and it helps others further in their development.

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