ReGEDiM - Research Centre for Emergency and Disaster Medicine
ReGEDiM, the Research Group on Emergency and Disaster Medicine, was founded in 2011 within the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) to consolidate and further develop the key role of the VUB and the emergency department of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel) in the field of emergency and disaster medicine, both nationally and internationally. This foundation was essential to support a strong educational programme with structured and high-quality research activities in these domains.
Research and collaboration
Within ReGEDiM, research is conducted in both emergency medicine and disaster medicine. To maintain this focus, the research group is divided into two specialised scientific units:
- the Emergency Medicine Unit
- the Disaster Medicine Unit
ReGEDiM carries out a variety of projects in collaboration with other research groups, industry partners, and government organisations. These collaborations are crucial for developing innovations that directly impact clinical practice and healthcare.
Educational mission: EMDM and beyond
The Disaster Medicine Unit of ReGEDiM is responsible for implementing the European Master in Disaster Medicine (EMDM). This master’s programme is organised under an agreement between the Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO) and the VUB, focusing on the academic and practical training of professionals in disaster medicine. This internationally recognised programme plays a key role in the professionalisation of the field.
In addition, ReGEDiM collaborates with UPO to further professionalise research and development in disaster medicine and humanitarian medicine. In 2018, this collaboration led to the creation of the Joint PhD in Global Health, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Medicine, an interdisciplinary programme focused on global health, humanitarian aid, and disaster medicine.
Mission and vision
ReGEDiM aims to elevate emergency and disaster medicine to a higher level by creating and sharing scientific research, practical expertise, and knowledge. The combination of strong research activities and high-quality education enables the development of innovative solutions that make a direct contribution to clinical practice and society.