Samenvatting

This article discusses the importance of fully integrating research activities into the Bachelor level programs (undergraduate programs) in orthopaedic engineering / prosthetics and orthotics. To work according to evidence based principles and acquire the competences to do so it is necessary for students to engage in research activities from within the educational programme as soon as possible. Involvement in research not only creates more insight in what research means and what the effects are, but also generates a number of cross links with the stakeholders involved in P&O education (see fig 1) which were not apparent before for the student. Also, the interaction with orthopaedic companies is stimulated in a broader context than is traditionally the case. A structure enhancing the interaction of educational institution, companies, research groups and institutions is presented which operates at the intersection of these stakeholders. A whole new world is therefore coming into range which will generate all kinds of new and unexplored opportunities.