Thesis Defence Ceremony at the University OF Twente

At Wildlife Forensic Fund, we are dedicated to advancing scientific research and fostering innovative projects in the realm of wildlife forensics. Our commitment to the conservation of biodiversity drives our endeavors to secure funding for groundbreaking initiatives. In our pursuit of funding and introducing the Rhisotope project to esteemed scientific and academic circles, we had the distinct privilege of attending a pivotal event. Our team was honored to witness the Ph.D. thesis defense of DR. Wouter van der Bruggen at the University of Twente. His groundbreaking research focused on advanced imaging techniques specifically tailored for non-cancerous bone and joint issues, also uses nuclear medicine.

During this milestone event, Dr. Van Der Bruggen allowed us to share insights about the impactful Rhisotope Project to help support its next research and development phases to radically reduce the demand for illegal wildlife trade products.

The Rhisotope Project utilises nuclear science for conservation by inserting measured quantities of radioisotopes into the horns of live rhinos. This non-lethal yet powerful solution aims to drastically reduce the demand from end-users and safeguard rhinos from the very real threat of extinction.

DR. Wouter van der Bruggen

‘Coincidentally, several weeks before defending my PhD thesis, I became aware of the Rhisotope project. Scientifically, as a nuclear medicine physician, and personally an admirer of wildlife in general and rhinos in particular, this project immediately caught my attention. The plan to save rhinos using radionuclides seemed simple yet brilliant to me.'

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