Medical devices are products which are covered by the Medical Devices Act. In practice, this comes down to all the equipment, software and consumables which are used in healthcare, with the exception of medicines. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) performs laboratory and desk research (eg. literature research and reviews of manufacturers’ product files) for medical devices, with patient safety as the primary focus.

International collaboration is vital for RIVM. It enables us to keep abreast of the latest global research and innovative developments. It enhances and strengthens our knowledge base and, as a result, improves the quality of our research and policy advice. RIVM shares knowledge and expertise abroad. We participate in a wide range of international research and innovation projects to help solve some of the biggest societal challenges, for instance, climate change.