The Amsterdam Bone Center focuses on multidisciplinary care, treatment and research in multiple bone diseases, including hereditary, rare, complex (such as unhealed fractures and osteonecrosis) and more common bone diseases such as osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease and M Paget. Started small from the Rare Bone Diseases, from 2016 to the present, it has grown into a platform where collaboration between clinic, clinical and preclinical research is initiated with the aim of promoting innovation in pathophysiology, diagnostics, and ultimately new therapies through cross-fertilization.

The goal is to bring together all bone-related expertise under this umbrella, while retaining its own identity. Amsterdam UMC ''ABC'' has great ambitions and is now (inter)nationally on the map, more than 15 different disciplines are already represented in ABC. The Kick off meeting of November 26th was organized by the ABC steering committee and its members.

The symposium was opened by Jan Maerten Smit and Marelise Eekhoff, who presented the fascinating history of the ABC. Hanna Willems held a flaming interview with prof. dr. Hans Romijn, Chairman of the Board of Directors about collaboration, diversity and stepping outside the comfort zone, assisted by Jari Dahmen. Marco Helder and Nathalie Bravenboer led the discussion on the possibilities of completely replacing animal research in the future. Astrid Bakker and Theo Smit presented their views on this current topic. AMS Director, Richard Jaspers gave insight into the unique relationship between ABC and AMS.

Under the tight organization of Jari Dahmen, assisted by Marelise Eekhoff this was a very successful meeting, with over 70 participants. We cordially invite everyone who performs bone-related research or treatment methods to contact the Amsterdam Bone Center! (amsterdambonecenter@amsterdamumc.nl).