Additive manufacturing for healthcare education is at the heart of the new Erasmus+ AM-HEAL project. Over the next 24 months, the partners will design a Level 9 micro-credential, an e-learning programme and a 3D printing hub in Kyiv to support personalised rehabilitation and war injury recovery.
Last week, the consortium met for the official Kick-Off Meeting. The project brings together South East Technological University (Ireland), Podoglobal and Meraki Projectes (Spain), Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University (Ukraine) and the University of Malta. First of all, this diverse partnership ensures that expertise in additive manufacturing, podiatry, rehabilitation, e-learning and project management is fully aligned.
Why 3D printing matters for rehabilitation and Ukraine’s recovery
For example, thousands of people in Ukraine now live with complex injuries and amputations. Traditional prosthetic production is often slow, expensive and hard to scale in such a context. However, additive manufacturing can offer faster, customised and more sustainable solutions, especially for prosthetics, orthotics and assistive devices.
The AM-HEAL consortium will use 3D scanning, design and printing workflows to create patient-specific components. In addition, the project will explore greener materials and smarter processes that reduce waste, in line with the European Union’s wider digital and green transition goals. Interested readers can learn more about the Erasmus+ priorities on the official Erasmus+ website.
Building a Level 9 micro-credential
Additive manufacturing for healthcare education is not only about technology. It is also about curricula, quality assurance and recognition. AM-HEAL will develop a Level 9 micro-credential that fits within the European Higher Education Area and follows the European approach to micro-credentials.
The programme will blend theory and practice. Learners will explore AM basics, biomedical applications, biomechanics, digital design, sustainability and ethics. Therefore, healthcare professionals, engineers and rehabilitation specialists will be able to upskill without committing to a full degree. Modules will be available through a multilingual e-learning platform, with content in English, Spanish and Ukrainian.
Meraki Projectes will lead the e-learning development, drawing on its long experience in online training and digital transformation. You can discover more about their training work on the Meraki Projectes website. The project will also connect with other digital education initiatives and open educational resources, in line with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan.
A 3D printing hub in Kyiv
A key milestone of AM-HEAL is the creation of a 3D printing hub at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University. This hub will host printers, software and testing equipment for prosthetics, orthotics and rehabilitation tools. As a result, Ukrainian students, clinicians and researchers will gain hands-on experience with AM technologies while staying connected to European experts through remote support.
The hub will not operate in isolation. It will be part of a wider ecosystem that includes hospitals, rehabilitation centres and SMEs. Partners will co-create case studies, test new devices and explore how AM workflows can fit into real clinical pathways. International organisations such as UNIDO and the World Health Organization are already highlighting the role of digital and advanced manufacturing in sustainable healthcare systems, and AM-HEAL aligns with this vision.
The role of each partner
South East Technological University will coordinate the project and lead the curriculum design and accreditation work. The University of Malta will bring deep expertise in podiatry, clinical biomechanics and research, ensuring that every learning unit stays clinically relevant.
Podoglobal will test AM solutions in real podiatry and rehabilitation settings, working with a broad range of patients. Kyiv Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University will host the hub, lead local piloting and connect the programme with Ukraine’s evolving medical education system. Meraki Projectes will design the e-learning journey and support dissemination, building on its experience in digital methodologies and EU cooperation projects. You can also explore Meraki’s wider e-training offer on their online training page.
Looking ahead – impact for learners and patients
Additive manufacturing for healthcare education will open new pathways for professionals who want to contribute to more personalised and sustainable care. The micro-credential will help clinicians and engineers understand both the technical and human sides of AM-based rehabilitation. Consequently, patients should benefit from better fitting devices, shorter waiting times and solutions that are adapted to their daily lives.
In the long term, AM-HEAL aims to inspire similar programmes across Europe and beyond. The project will produce open resources, case studies and policy suggestions so that other universities and clinics can replicate and adapt the model. In conclusion, the Kick-Off Meeting marks only the beginning of a shared journey where education, technology and solidarity come together to support recovery, inclusion and innovation in healthcare.