Around 1 in 7 women develop breast cancer in their life. As we are closing the October Breast Cancer Awareness month, we reflect with three Oncode Investigators on their contribution to the scientific understanding, prevention and treatment of this disease. 

We spoke with Sylvie Noordermeer about her scientific drive, the defining moments in her work and her hope for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. 

Around 1 in 7 women develop breast cancer in their life. As we are closing the October Breast Cancer Awareness month, we reflect with three Oncode Investigators on their contribution to the scientific understanding, prevention and treatment of this disease. 

We spoke with Wilbert Zwart about his scientific drive, the defining moments in his work and his hope for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. 

Around 1 in 7 women develop breast cancer in their life. As we are closing the October Breast Cancer Awareness month, we reflect with three Oncode Investigators on their contribution to the scientific understanding, prevention and treatment of this disease. 

We spoke with Karin de Visser about her scientific drive, the defining moments in her work and her hope for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. 

The Netherlands has a strong scientific foundation, but too few discoveries find their way into new businesses. The Dutch Spin-off Report 2026 by Techleap highlights this challenge, particularly in health sciences. At Oncode, we see both the obstacles and the opportunities to turn promising research into innovations that benefit patients and the Dutch economy.

Oncode Institute researcher Maximilian Madern has received the 2026 International Birnstiel Award for Doctoral Research in Molecular Life Sciences, recognising his doctoral research in the group of Oncode Investigator Marvin Tanenbaum at the Hubrecht Institute.

Two Synergy Projects look at how immune cells recognise tumour cells and how nearby cells respond to cell death, exploring processes that can influence cancer and treatment.

Two Synergy Projects explore processes that can shape how cancer cells change. Researchers are investigating the role of cell metabolism in genome stability and developing a new way to study DNA repair after chemotherapy.

Are you a freelance communications professional with a strong interest in science? Oncode Institute is looking for a Science Communications & Content Officer for a six-month freelance assignment, 24–28 hours per week.

New company builds on first-in-human clinical proof-of-principle and is developing a next-generation, multi-target TEIPP vaccine for immunotherapy-resistant cancers

Two collaborative projects explore how the environment around cancer cells can influence the development of metastases, from the role of obesity in the liver to interactions between colorectal cancer cells and immune cells in the peritoneal cavity.

Oncode researcher Agustin Enciso-Martinez has received a KWF Young Investigator Grant to investigate whether signals found in the blood could help detect pancreatic cancer earlier and provide earlier insight into treatment response.

As part of the Inside the Synergy Projects 2026 series, this edition highlights two collaborative projects that aim to improve how cancer is detected. From helping surgeons distinguish tumour tissue more accurately to revealing the earliest changes that lead to hereditary breast cancer, both collaborations seek to support better decisions throughout the patient journey.

Prof. dr. Henk Verheul, Chair of Oncode’s Clinical Advisory Board, reflects on the role of the Clinical Proof-of-Concept programme in helping researchers validate promising cancer discoveries in patients earlier and with a clearer view of clinical need.

Two collaborative projects supported through the Oncode Synergy Projects 2026 programme are exploring why some immune cells are exceptionally effective at fighting cancer while others lose their ability to respond. Together, they could help shape the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.

How can patients play a meaningful role in fundamental cancer research? Researchers and patient representatives reflect on the value of collaboration and why it matters.