Oncode Institute links Fundamental Cancer Research with Societal Impact

The committee notes that, over the past eight years, the institute has developed into a distinctive national model with scientific, societal, and economic impact. According to the committee, the Oncode Institute thus fulfills an important national role. The institute’s strength lies in the combination of excellent basic research, a strong national research community, active commercialization, patient involvement, and collaboration within the broader life sciences ecosystem. The committee recommends continuing the Oncode Institute and sees a solid foundation for a third funding phase. Download  the full evaluation report  here.

The importance of this role is growing. More and more people are living with or after cancer, while pressure on the healthcare system is increasing. At the same time, Dutch cancer research ranks among the best in the world. The societal challenge is therefore not only to enable excellent science but also to make the best possible use of knowledge and insights. This requires strong connections between research, patients, healthcare, innovation, and society.
The independent committee emphasizes that the Oncode Institute has established a distinctive position in this regard. The combination of basic research, collaboration, and a focus on application helps to strengthen the impact of cancer research.

The committee also makes recommendations for the period after 2027. For example, it advised the Oncode Institute to further refine its strategic direction, more clearly define its position within the Dutch innovation ecosystem, and make the pathways to impact for patients, healthcare, society, and the economy more explicit. In addition, the committee calls for attention to be given to further strengthening commercialization, collaboration, visibility, and sustainable funding.

According to the board, the results confirm the strength of the institute and the commitment of the broader Oncode community. The recommendations will be incorporated into the further development of the strategy for the period after 2027.
In doing so, the Oncode Institute aims to build on the strengths of the current model while making more focused decisions regarding the institute’s future role and contribution to cancer research, innovation, future-proof healthcare, and economic value.

The committee emphasizes that structural safeguards are needed to preserve and further develop the accumulated knowledge, infrastructure, and partnerships. After all, scientific knowledge gains greater societal value when insights find their way into applications for patients, healthcare, and society.
This requires long-term collaboration, sufficient scope for commercialization, and a funding base that aligns with the Oncode Institute’s national role.

The evaluation aligns with the efforts being made by KWF Kankerbestrijding and the Oncode Institute to establish a future-proof model for fundamental cancer research in the Netherlands starting in 2028. Both organizations are calling on the Dutch government, public funds, and societal partners to continue investing structurally across the entire chain: from fundamental research to the further development and application of knowledge and innovations.