In the coming years Oncode will build on its experiences and successes, enhancing its operations and processes to continue delivering on the triple goal of scientific excellence, collaboration and valorization. However, there is also another challenge on the horizon. We have reached the point where we need to shift our activities and lay the foundations for phase II, while also welcoming the Independent Review Committee’s assessment of what we have achieved so far.

In 2020, we will continue our efforts to provide Oncode Investigators with access to the technological, collaborative and valorization tools they require to perform transformative research. We will build on current successes as well as initiating new activities, and we will accelerate our efforts to reduce barriers to collaboration by facilitating cross-institutional access to key technologies and (bio)materials, and by enabling the secure sharing of confidential information, data and research tools.

Actions high on our list include:

• Continued building out of the Patient Engagement Programme to facilitate interactions between researchers and patients, ensuring that patient engagement will be the norm and not the exception in the future.
• Complementing our own capabilities through alliances with related organizations such as Cancer Research UK, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Evotec and the European Lead Factory.
•  Strengthening our internal valorization capability through continued development of our Valorization Team staff and through the development of customized valorization plans for each of our Oncode Investigators.
• Preparing for the upcoming assessment of the institute by the Independent Review Committee, while building Oncode’s phase II strategy. The phase II strategy will be prepared in close coordination with Oncode’s funders and stakeholders, and in discussion with the International Advisory Board and the International Review Committee.

We have achieved a lot in the first two years, but there is still much to do on the road to fulfilling our mission. Through scientific excellence, collaboration and valorization, coupled with energy, commitment and determination, we will together reach that destination - outsmarting cancer, impacting lives.