“I have been working in cancer research for a very long time. I work at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) in Amsterdam. I did my PhD there and spent a few years doing research in the UK before coming back to start my lab in 2011. My research focuses on hormones and their connection to cancer. To put it simply, hormones can act as the switch to make certain tumor types grow. Breast cancer and prostate cancer are well known examples of cancers influenced by hormones. In fact, hormonal treatments were some of the first therapies designed to target cancer. They work well for many patients, but not for everyone. Our goal is to figure out why they work for some and not for others, how to make them work better, and if they don't work, find alternative ways to treat those patients effectively.”

“There were a few factors that contributed to my passion for cancer research. First, I grew up in a forest, and my dad was a forester. That got me interested in biology from an early age. A more personal reason that drove me towards cancer research, was that my mom had breast cancer and passed away from it when I was 18 years old. This motivated me to dedicate my future career on studying breast cancer, to contribute to improving the outcomes of future patients. This personal connection led me to shift my focus towards oncology and ultimately pursue a PhD in breast cancer research. It’s very common that cancer researchers, like myself, have personal reasons for choosing this path. After all, 1 out of every 2 people in the Netherlands is diagnosed with cancer during the course of their lives, and we – or our loved ones-  are also affected by cancer in our lives. Each researcher has a very strong motivation to find solutions for this horrible disease.”

“That’s impossible! There have been so many exciting moments in my research; it’s almost like choosing your favourite child! However, one thing that is always very exciting is the feeling of making a new discovery. It's when you look through a microscope, analyse data, or run an experiment and see something that no one else in the world has ever seen before. That moment when you genuinely discover something new is incredible. I used to do many experiments myself, and each time I made such a discovery, it was a fantastic feeling. Nowadays, I'm not as hands-on in the lab anymore, but I still get that same feeling when one of my lab members make these unique observations. We are a very close team, so we all get excited for each other. It's a reminder that science is all about passion, curiosity, and the thrill of discovery.”

“One thing I've learned over the years is to trust your instincts. If you have a gut feeling about a particular idea or hypothesis, and you think it's worthwhile, don't give up on it too quickly. I've had experiences where I had exciting ideas that didn't work out as planned. I even had to abandon some projects. But later on, I found out that some of those ideas were valid, and other researchers published about them. Therefore my advice is not to let logistical or minor setbacks deter you if you genuinely believe in an idea. Keep exploring and experimenting. Additionally, follow your passion. Science is driven by genuine passion, not just logic or schedules. Focus on what truly energizes you, as that's where you're most likely to make groundbreaking discoveries.”

“Oncode Institute has had a significant impact on my research in several ways. The institute provides researchers with the freedom and resources to pursue their creative ideas. If you think of an exciting concept, you can test it out the next day. This tremendously accelerates the research process. It also fosters a strong sense of community among researchers. You can reach out to any Oncode researcher, and guaranteed everyone will be willing to help. This sense of collaboration and support is invaluable. Finally, it facilitates connections with the industry, which is essential for advancing research. Scientists like me focus on our research, and Oncode Institute helps us with legal and technology transfer aspects, making it easier to collaborate with industry. Oncode Institute plays a crucial role in driving forward cancer research, on so many levels.”

Credits: interview by Elize Brolsma; photography by Marloes Verweij, Laloes Fotografie