‘I expect that I will be energized by the innovative potential that comes across my desk. Where many people enjoy reading a popular magazine like Libelle, I get a thrill from diving into a well-thought-out project proposal. A certain spark – a unique combination of elements – makes a proposal exceptional, although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what that is. It could be the way a team is assembled to bring together the necessary expertise, a unique approach to speeding up the delivery of cancer therapies to patients, or an unwavering belief in the possibility of success, even if the path is risky.

Seeing the potential can be really exciting. And throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to see that potential grow into real breakthroughs for cancer patients. Watching those ideas turn into something that makes a difference is incredibly rewarding and fuels my optimism for new and promising initiatives.

Over the years, I’ve often found myself in leadership roles, including chairing various committees. I like to think I’ve built a reputation for fairness and meticulousness in these roles. When I was asked to Chair the Demonstrator Advisory Board, I gladly accepted because Oncode Accelerator is different from anything I’ve done before. The initiative aligns beautifully with what I’ve always worked towards: speeding up the development of new cancer treatments to address unmet medical needs. Being part of the process that helps fund these important projects is a real privilege.

One of the things I appreciate most about Oncode Accelerator is its positive, collaborative spirit. The organization is committed to making sure that promising projects genuinely succeed. If you're considering submitting a Demonstrator Project, I encourage you to make full use of the resources available. Collaborate with the Business Developers, seek feedback from our board to refine your plan, and take advantage of the connections within the Oncode Accelerator network across workstreams and platforms. Collectively, Oncode Accelerator wants to make sure that your project funding has maximum impact.

For every interested party, we have made clear guidelines available for a Demonstrator Project, detailing the criteria it needs to meet and the objectives it should aim for. Our advisory board is diverse in makeup, bringing together people with different expertise to evaluate each project carefully. We hereby create a true level playing field for all interested parties applying for a Demonstrator Project. Together with the other members of the Demonstrator Advisory Board I am committed to ensuring that the process is thorough, that each project is well-prepared before group discussions, and that we create an environment where all aspects of a proposal are given the consideration they deserve. After all, Oncode Accelerator has a significant social responsibility. We must handle the allocation of funds with utmost care to ensure they are invested in projects that use and validate the most novel innovations in the drug development field and truly benefit society.

Our board doesn’t have an easy task, and nor should it have. I can’t emphasize enough how challenging it is to bring new cancer therapies to the clinic and ensure they truly benefit patients. It’s a tough and complex journey. I admire Oncode Accelerator’s collaborative approach to smoothing this path. By bringing together so many skilled people, Oncode Accelerator is building a momentum that doesn’t just push individual projects forward—it creates a ripple effect that can attract even more expertise and resources to the cause. The National Growth Fund subsidy is fantastic, allowing the Dutch oncology field to focus intensely on outsmarting cancer and impacting lives.

If we succeed, the impact for patients worldwide could be enormous. As Chair of the Demonstrator Advisory Board, I’m committed to ensuring that our committee not only inspires but is also receptive to fresh ideas, working together to achieve something truly transformative. A well-crafted project proposal has the power to make a real difference; our job is merely to recognize that potential and support it to the fullest.’