Evaluation confirms that Oncode Institute is a proven infrastructure that connects fundamental cancer research with value for patients, healthcare, science and the economy.
With Oncode Institute, the Netherlands has a proven national infrastructure for cancer research and innovation. This is the conclusion of an independent international Institute Review Committee in its evaluation of Oncode Institute. The committee states that, over the past eight years, Oncode Institute has developed into a distinctive national model that delivers with scientific, societal and economic impact.
According to the committee, Oncode Institute plays a vital national role by combining world-class fundamental research, a strong national research community, active valorisation, patient involvement and collaboration with partners in the wider life sciences ecosystem. The committee expresses strong support for the continuation of Oncode Institute and concludes that there is a solid basis for a third funding phase.
This role is more important than ever. The number of people living with and beyond cancer continues to grow, increasing pressure on healthcare and society. At the same time, the Netherlands is home to world-class cancer research. The challenge is therefore not only to enable excellent science, but also to translate scientific discoveries more rapidly and effectively into collaborations, further development and innovations that have value for patients, healthcare and society.
Professor Mirjam van Praag, Chair of the Oncode Institute Review Committee 2026:
“The committee concludes that Oncode Institute has developed into a distinctive national infrastructure for cancer research and innovation, with scientific, societal and economic impact, which is important for the Netherlands. I also greatly appreciate the new direction that KWF Dutch Cancer Society and Oncode Institute are pursuing together to organise fundamental cancer research, collaboration and innovation in a future-proof way from 2028 onwards.”
The committee also makes recommendations for the next phase. It advises Oncode Institute to further sharpen its strategic direction beyond 2027, strengthen its visibility within the Dutch innovation ecosystem and to more clearly articulate its impact pathways towards patients, healthcare, society and the economy. It also calls for further strengthening of valorisation, collaboration, visibility and sustainable funding.
The Management Board of Oncode Institute welcomes the committee's recommendations and will incorporate them into the further development of its strategy beyond 2027. In the coming period, the institute will work to implement these recommendations while building on the strengths of its current model and making clearer strategic choices about its future role and contribution to cancer research, innovation, sustainable healthcare and economic value creation.
The committee emphasises that long-term support is essential to preserve and build on the value that Oncode Institute has created. Public investment in science reaches its full societal value only when research discoveries are translated into tangible benefits for patients, healthcare, society and economy. This requires long-term collaboration, the capacity to valorise and a funding base that matches the national role of Oncode Institute.
The evaluation aligns with the joint direction that KWF Dutch Cancer Society and Oncode Institute are taking to establish a future-proof model for fundamental cancer research in the Netherlands from 2028 onwards. In doing so, both organisations call on the Dutch government, public funders and societal partners to make sustained long-term investments—not only in fundamental research, but also in the further development, translation and innovation needed to maximise its impact.
Oncode Institute thanks all researchers, patients, partner institutions, funders, investors and other parties involved who contributed to the evaluation. Their openness, experience and perspectives have been invaluable to the committee’s work and to the institute’s continued development.