The KWF Dutch Cancer Society and Oncode Institute today announced they are joining forces to develop a future-proof approach to fundamental cancer research in the Netherlands. Together, they are building on a proven model in which excellent science, collaboration and valorisation reinforce one another, with the aim of creating greater room for breakthroughs that can ultimately benefit patients. In the coming period, the organisations will work towards a new phase of collaboration, that will take shape from 2028 onwards. Both parties are making an explicit call on the Dutch government, public funds, and other societal partners to provide structural co-funding.
Investment is needed across the full breadth of cancer research. Not only about fundamental research, but also about further development and innovation. Opportunities that we fail to seize now rarely present themselves again later. As a society, this means denying ourselves the chance of benefitting from research breakthroughs and, as a result, the best possible care for people living with the consequences of cancer.
No breakthroughs without fundamental research
Fundamental research starts with questions to which no one yet knows the answer. It is precisely this type of research that forms the basis for the treatments of tomorrow. KWF has been funding fundamental cancer research for decades and will continue to do so.
Carla van Gils, Director
KWF Dutch Cancer Society
‘As KWF, we have a responsibility to use donor money in a way that offers the greatest chance of scientific and societal impact. Our donors, from small to large, place their trust in us to do so. That obliges us to make clear choices. That is why we are choosing greater continuity and scientific freedom for excellent research groups. Fundamental research requires curiosity and the space to build on new insights.’
Bertholt Leeftink, Managing Director
Oncode Institute
‘Publicly funded research only achieves its full societal value when scientific insights are further developed towards patients and society. By joining forces with our knowledge partners at national level, KWF and Oncode Institute are strengthening the foundation of cancer research in the Netherlands.’
Jan Paul Medema, Scientific Director
Oncode Institute
‘At the heart of this model is curiosity-driven fundamental research. But the strength of the Oncode model lies in connecting excellent science with collaboration, shared expertise and valorisation. In this way, we increase the chance that new scientific insights can ultimately grow into applications that are meaningful for patients.’
A proven model as the foundation
The existing Oncode model is based on three mutually reinforcing pillars. These are curiosity-driven excellent science, active collaboration and valorisation- translating insights into applications that make a difference for patients. It is precisely this combination that has demonstrably led to stronger science, increased collaboration and greater societal impact in recent years. Researchers are given the space to enrich and further develop each other’s work, particularly at the interfaces between disciplines where breakthroughs often arise. KWF and Oncode Institute are intensifying their collaboration in implementing the model and making it more widely available in order to use donor money as effectively as possible for fundamental cancer research in the Netherlands.
Investing in continuity and freedom in excellent fundamental cancer research
In the new model starting 2028, KWF aims to contribute more each year than in previous years in the order of €30 million (each year) depending on its own fundraising and financial possibilities. With this model, KWF and Oncode Institute can provide a considerably larger number of research groups with five-year funding, as well as support for collaboration and valorisation. This will allow these groups to build their research lines in a more sustainable way, without having to submit new applications each time.
The model is open and accessible, with room for high-quality fundamental research. In this way, we are building a strong and future-proof knowledge base. The model also aims to strengthen collaboration between research groups and further support the translation of scientific insights into applications for patients. By giving researchers more continuity and trust, it also creates room to respond more quickly to new scientific insights.
For this reason, KWF will organise the final regular open call for project funding for fundamental research in 2027. The first allocation of funding to research groups by KWF under the new model is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2028. For non-fundamental research, KWF will continue to organise open calls and thematic calls.
The Netherlands must not lose its position
The Netherlands has strong researchers and a solid scientific base, which KWF and Oncode Institute are further strengthening with this step. At the same time, countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium have long been investing structurally in strong research centres. To maintain this international position, long-term investment is needed in fundamental science, collaboration, infrastructure and innovation.
KWF and Oncode Institute are therefore making an explicit call on the Dutch government, public funds and other societal partners to co-invest structurally. Not only in fundamental research, but also in further development and innovation.