From research to impact?

Before joining Oncode, Tessy completed her PhD at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and later conducted postdoctoral research at the Hubrecht Institute, working with single-cell sequencing technologies. She then moved into business development roles focused on in-licensing biomedical innovation.

Today, she works closely with Oncode investigators to explore how scientific discoveries can develop further and move closer to real-world application.

What do you actually do day-to-day at Oncode?

My work focuses on collaborating closely with Oncode investigators and discussing their research ideas together. Coming from an academic background helps me understand the scientific context of their work and the questions they are exploring.

In practice, this often means exploring what the next step for a project could be. We discuss potential strategies, identify opportunities for collaboration and think about how discoveries might develop further beyond the research stage. Sometimes this involves connecting researchers with external partners, or helping shape a longer-term direction for a project.

What I enjoy most is being able to sit together with scientists and think creatively about where their discoveries could lead.
 

How does your work connect to our mission?

Oncode’s mission is to outsmart cancer by accelerating cancer research and translating discoveries into real impact for patients. My role contributes by helping researchers think about how their work might move towards real-world applications.

Researchers generate incredible knowledge, but turning discoveries into something that can benefit patients often requires additional perspectives, collaborations and strategic steps. Being able to explore those possibilities together with investigators is where I see my role fitting into the mission.
 

Tell us about a recent project you’re proud of. What changed because of it?

One area I am currently working on is exploring how artificial intelligence could support our research community. I have been discussing with several AI startups how their technologies could benefit Oncode investigators.

At the same time, we are also looking internally at how AI could help accelerate research and valorisation processes. It is still an evolving effort, but it is exciting to explore how new tools could support scientists in moving projects forward.
 

What helps you do your best work here?

One of the things that helps me most is working in a team where many people have strong academic backgrounds. This makes it possible to have meaningful discussions about the science and really understand the projects investigators are developing.

At the same time, investigators bring deep expertise about their research, while we bring experience in thinking about how discoveries might translate further. That exchange of perspectives often leads to new ideas and strategies, and I really value that collaborative environment.

If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your work, what would it be?

I think one important message is that there are many exciting opportunities beyond the traditional academic path.

For many people with a PhD, continuing in academia and eventually becoming a professor is the most familiar path. At the same time, there are other roles where scientific training can have a different kind of impact. Within the valorisation team at Oncode, most of us have academic backgrounds and experience in research.

This allows us to work closely with investigators and explore what their discoveries could become. We help identify opportunities, connect researchers with partners and think about how projects might move beyond the lab.

For me, that collaboration between researchers and people focused on impact is one of the most inspiring parts of working at Oncode. It helps discoveries move beyond the lab and closer to patients.
 

Outside of work, what’s something people might not expect about you?

Something people might not expect is that although I really enjoy city life and consider myself a city person, my boyfriend and I recently bought an old farm.

We are currently renovating it ourselves, which has been quite a learning experience. It means figuring out things step by step and learning skills we did not have before. The farm is located between Utrecht and Den Bosch, close to the highway, so it is still well connected but feels very different from city life.

Working on the renovation together has become a nice balance alongside work.