The prize is awarded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) to scientists who rank among the world’s very best. Brummelkamp receives the award for his groundbreaking and inspiring scientific contributions, which advance the search for new treatments against cancer, infectious diseases, and more.

Pioneering research with global impact
From the very beginning, Thijn Brummelkamp has made important discoveries on a regular basis, and the impact of his work is not limited to his own research group. Scientists worldwide benefit from the techniques he developed, allowing them to study the working of genes in human DNA. Consequently, his work contributes to the discovery of new medicines for infectious diseases and cancer.

“We are incredibly proud that our Oncode Investigator has received this national distinction,” says Jan Paul Medema, Scientific Director at Oncode Institute. “Brummelkamp’s scientific creativity, curiosity and impact embody the spirit of Oncode Institute: from fundamental research to medical progress, providing the basis for future breakthroughs. By investing in new knowledge about how cancer works, we are building a future in which we understand cancer better,” Medema points out.

From ebola to cancer 
Brummelkamp’s findings cover a surprisingly diverse range of topics: ebolavirus, cancer, lipid metabolism… “Instead of focusing on just one path, I deliberately decided to do research that allows me to make discoveries and offer people and science new insights in a wide range of directions.” 

Over the past twenty years, researchers worldwide have used Brummelkamp’s technique to inhibit genes in nearly all studies searching for new cancer medicines. He also unraveled the way the ebola virus makes its way into human cells. More recently, he surprised the world of science (and himself) by figuring out why chemotherapy kills cancer cells. For these two findings – as well as many others – he used a different ingenious technique that allows one to study the function of human genes on a large scale.

Investing in the unknown
These accomplishments are the results of creative experiments with DNA, leading to discoveries on how human genes truly work. He has an inexhaustible drive to search, question, and persevere: “It still often surprises me how much we don’t know about our own cells. And how much there is still to discover. How great is that? I love it. Through my experiments, I am continuously involved in dialogue with human cells. I keep asking new questions, tempting cells to provide me with the answers that will uncover their secrets.”

Crucial for true groundbreaking research is that it cannot be thought out in advance, he emphasizes. “All my important findings result from funds for free, creative research, which allows for new directions to unknown destinations. Many funders require more and more roadmaps and plans. It limits the freedom required to truly push boundaries.”

Profound insight
For a future in which fewer people die of cancer, pushing such boundaries is essential. “Fundamental research plays a crucial part there,” Brummelkamp says. “Profound insight in the molecular fundament of cancer is necessary for groundbreaking innovations, from early detection to new therapies.”

On October 14, Brummelkamp will be presented the Spinoza Prize by NWO in The Hague. The prize includes €1.5 million to spend on scientific research. “It is amazing to be able to freely put this prize money towards fundamental research that will allow us to broaden our understanding of the workings of cancer cells.”

About the Spinoza Prize
The NWO Spinoza Prize is the highest award in Dutch academia for researchers who, according to international standards, belong to the absolutely best researchers worldwide. The NWO Spinoza Laureates do outstanding and groundbreaking research with broad effect. They are an inspiration for early-stage researchers. The prize is named after Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), an internationally renowned Dutch scientist and a clear example of freedom in research.