“The Vidi grant is a wonderful recognition of the innovative cancer research of these two young Oncode Investigators. We are very proud that they are part of the Oncode community and look forward to all the great things they will discover in the years to come” says Geert Kops, Scientific Director and Head of Oncode Institute.

Hugo Snipper’s research is focused on patients with early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) who need less invasive treatments, that are often curative. However, some of these patients are already at high risk to develop life-threatening metastases. How do these early metastatic CRCs emerge? Better understanding, recognition and risk stratification of early-stage metastatic capacity will improve personalized treatment design.

Jarno Drost will look into the role of the noncoding genome in cancer research. Although it is acknowledged that nongenetic processes likely contribute to the development of cancer, their actual functional role remains largely unknown. Together with his team, he will exploit unique mini-tumour models cultured in the lab and mouse models to identify nongenetic changes that occur during tumour progression.

The Vidi grant is aimed at experienced researchers who have carried out successful research for several years after obtaining their PhDs. A total of 402 researchers have submitted an admissible research project for funding during this round. The award rate is 19%. The selection is based on the quality of the researcher, the innovative character of the research and its expected scientific impact, and on the possibilities for knowledge use. Researchers in the Talent Programme are free to submit their own subject for funding. Through this, NWO encourages curiosity-driven and innovative research.