Cancer research often advances through ideas that are complex, and require sustained effort over time - driven by people with a strong sense of purpose. In this interview, Madelon Maurice, professor of molecular cell biology at University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) and Oncode Institute investigator, and Maureen Spit, Vice President of Research at Laigo Bio, reflect on what motivates them as scientists and why they chose to focus on one of the most persistent challenges in oncology: how to target cancer-driving proteins that remain beyond the reach of current therapies.