Working Together to Shape the Future of Cancer Research

At Oncode Institute, we believe that making a difference starts with understanding the lived experiences of those most affected by cancer. That’s why we are committed to involving patients, survivors, loved ones and patient advocacy groups in meaningful and impactful ways. 

Why Patient Involvement Matters 

Every patient brings a unique perspective. Their voices highlight urgent needs, challenge assumptions and guide research towards outcomes that truly matter. 

• Patients and carers help us see beyond the lab, grounding our work in the realities of daily life with cancer
• Patient organisations bring deep knowledge, networks and collective experience that help align research with broader community priorities
• Active patient involvement ensures our research is more relevant, responsible and ready for real-world application
   

How We Involve Patients and Patient Advocates 

We work with patients and their representatives across multiple levels of our organisation: 

• Advisory Boards: patient representatives serve on our Supervisory and Clinical Advisory Boards, ensuring the patient perspective is always considered in decision-making
• The Patient Perspective Programme: a unique initiative that brings Oncode Investigators together with (former) patients and carers in structured, personal dialogues about science and lived experience
• Co-Creation and Consultation: we collaborate with patient organisations to co-develop outreach initiatives, shape research priorities and explore new forms of engagement. We welcome new partnerships to further strengthen and expand this collaboration 

Patient input enriches every stage of our work - from helping design research projects and reviewing grant proposals to sharing personal insights with our scientists.

Making a Difference Together 

What happens when an Oncode Investigator, a PhD student and a patient collaborate? For Oncode Investigator Michiel Vermeulen, PhD student Suzanne Weijers and patient representative Carolien Hovenier, the result was a deeper, more patient-centred research direction - built on mutual trust and shared learning. 

Join the Conversation 

Are you a patient, carer or part of a patient organisation? 
Would you like to share your experiences, offer your perspective or collaborate with our researchers? 

We invite you to connect with us. Your voice and experiences matter. Together, we accelerate discoveries that truly make a difference.