How Patients Enrich Fundamental Cancer Research
At Oncode Institute, we believe excellent cancer research begins by listening - not only to data, but to people.
Why This Programme?
Through our Patient Perspective Programme, researchers and people affected by cancer form long-term, personal partnerships. Together, they explore the impact of cancer, the meaning of research, and how lived experience can help shape scientific discovery. This initiative bridges the gap between the lab and patients’ lives. It helps researchers connect their work to its real-world significance, while empowering patients and loved ones to contribute directly to the future of cancer research.
This is not a one-off conversation. We foster lasting, reciprocal relationships built on trust, openness and curiosity.
How It Works
The programme provides a guided, flexible framework for meaningful, long-term collaboration - in three key steps:
Pairing
Researchers are matched with (former) patients or loved ones based on shared interests or experiences.
Getting Started
Each pair begins with a conversation to explore motivations, expectations and boundaries.
Ongoing Exchange
Over time, they might:
- reflect on the societal relevance of research
- review public communication and patient-friendly summaries
- discuss ethical questions or personal impact
- co-develop ideas for public engagement, proposals or lab inspiration
Support
Oncode Institute facilitates the programme and provides guidance throughout. Participation is voluntary and tailored to each person's availability, with a focus on meaningful, ongoing engagement.
Who Can Join?
We welcome a wide range of participants - each bringing their own perspective:
- People living with or beyond cancer, and their carers
- Individuals with lived experience who are curious about science and eager to reflect or share
- Patient representatives - independent or affiliated - interested in engaging with researchers
No scientific background is needed - just a willingness to exchange ideas and explore together.
Who Is Involved?
The Patient Perspective Programme brings together a diverse community:
- Oncode Institute research groups committed to meaningful, ongoing collaboration
- Patients and loved ones from many different backgrounds and experiences
- Participants who take on flexible roles - from trusted conversation partners to active co-creators
This diversity is what gives the programme its strength: each voice adds unique value - helping connect research to real-world impact.
What Is The Impact?
These long-term partnerships lead to real change:
- Patients introduce new questions and shift perspectives
- Researchers reflect more deeply on ethics and relevance
- Scientific work becomes more grounded and human
- Participants feel connected, valued and empowered to contribute
‘They are a bridge between two worlds - not just for a moment, but for the journey.’
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Interested in joining or finding out more?
Colette ten Hove
Colette ten Hove is a molecular biologist by training, with a specialization in developmental biology. Colette has broad experience in research, education, and coaching. In 2020, she joined Oncode Institute, where she drives its patient engagement programme, dedicated to incorporating the patient’s perspective into Oncode Institute and its research teams. She regularly lectures to educate researchers on how to involve patients in fundamental research and continuously looks out for new opportunities to connect and collaborate with other patient engagement initiatives, with the goal of building a patient engagement network in which (future) researchers, clinicians and cancer patients, their relatives and patient representatives can meet and learn from each other’s expertise and perspective. Additionally, Colette leads the training & mentoring programme at Oncode Institute.
