General information

Research

The research is carried out in modern buildings in the city of Amsterdam with all the state-of-the-art facilities for research and patient care.

The research program ranges from the basic molecular biology of the cell to clinical bed-side research; from fundamental studies on cellular signal transduction pathways and the control of gene expression to new clinical trials in immunotherapy and the development of new methods to measure quality of life of cancer patients.
Although improvement of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment is the ultimate goal of the collaborating institutes, considerable effort is devoted to the study of normal cells and normal developments. Without a thorough understanding of normal cells and cell-cell interaction, it is not possible to fully understand the abnormal behaviour of cancer cells. It is often easier to study the complex regulatory circuitry of living cells in simple model organisms than in cancer cells. This is why organisms like nematode worms (C. elegans), unicellular protozoa (trypanosomes), and yeast also feature in our research program.

The wide range of biological approaches employed and the close collaboration between different scientific disciplines in the School creatures a stimulating atmosphere that attracts an increasing number of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Research discussions and teaching are in English. This allows the School to attract foreign students, post-docs and staff, who contribute to the international flavour of research and teaching. Foreign students can use their research conducted in the School to qualify for a doctorate degree in their country of origin. EC inhabitants will usually qualify for a Dutch doctorate.

Training

The Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam (OOA) combines the graduate programs in the field of oncology of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, of the Vrije Universiteit and of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. Within the Oncology Graduate School, approximately one hundred students are working toward their PhD degree. On average, 25 to 30 new students are recruited every year. Graduate students ar vital for maintaining a vigorous research program. Students receive instruction from the scientific staff and likewise, the staff scientists of the OOA benefit greatly from the yearly influx of new students. By providing attractive opportunities for training and reserch in the framework of the OOA, we now welcome applications from suitable candidates for participation in this program.

The graduate programs of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, and the oncology research institutes of the Vrije Universiteit and the Universiteit van Amsterdam have merged into one program. Within the OOA both fundamental and clinical research are carried out. The institute is fully equipped for state-of-the-art research in all areas relevant to the study of cancer. One of the most attractive features of the OOA is the wide range of disciplines, and the possibility (and reality) of close collaborations between these disciplines. The size of the OOA is such that a critical mass in each of the different disciplines is maintained. The program of seminars given by faculty members and the presence of foreign guests further contributes to the atmosphere that characterizes a research institute of more than national importance.

Board of the Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam

Prof.dr. A. Berns, chairman
Prof.dr. S. Rodenhuis
Prof.dr. C.J.L.M. Meijer
Prof.dr. P. Postmus
Prof.dr. C.E.E. Konings
Prof.dr. D.J. Richel

Directorate of the Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam

Prof.dr. G.A. Meijer, (chairman).
Department of Pathology
VU University Medical Center

Prof.dr. T. Sixma
Molecular carcinogenesis
Netherlands Cancer Institute

Prof.dr. J.P. Medema
Department LEXOR (Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology)
Amsterdam Medical Center