As head of research and innovation, I am responsible for the innovation of the department's patient care through translational scientific research. At the research institute of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek I lead the Diagnostic Translational Oncology section and I am group leader of a research group that conducts research into biomarker development for early detection, prognosis and predicting response to therapy in colon cancer. In addition, I am involved in local and (inter) national research infrastructure programs, especially in the field of biobanking and related areas.