Without research, there can be no advancement in the prevention and treatment of Cancer. However without funding, research is impossible.
Normally, funding for scientific personnel, laboratory equipment, and research supplies is covered in various ways. Annually, Amsterdam UMC provides substantial budgets in support of academic research. Other sources include partnerships with industry partners, donations, and fundraising events. Still, the mainstay for many research initiatives is competitive grant funding.
To assist researchers in their quest to acquire project funding through grants, Cancer Center Amsterdam appointed Dr. Wietske Pieters as ‘Grant Advisor’ earlier this year.
What do you do?
Wietske: “Since February 2023, I have been ‘Grant Advisor’ at Cancer Center Amsterdam. My main role is to support researchers in their grant applications. The first stage of this is to identify funding organizations and grant opportunities and assemble a calendar with descriptions and deadlines.
There are many funding opportunities besides the well-known Dutch Cancer Society or Dutch Research Council that our researchers need to know about. For example, the European Union (EU) offers many different types of research funding. These programs are often less visible and application procedures can be cumbersome. I am doing my best to navigate this maze of EU grants and inform our researchers of relevant funding opportunities.
Another of my tasks is to identify talent within our organization. There are various awards and prizes that researchers may be eligible for, like Young-Investigator Awards. But in reality, it is not so simple to solicit nominations and identify candidates.”
What is your research experience?
Wietske: “I was a PhD student at the Netherlands Cancer Institute where I studied the role of external factors on colorectal cancer development in Lynch syndrome. Because of my scientific training, I can provide valuable feedback on research proposals and whether specific evaluation criteria of the funding program are properly addressed.”
“Also, I am learning a lot from colleagues’ expertise. Recently, I have been working with the Amsterdam UMC Grant Support Desk to learn more about EU funding initiatives and application procedures. Did you know some very successful research groups employ staff members dedicated to write and support grant applications – like the Vermeulen lab? These people also have a wealth of knowledge. And obviously, I am also studying recent research proposals that won funding to obtain better insights into what makes a successful grant application.”
[Quote] “When applying for grants, it's really important to plan ahead and start early. It can take a lot of time to put together a strong application. Give yourself enough time.” Wietske Pieters, Grant Advisor.
What about internal grant reviews for CCA or KWF funding?
Wietske: “I work in close collaboration with Gitta Kuipers and Marieke Koelink. Previously, Marieke has been coordinating the mandatory internal reviews for potential Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) project proposals. However, I will likely take this over. Currently, Gitta is still coordinating the application and review process for our internal Cancer Center Amsterdam Foundation grants. For the TKI grant opportunities, I am in close contact with our IXA business developers Marianka van der Tol and Timo Smets.
Why do you do it?
Wietske: “After obtaining my PhD, I really wanted to stay connected to oncology research. I have a passion for science and am very interested to watch how this dynamic field is constantly developing. Assisting researchers with grant support puts you on the cutting-edge of innovative ideas. I really enjoy being part of it, talking to CCA researchers and learning about their work and funding needs, and happy to contribute to cancer research in a facilitating role.”
For more information contact Dr. Wietske Pieter.
This article was created for Cancer Center Amsterdam.
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