René Bernards

René Bernards serves as Professor of Molecular Carcinogenesis at Utrecht University (part-time since 1994) and Head of the Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (since 1992). He co-founded Agendia BV in 2003, a genomics diagnostics company that launched the first microarray-based breast cancer diagnostic test in 2004.

His research focuses on genome-wide loss-of-function genetic screens to identify novel cancer drug targets and resistance mechanisms. Key areas include senescence induction therapy and MAP kinase pathway drug combinations, with his 2012 discovery of BRAF/EGFR inhibition efficacy leading to regulatory approval for BRAF-mutant colon cancer treatment.

His publication portfolio demonstrates strong translational impact, with recent work spanning computational oncology (2018) and immunotherapy response prediction (2025). These studies reflect his laboratory's evolution from fundamental cancer genetics toward clinically applicable diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

• Pezcoller Foundation-FECS Recognition for Contribution to Oncology (2005)
• Spinoza award, Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (2005)
• ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award in Translational Research (2007)
• Foreign member, Royal Society (2023)

Bernards leads a 17-member research team including PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, maintaining close clinical collaborations with affiliated hospitals. His group's work on senescent cancer cell elimination (2024) continues to generate significant research interest. The laboratory operates within the Netherlands Cancer Institute's infrastructure, leveraging specialized facilities for functional genomics and drug screening.