The Artegiani & Hendriks research group focuses on understanding how cells in the developing brain and liver can transform into cancer. Using cutting-edge techniques such as organoids—mini-organs grown in the lab—the team studies how tumors develop and grow. The researchers also investigate how toxic substances might affect this process. By combining their expertise in brain development and liver toxicology, Artegiani and Hendriks aim to shed light on what goes wrong during early development that could lead to childhood cancer, and on the first steps in the start of liver and brain cancer.
‘Two perspectives make us stronger’
As co-leaders, Artegiani and Hendriks believe their collaboration improves both their science and the team. Artegiani: ‘It helps us look at problems from different angles, and that makes our research stronger.’ Hendriks adds: ‘Having two supervisors means we can offer more diverse input and support.’
Prof. dr. René Medema, Chief Scientific Officer of the Máxima Center is positive about this new form of co-leadership: ‘The Artegiani & Hendriks research group’s work not only strengthens scientific knowledge, but also sets an example for how collaboration can enhance leadership and innovation in pediatric oncology.’
More time, more support
The pair has worked together since their postdoc years and naturally grew into a co-leadership model. ‘We started with a shared idea and gradually expanded our projects. It felt like a natural evolution, not a decision we had to force,’ Hendriks explains.
Co-leadership also means more availability for the team. ‘Even if one of us is in a meeting, the other can step in to supervise or help in the lab,’ says Hendriks. ‘It creates a sense of trust—we are truly there for our group.’
Stronger together, for children with cancer
PhD students working in the Artegiani & Hendriks are enthusiastic about this form of co-leadership: Anna Pagliaro: ‘Working in a co-led lab gave me a broader perspective on my projects. Discussions might take more time, but they help us reach solid conclusions faster.’ Francesco Andreatta emphasizes the scientific benefits: ‘The mix of backgrounds, from basic biology to toxicology, creates space for new ideas. And with two scientists reviewing the data, the quality of the work improves.’ Roxy Finger adds: ‘What I appreciate most is that they always make time for us, even with their busy schedules.’
With their combined efforts, the team aims to contribute to the mission of the Máxima Center: to cure every child with cancer, with the best possible quality of life. ‘By sharing ideas and working closely on every project, we believe we’re better equipped to better understand childhood cancers and may help identify new ways to treat them,’ Artegiani concludes.