Scientific research is crucial for developing new and improved treatments to achieve the shared mission of the Princess Máxima Center and KiKa. And in order to conduct research, money is needed. KiKa has provided the research hospital with annual core funding since 2016 to give each research group a stable foundation for pediatric cancer research within the Máxima's multi-year strategy. The Máxima will receive 14.5 million euros over 2025. In the following years, 500,000 euros will be added each year, up to an amount of 16.5 million euros in 2029.
Continuity
KiKa's core funding allows researchers to use several shared facilities for specialized research. For example, the single cell genomics facility and the imaging and microscopy facility. The funding ensures continuity of research and reduces dependence on separate project funding. This prevents delays. For example, core funding plays an important role in the cooperation between the Máxima and the German Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), which with the accession of Institut Curie from Paris is being expanded and continued in the strategic cooperation EU CAN Kids.
Prof. Dr. René Medema, scientific director of the Prinses Máxima Center: 'We are grateful to KiKa for once again making an important contribution to funding our research. I would also like to expressly thank the many KiKa donors, because KiKa can do all of this thanks to their financial contributions! With this strong financial foundation, we can continue and accelerate our research. In recent years, the establishment and expansion of various research facilities and groups and the establishment of international partnerships have made leading scientific research possible. With the extended basic funding, we are building on this.'
Jakolien van Eijk, general director of KiKa: 'I am proud and happy that our collaboration with the Máxima is entering a new phase. Like the center, KiKa has continued to grow in recent years. Thanks to our donors, we have the opportunity to expand our financial support to the Máxima Center. This is incredibly important, because only in this way can we accelerate the realization of our joint ambitions.'
KiKa and the Máxima
From the very first moment, KiKa has supported the realization of a single national pediatric oncology center of international excellence. In addition to money for research programs, KiKa has realized part of the assets for the center's new building. In addition, it raised funds for furnishings and equipment for research in the new building. Basic funding for the Máxima began in 2016.