Professor Hanneke W.M. van Laarhoven is a distinguished medical oncologist and researcher specializing in gastrointestinal cancers. Born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, she holds a unique background with degrees in Medicine and Religious Studies from Catholic University Nijmegen, and two PhDs in Medical Oncology and Religious Studies. As the Ambassador for the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) route "Personalised Medicine: The Individual at the Centre," she is spearheading efforts to revolutionize healthcare through personalized approaches. 

Currently serving as Professor of Translational Medical Oncology at the University of Amsterdam and Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Amsterdam University Medical Center, van Laarhoven's work embodies the intersection of research, clinical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.  Her research focuses on translational oncology, particularly upper GI cancers, and she leads multiple multi-center clinical trials. She has established a large biobank for esophagogastric and pancreatic cancer research. 

Van Laarhoven's contributions to the field are significant, with over 600 peer-reviewed publications and supervision of more than 30 PhD students and research assistants from diverse backgrounds. Her expertise in translational oncology, particularly in upper GI cancers, aligns perfectly with the goals of personalized medicine.