The establishment of Máxima International flows from the long-term strategy ‘Moving forward together’ of the Princess Máxima Center. From its outset, the Máxima Center has been committed not only to improving care for Dutch children with cancer, but also to making a difference worldwide. To this end, it is essential for the research hospital to establish collaborations with children's cancer centres and organisations abroad.
Accelerating the internationalisation of activities
Rob Pieters was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Princess Máxima Center, where he held the role of Chief Medical Officer from 2013 until 1 January 2025. With his new role as Chief Máxima International, the Princess Máxima Center aims to accelerate the internationalisation of its activities. International cooperation is essential in the care of children with cancer and research into childhood cancer, because every form of childhood cancer is rare.
Next phase in the development of the Princess Máxima Center
The importance of internationalisation in pediatric oncology care is evident and this step marks the next phase in the development of the Princess Máxima Center. Máxima International's responsibilities include realising its ambitions in terms of strategic Twinning partnerships and the treatment of international patients through the International Patient Office (IPO).
Help building strong paediatric oncology centres
Máxima International's policy is primarily aimed at improving care for children with cancer in the country where they live. Rob Pieters: ‘It is primarily about helping our international partner institutes build up into strong pediatric oncology centres. Think about training professionals, improving diagnostics and treatment protocols, registrations, clinical trials and scientific research. All this contributes to realising our mission more effectively, in the Netherlands and abroad. It is great that we can use our expertise not only for 600 Dutch children with cancer but also for the 25,000 European children who get cancer every year and even the 400,000 children worldwide.'
Organisational structure Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology
Rob Pieters will combine the role of CMI with his position as president of SIOP, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. As CMI, Pieters will be part of the Executive Committee of the Princess Máxima Center, along with the three members of the Máxima Center's board of directors. As of 1 February, the board consists of CFO/COO Gita Gallé, CSO René Medema and CMO Edward Nieuwenhuis.
