GRASSHOPPER & Máxima Butterfly Training School 2026

New Treatment Options for Pediatric Cancers

2–4 November 2026 | Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology | Utrecht, The Netherlands

The GRASSHOPPER Consortium and the Máxima Butterfly Consortium are delighted to invite researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and innovators to the first GRASSHOPPER & Máxima Butterfly Training School 2026.

Over the course of three inspiring days, participants will explore the latest developments in pediatric cancer research, translational medicine, immunotherapy, drug development, scientific creativity, research integrity, wellbeing, and societal impact.

This unique programme has been designed to go beyond traditional scientific conferences. Alongside cutting-edge scientific lectures from internationally renowned experts, participants will engage in interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and creative workshops aimed at stimulating new ideas, collaborations, and future innovations in pediatric oncology.

Why Participate?

Learn from Leading Experts

Hear from internationally recognized speakers from academia, industry, and patient advocacy, including:

• Hubert Caron (formerly Roche-Genentech)
• Tanja de Gruijl (Amsterdam UMC)
• Jan Molenaar (Princess Máxima Center)
• Stefan Nierkens (Princess Máxima Center)
• Ruben van Boxtel (Princess Máxima Center)
• Leona Knox (Solving Kids’ Cancer UK)
• Pieter Govers (AP Hogeschool Antwerp)
• Jan Hoeijmakers (Princess Máxima Center)

Experience the Night Science Workshop

A special highlight of the programme is the internationally acclaimed Night Science Workshop, developed by Itai Yanai and Martin Lercher.

While traditional “Day Science” focuses on data, analysis, and hypothesis testing, Night Science explores the creative processes that often lead to breakthrough discoveries. Through highly interactive exercises, participants will learn how to stimulate creativity, develop innovative research ideas, and approach scientific challenges from entirely new perspectives.

Explore the Future of Pediatric Cancer Treatment

The programme will showcase emerging treatment strategies and technologies, including:

• Novel targeted therapies
• Immunotherapy and immune monitoring
• Translational cancer research
• Drug development from industry to academia
• Genomic technologies and precision medicine

Develop Essential Research Skills

In addition to scientific content, participants will engage with topics such as:

• Scientific integrity
• Wellbeing and resilience
• Preventing burnout
• Societal impact of research
• Patient and family engagement

Registration

Participation in the Training School is free of charge.

Travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of participants. However, GRASSHOPPER consortium funding may be available through your institution. Participants are encouraged to discuss funding possibilities with their local GRASSHOPPER institutional contact person before registering.

A list of institutional contact persons can be found on the GRASSHOPPER Portal.

Event Details

📅 Date: 2–4 November 2026
📍 Location: Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Register Now

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to GRASSHOPPER secondees.

After submitting your registration, your application will be reviewed by the GRASSHOPPER Coordination Team. Participants will subsequently receive a confirmation of participation, together with practical information regarding the event and logistics.

Registration Link: https://www.formdesk.com/prinsesmaximacentrum/Grasshopper_Training_School_2026

Provisional Programme: https://surfdrive.surf.nl/s/7zxbBbP5mpbYSNC

We look forward to welcoming you to Utrecht for three days of science, creativity, collaboration, and innovation in pediatric cancer research.

The Máxima Butterfly and GRASSHOPPER Staff Exchange projects are funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme under grant agreements No. 101081481 and No. 101182922, respectively.