Willem Overwijk
About Willem Overwijk
Willem Overwijk serves as the Vice President of Oncology Research at Nektar Therapeutics, where he focuses on translating novel ImmunoOncology targets into clinical trials. He has extensive experience in oncology research, having held various academic and research positions at institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Netherlands Cancer Institute.
Current Role at Nektar Therapeutics
Willem Overwijk serves as the Vice President of Oncology Research at Nektar Therapeutics, a position he has held since 2018. In this role, he leads multi-functional teams focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. His leadership emphasizes productivity and career development, fostering an environment conducive to innovation in oncology research.
Previous Experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Overwijk has an extensive history with MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he worked in various capacities from 2004 to 2018. He served as an Assistant Professor from 2004 to 2010, then as an Associate Professor until 2016, and finally as a Professor for two years. His work at this institution contributed significantly to advancements in cancer research and therapeutics.
Educational Background
Willem Overwijk completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences from 1998 to 2000. Prior to that, he earned a Master of Science in Medical Biology from Universiteit Utrecht from 1990 to 1994. His foundational education began at Christelijk College Nassau Veluwe, where he completed high school from 1984 to 1990.
Research Specialization and Mentorship
Overwijk specializes in the discovery, acquisition, and development of novel therapeutics, with a strong focus on translating ImmunoOncology targets into clinical trials. He is known for his role as a mentor, fostering connections within the scientific community and supporting the development of emerging researchers in the field.
Career at National Cancer Institute and Netherlands Cancer Institute
Before his tenure at MD Anderson, Overwijk worked at the National Cancer Institute as an Adjunct Investigator from 1995 to 2000. He also served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Netherlands Cancer Institute from 2001 to 2004. These roles contributed to his extensive expertise in cancer research and therapeutics.