Photo credit: Jorunn Valle Nilsen, the Norwegian Cancer Society

Jon Kirknes (Kreftforeningen) joins our board

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The latest addition to the board of Oslo Cancer Cluster is Jon Kirknes from the Norwegian Cancer Society.

Jon Kirknes, Head of Department for Analysis and Politics at the Norwegian Cancer Society, has joined the board of Oslo Cancer Cluster in 2022.

“I am very glad that I have been given this opportunity and I think that Oslo Cancer Cluster’s vision is very good. I am looking forward to working together with very competent board members and partners in helping patients – by accelerating the development of innovative cancer treatments,” Kirknes said.

Jon Kirknes has previously worked in the Department for Cancer Research, Prevention and Cancer Care in the Norwegian Cancer Society. Before that, he worked at the Norwegian Defence University College with Higher Education and Research. He brings wide experience in political advocacy, organizational development, and leadership.

Fighting cancer together

It is fitting that the board includes a representative from the Norwegian Cancer Society. Besides being a member of Oslo Cancer Cluster, the Norwegian Cancer Society shares similar goals for cancer in Norway.

“We work continuously to improve society’s attitude to the prevention and treatment of cancer. We fight cancer locally, nationally, and globally through research and preventive measures, information, support, advice and lobbying. Consideration for cancer patients and their needs will be central in my efforts to achieve Oslo Cancer Cluster’s goals and I see many areas of collaboration,” Kirknes said.

Some of the central issues Kirknes is working for are:

  • Early detection and access to treatment methods and personalized medicine.
  • Clinical trials as part of treatment.
  • Seamless treatment and care, including better infrastructure and coherent medical records, digitalization and development of welfare technology.
  • EU’s Mission on Cancer in Horizon Europe.
  • Public health in all sectors, with emphasis on genetics and the environment.

Partnership perspectives

Kirknes hopes he can help Oslo Cancer Cluster identify novel collaboration opportunities.

“The Norwegian Cancer Society reaches a broader audience through cooperation with others.  I hope to bring in our ‘partnership-perspective’ and experience in working with other patient associations and other cancer organizations, public institutions, researchers, healthcare organizations, foundations and businesses – to give Oslo Cancer Cluster new learning opportunities, so we can achieve greater visibility, raise Oslo Cancer Cluster’s profile, promote learning and development, and bring forward synergies that such collaboration can facilitate.”

 

About Jon Kirknes

Jon Kirknes is Head of Department for Analysis and Politics at the Norwegian Cancer Society (NCS) – one of the largest organizations in Norway representing the voices of those affected by cancer. Previously he headed the department for Cancer Research, Prevention and Cancer care. Before Kirknes joined NCS he worked at The Norwegian Defence University College with higher education and research. He has wide experience in political advocacy, organizational development and leadership.

Today, Kirknes is also board member at Gemini Centre for Sepsis Research, member of The Union for International Cancer Control’s (UICC)  Taskforce group on Antimicrobial resistance and member of the Norwegian Directorate of Health’s User Council, who promotes the user perspective in strategically important matters and processes in the Directorate.