About The Symphony of Us

The Symphony of Us brings innovation to Belgian cancer research. The project is a first step towards achieving a more optimised ecosystem that provides more value to patients. It is a symphony of change in which every patient, researcher and health care provider plays an essential role.

How it started

In 2020, the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) took an in-depth look at the cancer research system by conducting interviews with patients, health care providers, researchers, investors and policymakers. A fragmented landscape emerged with no organisation with a complete overview, just different parties owning different pieces of the puzzle.

To improve the system, stakeholders worked out a shared vision focused on the concept of ‘patient value’. At this time, this concept remains underexplored in the cancer research system.

The Symphony of Us aims to create an environment that encourages behavioural change and critical thinking. This is a crucial step towards the solid foundation needed to initiate change at all levels. And just like in an orchestra, every person is needed to create a harmonious symphony.

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"With The Symphony of Us, the King Baudouin Foundation offers a neutral and safe place where every voice counts."

Sofie Bekaert, Head of Programme Health for King Baudouin Foundation

In-depth research project

The Symphony of Us research team explores the concept of ‘patient value’ while conducting active research to keep in touch with everyday reality. Conceptual and active research will continuously reinforce each other. The team works closely with people active in the field to explore three key areas:

Encouraging patients, health care professionals and researchers to collectively set the agenda for cancer research in Belgium. This inclusive approach ensures that research priorities align with the needs and viewpoints of all stakeholders.
The research perspective explores the value perceived by patients and studies the unmet needs in cancer research.
We want to understand the entire cancer research and care process by focusing attention on all aspects related to the patient. The goal is to improve support for patients and emphasise coaching strategies for better outcomes and overall well-being in addition to medical care.

The Symphony of Us strives to improve the cancer research system so that value for every patient is paramount. We achieve this with a systems approach that actively involves all key actors and combines theory and practice.

Our partners

The Symphony of Us is a collaboration between several research institutes.

Want to be part of this harmonious symphony?

Join us… so that we can achieve much more together.

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An initative of the King Baudouin Foundation

The mission of the King Baudouin Foundation is to contribute to building a better society in Belgium, Europe, and elsewhere in the world. The Foundation is an actor for change and innovation, serving the public interest and increasing social cohesion. We endeavor to maximize our impact through capacity building among organizations and people who contribute to building a better society.

More about the King Baudouin Foundation