Robert Friesen, Ph.D. is Co-Founder and CSO at Avidicure B.V. Avidicure is active in the field of immuno-oncology, developing AVC Boosters: multi-specific antibodies that boost unique TME-resistant hyperfunctional NK cells, driving activation of the full immune system and providing broad anti-tumor responses. Avidicure aims to provide a new and innovative platform allowing for development of products for a multitude of hematologic cancers and solid tumors. Previously, Robert was CSO at Kiadis Pharma B.V. a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ‘off-the-shelf’, NK cell-therapies, that was acquired by Sanofi in 2021. Prior to Kiadis, Robert served as CSO of Ablynx, and VP and Head of Biologics Research within Janssen R&D, a Johnson&Johnsen company. During his tenure, Robert led a global team of more than 200 scientists responsible for the discovery and early development of biotherapeutics for all therapeutic areas. Before joining Janssen R&D, Robert held senior R&D positions at AM-Pharma, MorphoSys and Crucell. Robert has authored a number of publications in high impact scientific journals, and participated in numerous invited lectures. He has also been awarded multiple patents in biotechnology. Robert earned a M.S. in Biology from the University of Utrecht, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, at the University of Texas Medical Branch.