DKTK Facts and Figures

(as of 2025)

The DKTK is a joint long-term initiative of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR; formerly the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BMBF), the participating federal states, and the DKFZ.

It was established in October 2012 as one of the German Centers for Health Research (DZGs).

More than 1,000 scientists and support staff are engaged in the DKTK. Approximately 310 DKTK employees are employed by the DKFZ.

A key task of the DKTK is the promotion of early-career researchers in the field of translational cancer research. Around 29% of the scientific staff are therefore doctoral candidates.

The DKTK is funded through an institutional funding model.

Since 2021, the joint funding budget has steadily increased from approximately €5.6 million to €9.1 million per year.
 

Illustration des DKTK Budgets
DKTK Budget 2025 © DKTK


Distribution of DKTK scientific staff by career stage: Early-career researchers account for more than 70% of the total scientific personnel.

Diagram of Distribution of DKTK’s research staff
Distribution of DKTK’s research staff © DKTK

 

Diagramm zur Entwicklung der Beschäftigtenzahlen
Numbers of employees since 2018 © DKTK