DKTK Ambassador Program – Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

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In 2025, the German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, DKTK) launched the Ambassador Programme as an outreach initiative of the School of Oncology. It is aimed at Fellows and other committed researchers from across the entire DKTK network. The programme seeks to spark interest in science already during school and university education and to inspire young people through personal encounters with active scientists to pursue a scientific career, particularly in translational cancer research.

DKTK School of Oncology Fellows and further DKTK researchers conduct school visits and outreach activities in order to

  • provide insights into current topics in cancer research,
  • present academic and professional career pathways in science,
  • share personal experiences and their individual motivations for working in cancer research, and
  • convey the importance of translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The programme leverages the impact of personal role models: direct encounters with active researchers foster realistic insights into scientific working practices and support career orientation. Early exposure to science helps to question stereotypes, strengthen self-confidence, and pave the way for a potential future career in research. Outreach activities may also specifically address underrepresented groups, thereby promoting diversity in science.

The programme creates added value on multiple levels:
Ambassadors further develop their competencies in science communication and teaching. Pupils and university students gain authentic insights into everyday research practice, develop new curiosity for scientific topics, and become acquainted with diverse career paths. Teachers receive up-to-date impulses for their teaching and establish connections with research institutions.
In this way, the DKTK Ambassador Programme makes an important contribution to fostering the next generation of scientists and to ensuring the long-term visibility of translational cancer research in society.