14th DKTK Joint Funding Call 2026

The 14th Call for Proposals within the DKTK Joint Funding Program will open mid-January 2026. With this Joint Funding Call, DKTK aims to stimulate the interaction between DKTK partner sites, to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research, and to accelerate the translation and transfer of scientific discoveries in the areas of prevention, early detection, diagnosis and therapy into tangible outputs for patients. We are looking forward to receiving your proposals for collaborative translational research projects that focus on the translation and transfer of preclinical research results into medical application by supporting critical steps for the successful preparation of a clinical trial or transfer activities (e.g., medicinal products). 
This DKTK Joint Funding Call will support translational cancer research projects, which are driven by strong preliminary results and established proof-of concept, for up to 2 years in two areas: 

  • Pillar 1: Therapeutic Innovations 
  • Pillar 2: Diagnostic Innovations & Molecular Prevention 


At least two DKTK partner sites must be involved in the proposed innovative project. Maximum budget that can be requested per research project is 1.5 Mio €. 

Eligibility: DKTK Faculty, DKTK Investigators, and DKTK School of Oncology Fellows are invited to submit proposals. To be eligible for funding, applicants need to have their main employment at a DKTK partner institution. Non-DKTK researchers may contribute to the research project as external partners, but cannot apply for funding.

For more information, the Call Information Sheet and pdfs listing the requirements and details that will need to be provided for your Short Proposal can be downloaded here:

Upon opening of the Call in mid-January 2026, application will be possible via the DKTK Application Portal. For DKTK members, general information on the Call and FAQs are provided via the DKTK Intranet. General support for questions regarding the Call will be available from January 08, 2026.