14th DKTK Joint Funding Call 2026

The 14th Call for Proposals within the DKTK Joint Funding Program is open. 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.

Timeline:

  • Submission of a Short Proposal by February 17, 2026 (13:00 CET) via the DKTK Application Portal (DKFZ UserID required for login) 
  • Applicants of positively evaluated Short Proposals will be invited to submit a Full Proposal by May 12, 2026 (13:00 CET)
  • Start date for selected and funded projects: Q1 2027

More information and FAQs can be accessed via the DKTK Intranet. 

Login issues: In case you experience problems with your login, please contact Heidrun Binder (dktkitadmin@dkfz.de, +49 6221 42-2278/-2302).

If you have questions about the Call or need more information, please contact the DKTK Coordination Office via  dktk-jointfunding@dkfz-heidelberg.de  or + 49 6221 42 1697 (Sandra Morandell-Eberl).