Funding innovative approaches in cancer research
External calls for proposals
Here you will find current external calls for proposals for funding programs in oncology
Do you need the knowledge of patient experts?
Are you involved in research in Bavaria or do you manage a project and need a suitable patient expert?
We can help.
Please fill out the service request and send it to geschaeftsstelle@bzkf.de.
Please also note the checklist for working with patient experts.
External call for proposal
Call for Proposals on “Clinical Studies of High Relevance to Patient Care” by the BMFTR dated June 1, 2026
In the first stage of the procedure, project outlines must be submitted to the project management agency in written and/or electronic form by September 2, 2026, at the latest.
In connection with Module 3: Conceptual Phases with Active Patient Involvement, we would like to draw your attention to the BZKF Patient Expert Pool (PEP).
Further information on the active involvement of patient representatives, as well as on the application and participation process, can be found at the following link: bzkf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Handzettel_Worfklow_PEP-Anfrage.pdf
Information on the call for proposals
4th Wilko Weichert Grant
In memory of Wilko Weichert (1970–2023), the DKTK Partner Site Munich offers funding for clinicians and medical scientists to focus on an interdisciplinary research topic in translational oncology. Wilko Weichert cared deeply about the following three key points, which are therefore the focus of the 4th WILKO WEICHERT GRANT:
- Interdisciplinary
- Promoting Young Talents / Nachwuchsfördernd
- Across the Isar
The grant amount of 30,000 EUR can be used for protected research time and/or research funding (lab consumables or sequencing) from December 2026 to October 2027.
Application deadline: July 15, 2026
Else Kröner Excellence Fellowships 2026
For established physician-researchers
The application process is a single-stage process. Applications can be submitted via the online application portal until July 31, 2026.
Information on the Call for Applications
Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professorships 2026
The call for applications consists of two stages: Applications may be submitted via email to antrag-wissenschaft@ekfs.de until June 1, 2026.
Information on the call for applications
Else Kröner Re-entry Grant for Researching Physicians 2026
The goal of the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation’s call for applications is to enable highly qualified physicians in clinical practice and research to effectively return to work and continue their promising careers following an extended period of family or caregiving leave, through flexible and individually tailored funding. To this end, the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation is offering up to three grants for the year 2026.
Information on the call for applications
DFG Equal Opportunity
Measures to promote the careers of female scientists
Against the backdrop of the nationwide underrepresentation and the continuing structural disadvantage of female scientists at the management level, career advancement measures for female scientists can currently be funded through the lump-sum grant for equal opportunity measures.
DFG - Walter Benjamin Program
The Walter Benjamin Program enables female and male researchers in the postdoctoral phase following their doctorate to independently carry out their own research project at a location of their choice.
The project can be carried out at a research institution in Germany or abroad, with the host institution providing support for the project.
German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) – DEGRO Awards
Each year, DEGRO Awards for outstanding scientific achievements are presented during the DEGRO Annual Congress. The awardees are selected by a jury responsible for the respective award.
Information on the Call for Applications
Current calls for proposals from German Cancer Aid
Funding priority "Translational Oncology" to further support collaborative, translational cancer research projects at Interdisciplinary Oncology Centers of Excellence and Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
Mildred Scheel Postdoctoral Program for projects in the field of cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
Mildred Scheel Doctoral Program for the completion of outstanding scientific doctoral theses in cancer research within a recognized research laboratory.
Max Eder Junior Research Group Program to support early-career researchers in the field of clinical/clinically oriented oncology.
Mildred Scheel Professorship: Support for early-career researchers in clinically oriented basic oncology research/clinical cancer research.
Short-Term Fellowship for short-term national and international research stays.
Call for Proposals: Emmy Noether Groups “Methods of Artificial Intelligence”
Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Foundation
The CNV Foundation supports outstanding female scientists in the fields of experimental natural sciences and basic medical research who are also raising children.
Apply by November 30th each year
Information on the call
Fellowships and Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim Fund
Programs for junior scientists: Travel Grants, PhD and MD fellowships
Information on the call
DAAD: Research grants for early-career scientists with a PhD (Postdoc Program) – Short-term grants
Short-term grants lasting three to six months
Information on the call for applications
Humboldt Research Fellowship
Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs and experienced researchers
