Cancer Research Academy

The DKFZ Cancer Research Academy (CRA) unites our academic training programs and promotes young scientists at the national and international level.

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The image shows a banner for the DKFZ International PhD Program titled “Winter Selection 2028/27.” It features graphic elements, including a microscopic image and a human eye. At the bottom is the application deadline: “October 15, 2028.”

Apply now for the International PhD Program

Are you looking for excellent research opportunities for your PhD studies at the forefront of basic, epidemiological, computational or translational Cancer Research? Join our more than 500 PhD students at the German Cancer Research Center to unravel the causes of cancer development and develop novel tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention!
Apply now

Missi­on

The DKFZ Cancer Research Academy offers special programs to support outstanding research talent. In an international, diverse, and interdisciplinary environment, the brightest minds are trained and supported in cutting-edge cancer research.
To help them achieve scientific independence, the Academy offers its fellows customized and career-specific training and continuing education opportunities, including a strong network of national and international partners and DKFZ alumni.

Image description: A structured chart representing the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy. It lists various educational roles: Master Students, PhD Students, Postdoctoral Researchers, Junior Research Group Leaders, Medical Students, Medical Doctoral Students, Clinician Scientists, and Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Leaders, with sections for advanced training and entrepreneurship.

Our programs

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Major Cancer Biology (MSc)

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DKFZ International PhD Program

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Clinician Scientist Program

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International Postdoc Program

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Junior Research Groups

Fünf Porträts von Personen in runden Rahmen. Die Namen Areeba Patel, Chin Leng Tan, Christina Stengl, Catarina da Silva Pechincha und Dirk Hoffmann sind unter den jeweiligen Bildern angeordnet.

Congratulations to the 2025 Richtzenhain Doctoral Prize Winners!

Congratulations to the 2025 Richtzenhain Doctoral Prize Awardees: Dirk Hoffmann, Areeba Patel, Catarina Pechincha, Christina Stengl and Chin Leng Tan. Find out more about the Richtzenhain Doctoral Prize and the research projects of the 2025 winners via the link below.
Richtzenhain Doctoral Prize

Mailing list

Are you interested in receiving information about open positions within our programs? Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss an application call from the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy!
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Get in touch with us

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Dr. Katharina Schuh

Coordination Cancer Research Academy
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Prof. Dr. Duncan Odom

Director Cancer Research Academy
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