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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Open Calls!

The call for DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 is open!

Postdoc Fellowships - 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

Open Calls / Applications

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Richtzenhain Doctoral Prize 2025

The Richtzenhain Doctoral Prize honors outstanding doctoral dissertations in cancer research completed at Heidelberg University or affiliated institutes. Funded by the Walther and Christine Richtzenhain Foundation and awarded by the DKFZ, up to five €2,000 prizes are given every two years. Eligible applicants are doctoral students (Dr. rer. nat., Dr. sc. hum., Dr. med., or Dr.-Ing.) whose cancer research projects were completed with thesis defenses held between 15 July 2023 and 15 July 2025.
Apply now!

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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