News 2026

In July 2026, Dr. Andres Cordova from Clínica Alemana Santiago de Chile (CAS) visited the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg.

During his visit, he met with colleagues from the Nuclear Medicine department to discuss current research topics. A particular highlight was an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Siemens Quadra PET-CT at DKFZ and the associated possibilities of dynamic imaging. Additionally, potential new projects and ideas for collaboration between the two institutes were discussed.

As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Cordova was particularly interested in the state-of-the-art irradiation devices at DKFZ (ETHOS) and Heidelberg University Hospital (Radixact). He exchanged views with colleagues on the indications for which these devices offer particular advantages.

Furthermore, he used the visit for a meeting with colleagues to share experiences—including with Prof. Oliver Jäkel and Prof. Heinz Schlemmer. 

A big thank you to all young researchers from Heidelberg and the Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) for their excellent contributions to the 64th Annual Conference of the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group (PTCOG), taking place from June 8 to 13, 2026 in Deauville, France. HIRO was represented by presentations from Heidelberg University Hospital, the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Centre (HIT) and the two DKFZ Divisions Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology (Head: Prof. Jäkel) and Biomedical Physics in Radiation Oncology (Head: Prof. Seco). 

The registration for the Hybrid Courses in the Field of Particle Therapy is open from April 27 to Sep. 24, 2026. The courses are aimed to physicians and Medical Physics Experts (MPE) who want to gain the “Fachkunde Partikeltherapie”. Furthermore, national and international students and scientists are welcome to register as well. 

We are happy to offer free course participation to a limited number of participants. More information about the courses, the registration and the free course participation is available here. 

We were very happy to welcome ca. 40 students from schools around Heidelberg for the Particle Therapy Masterclass (PTMC) 2026 that took place at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg on March 13, 2026. The event was aimed at students and teachers and covered physical and radiobiological fundamentals of particle therapy. The students learnt how radiotherapy can be optimized using the software matRad, an open-source software developed at DKFZ. Guided by Prof. Jäkel, the group could also virtually visit the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center to get further insights on radiotherapy with particles. The tour consists of 360-degree photos so that participants can explore the facility virtually. The day was concluded by a Zoom Session with other schools e.g. from Marocco and Algeria to exchange their results, created with matRad. 

A big thank you to our speakers Prof. Seco, Prof. Jäkel, Dr. Wahl and Dr. Hardt for their inspiring talks and interactive sessions and to Elpida Theodoridou for moderating the final Zoom Session. We would also thank Dr. Yiota Foka and Nermine Muradi, the core team of all PTMCs 2026. 

The registration for our 7th Summer School in Medical Physics 2026 about  “3D Printing Techniques and Concepts” is now open. You can register by July 31, 2026. The summer school is aimed at students (BSc, MSc, PhD, MD) and young scientists with a background in medical physics, physics, medical technology or similar fields. It consists of an approximately five-week online phase (Aug. 24 - Sep. 27, 2026), followed by a hybrid attendance phase from 28 September to 2 October 2026. 

Participants can submit abstracts to present their research during our science slam or the poster session. Further information is available at www.dkfz.de/summer_school2026 .

On March 13, 2026, the Particle Therapy Masterclass will take place at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. The event is aimed at students and teachers from schools and will cover the physical and radiobiological fundamentals of particle therapy. Registrations are organized through schools only.

The program includes lectures on particle therapy and practical exercises on radiation planning using the matRad software. In addition, a virtual tour of the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) will provide a brief insight into the center. The program is available here.

The masterclass is part of the International Particle Therapy Master Class Program, which is organized under the leadership of CERN.