German Cancer Research Center

German cancer research organization

The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is a prominent biomedical research institute located in Heidelberg, Germany. It is one of the leading cancer research centers in the world, dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and to developing innovative strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

History

The DKFZ was founded in 1964 by the German Federal Government and the State of Baden-Württemberg. Since its inception, the center has grown significantly, both in terms of size and scientific impact. The DKFZ is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, which is the largest scientific organization in Germany.

Research Areas

The DKFZ conducts research across a wide range of topics related to cancer. These include:

• Cancer Biology: Investigating the molecular and cellular basis of cancer.
• Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention: Studying the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to cancer risk.
• Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: Developing new strategies to harness the immune system to fight cancer.
• Cancer Imaging and Radiology: Advancing imaging techniques to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics: Exploring the genetic and epigenetic changes that drive cancer.

Facilities

The DKFZ is located in the Neuenheimer Feld area of Heidelberg, which is a major hub for scientific research and education. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities that support cutting-edge research.

DKFZ main building in Heidelberg

Collaborations

The DKFZ collaborates with numerous national and international research institutions, universities, and hospitals. It is part of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) in Heidelberg, which is a joint initiative with the University Hospital Heidelberg.

Education and Training

The DKFZ is committed to training the next generation of cancer researchers. It offers a variety of educational programs, including PhD programs, postdoctoral fellowships, and training for medical students and clinicians.

Public Engagement

The DKFZ actively engages with the public to raise awareness about cancer and the importance of research. It organizes public lectures, open days, and other outreach activities.

DKFZ campus in Neuenheimer Feld

Related pages

• Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
• Heidelberg University
• National Center for Tumor Diseases