German Cancer Research Center
The German Cancer Research Center (known as the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum or simply DKFZ in German), is a national cancer research center based in Heidelberg, Germany. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the largest scientific organization in Germany.
History
The establishment of a national cancer research center in Germany was initiated by Heidelberg surgeon Professor Karl Heinrich Bauer. The DKFZ was set up in 1964 by resolution of the State government of Baden-Wuerttemberg as a foundation under public law. In 1975, the Center became a member of the Association of National Research Centers.
The AGF was transformed into the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers in 1995. The Center has also been a member of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) since 1977.
Research
There are seven Research Programs at the DKFZ:
- Cell Biology and Tumor Biology
- Structural and Functional Genomics
- Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
- Tumor Immunology
- Innovative Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy
- Infection and Cancer
- Translational Cancer Research
A Graduate and an undergraduate student program are present at the DKFZ.
Cooperation with other partners
A result of successful cooperation of the German Cancer Research Center with other partners is the first new building for "The National Center for Tumor Diseases" (NCT) in Heidelberg. The project was commissioned by the German Cancer Aid with 29 Million Euro, as it was officially announced at the opening celebration on November 2, 2010 with Germany’s Minister of Health, Dr. Philipp Roesler (Berlin). The modern new building is located on the campus of Heidelberg University Hospitals.
The NCT is a joint project of Heidelberg University Hospitals, Thorax Clinic Heidelberg, the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and the German Cancer Aid, founded by the late "First Lady", doctor Mildred Scheel. “NCT’s new building offers ideal conditions for translating current research results into clinical practice,” said Professor Dr. Otmar Wiestler, DKFZ’s Scientific Director, at the opening. “Its two strong partners, the German Cancer Research Center and Heidelberg University Hospitals, provide the best basis for this.”
External links
Coordinates: 49°24′50″N 8°40′19″E / 49.414°N 8.672°E