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Clinical Research Units
In Brief
Clinical Research Units
Purpose
To fund research associations in disease- or patient-oriented (translational) clinical research and the long-term implementation of scientific working groups in clinical institutions
Eligibility Requirements
Outstanding researchersProposal Requirements
Scientific quality and originality of the research project at an international level
Clinical problems, incorporation of clinical material and potentially of clinical pilot studies with a topical focus on translational research with a patient-oriented approach and the investigation of disease mechanisms
Clear backing by the medical school of the establishment and support of the Clinical Research Unit and willingness to bear a share of the cost of financing it
Boost the development of the scientific profile of the university/medical school
Create and boost research-oriented structures in hospitals
Intensify cooperation between scientists engaged in basic research and clinicians.
Establish and/or strengthen training structures in clinical research.
Type and Extent of Funding
Clinical Research Units can include the following funding modules, some of which are required:
- Scientific (coordinated) projects
- The establishment of a Research Chair, the holder of which assumes the scientific and organisational leadership of the Clinical Research Unit
- Fixed-term leave/rotational positions (“gerok” positions)
- Promoting young researchers
- Independent junior research groups in accordance with the terms of the Emmy Noether Programme
- Flexible funding to compensate for family leave
- Other staff positions
- Fellowship programme
- Transfer projects
- Coordination funding and positions
Funding Duration
As a rule, up to six years (under certain circumstance up to eight years)
Proposal Deadlines
New proposals: no submission deadline, draft proposals may be submitted at any time. Decisions on first-time funding for Research Units are made by the DFG's Senate four times per year.
Renewal proposals: six months before the approved funds are exhausted
