# Clinical Research Units (KFO) — Establishment/Renewal

**Funder:** DFG
**Duration:** Up to 8 years (two 4-year funding periods)
**Consortium:** Required — multi-researcher network based at university hospitals; tied to a single location
**Application:** 2-stage: draft proposal (written review) → establishment proposal (panel meeting)
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/coordinated-programmes/clinical-research-units
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds disease- or patient-oriented (translational) clinical research networks at German university hospitals. Must include a Clinician Scientist Programme, structured doctoral integration, and cooperation between clinicians and basic researchers. Location-bound; international projects only in justified exceptional cases.

## Summary

The DFG Clinical Research Units (KFO) programme funds disease- or patient-oriented research networks at German university hospitals, with support up to €3-5 million over two successive four-year periods. Applicants must establish a multi-site consortium including clinicians, basic researchers, and a dedicated Clinician Scientist Programme to train doctoral researchers. Rolling submission means draft proposals can be submitted at any time, moving to a two-stage review process with written evaluation followed by a competitive panel meeting.

## Who should apply

- Clinician-scientist teams at German university hospital institutions
- Networks combining clinical and fundamental researchers (consortium required)
- Disease- or patient-oriented translational research with clear clinical relevance
- Groups committed to structured doctoral training and mentorship
- Location-bound projects centred on a single university hospital

## Key dates

- Rolling submission, draft proposals accepted at any time
- Two-stage review: written assessment of draft proposal, then panel evaluation of establishment proposal
- Eight-year funding period (two consecutive 4-year cycles)

## Tips for applicants

- The Clinician Scientist Programme is mandatory and heavily weighted; structure it as a core pillar, not an add-on. Panel evaluators assess training infrastructure first.
- Draft proposals must clearly map the network topology and define decision-making across partner institutions; vague consortia are rejected before the panel stage.
- Location-bound requirement is rigid for domestic proposals; if international collaboration is essential, justify it explicitly and expect scrutiny.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the DFG Clinical Research Units grant fund?

DFG KFO awards typically range from €3-5 million over two consecutive four-year periods (eight years total), though exact amounts depend on network scope and institutional arrangement.

### Who can apply for a DFG Clinical Research Unit?

Multi-researcher consortia at German university hospitals combining clinicians and basic researchers with a mandatory Clinician Scientist Programme for doctoral training.

### What is the two-stage review process for KFO?

First stage: a written peer review of the draft proposal; second stage: shortlisted proposals proceed to a competitive panel meeting where funding decisions are finalised.

### Can international researchers join a DFG Clinical Research Unit?

The KFO is location-bound to a single German university hospital; international collaboration is permitted only in justified exceptional cases and requires explicit justification.

### Is the DFG KFO a rolling call?

Yes, draft proposals may be submitted at any time; there is no fixed deadline.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-clinical-research-units-kfo-establishment-renewal-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.