This programme is between rounds. The round described here has closed, and DFG has not announced the next one.
Rolling — draft and establishment proposals may be submitted at any time
DFG
Clinical Research Units (KFO) — Establishment/Renewal
Rolling — draft and establishment proposals may be submitted at any time
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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.
Details
| 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 |
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.
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.
Related on Grantsby
- DFG writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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