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, 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.

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 Dean: Prof. Dr. Thomas Efferth Ombudsman: Prof. Dr. Lutz Gissmann P.h.D. representative: DKFZ P.h.D. student council