Cancer Biology

Although tremendous effort has been invested in the fight against cancer and considerable improvement has been made in therapeutic options over the past years, this disease still remains one of the major causes of death. It is thus of paramount importance to put further efforts into better understanding the biology of cancer and into developing means to improve diagnosis and therapy. Thus with the aim of promoting teaching and research in Cancer Biology, the Faculty of Biosciences and the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) have launched a Major in "Cancer Biology". This Major is an integrative part of the Master Program "Molecular Biosciences" of the Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg and offers comprehensive training in cancer research for graduate students.
M.Sc. Degree and Ph.D. Program

A M.Sc. degree in "Molecular Biosciences" with a major in "Cancer Biology" qualifies for participation in Ph.D. programs in Germany and worldwide. The DKFZ maintains an International Ph.D. Program, which hosts about 300 Ph.D. students, who perform their theses in seven fields of research. This doctorate program attracts outstanding and highly talented Ph.D. students. A special feature of the program is the high accumulation of internationally reputed scientists and excellent research groups at DKFZ.

Scientists at DKFZ systematically investigate the mechanisms of cancer development and progression and evaluate risk factors. Novel findings are exploited in translational research aimed at developing improved strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

The DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) is a foundation under public law and is a member of the Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers (Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren). In addition, the Center is part of the cooperative association of the Tumor Center Heidelberg/Mannheim.

The Organigram gives an overview of its organization. The Research Divisions and Groups are arranged according to Research Programs (currently seven), whose scientific objectives and funding follow the general Research Programs of the Helmholtz Association.

Many DKFZ scientists are professors or lecturers at the University of Heidelberg, which is one of the world's top-ranking locations of international science and scholarship, particularly in biomedical sciences. As Germany's oldest seat of higher learning, it can look back on a 600-year tradition. Heidelberg's prominence is uncontested in many fields, both nationally and internationally.

Together with its strong partners, the Major "Cancer Biology" plays an active role in shaping the future in cancer research by offering students innovative research-oriented teaching and thus educating the decision makers of tomorrow.

cancer
early symptom of lung
bladder cancer symptom
sign of colon cancer
blood cancer