Promotion of Translational Talents within the Framework of the National Strategy

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) commissioned the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) in 2023 to develop a National Strategy for Gene and Cell-Based Therapies (GCT). Around 150 experts from various stakeholder groups collaborated to create the paper and develop a roadmap to improve healthcare and strengthen Germany's position in the field of gene and cell-based therapies. These innovative therapies offer promising possibilities for treating severe and rare diseases, as they are tailored to individual patients.

The measures of the National Strategy aim, among other things, to accelerate the translation of research results into clinical practice and to strengthen Germany's international competitiveness in the field of GCT. Two specific funding formats have already been initiated: Firstly, targeted project funding according to the SPARK method recognizes and promotes projects based on their translational value. Secondly, a novel national tandem program supports the development of know-how and the national and sectoral networking of research-active clinical and non-clinical scientists.

Two scientist with lab coats, masks and hair nets look at a microscope slide. There is a microscope in the front — © Getty Images | skynesher

Promotion of Translational Talents: national Translational Tandem Program for Gene and Cell based Therapies (nTTP-GCT)

The national Translational Tandem Program for Gene und Cell based Therapies (nTTP-GCT) is an innovative program of interactions between Junior Clinician Scientists and Translational Scientists, designed and implemented by the BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy (BIA).

The aim of the new national funding line is to build and expand translational skills in a targeted manner. The funding is intended to help give clinical and non-clinical scientists time for research (“protected time”). At the same time, it aims to improve Germany-wide interaction between stakeholders involved in training, career development, and research and development, such as academia and industry, and to network the German GCT community more closely.

The funding is as follows: Tandems - consisting of a Junior Clinician Scientist (JCS; research-active physician during her/his residency) and a Translational Scientist (TS; scientist who works on a medically relevant research project and who is not involved in patient care) - will work together (complementarily) on a translational project in the GCT area and actively participate in GCT competence and network building. During the two-year funding period, they will receive support with regard to a) their job funding with secured research time (up to 50%), b) funding for project-relevant travel, c) funding of consumables, and d) training and networking activities.

Calls for Proposals

The pilot call for proposals was published from October 1st to November 7th, 2024. The selection process has been completed and funding for the nine selected tandems started in spring 2025.

The second call for proposals was published on June 26^th, 2025.
Applications must be submitted by August 22nd, 2025, 12:00 (CET).

The current call for proposals, online consultation hours offered and all application documents are published here on the website of the DLR Projektträger.