Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, March 24, 2026 – The Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation (EKFS) has issued a call for proposals for its Else Kröner Research Schools in General Practice for the first time. This new initiative aims to support physicians wishing to carry out research during or shortly after completing their general practice training and thus to help bridge the gap between patient care and research. The foundation has earmarked a total of €1.5 million for the initiative. Two research schools will each receive €750,000 in funding, initially for three years, with the option of a three-year extension subject to a positive evaluation.
Integrating research into daily general practice
General practitioners are key to the delivery of primary care to the population. One major challenge in the further development of general practice is the distance between GP practices and the universities where general practice is taught and studied.
The EKFS seeks to bridge this gap with its new research schools. General practitioners will have the opportunity to conceive and implement their own research projects during or after their specialist training on topics such as disease progression, healthcare delivery, or innovative treatment concepts in general practice.
Structured support for careers in science
Members of medical faculties at universities in Germany are able to submit a proposal. Institutes and departments of general practice at universities as well as facilities with direct patient contact are invited to develop a research program. Several physicians can collaborate on practice-oriented projects within the research schools.
At least twelve person-months of protected research time, a structured mentoring program, and specialist-led scientific seminars are planned. Participants are to be prepared specifically for a scientific career in general practice, with the long-term goal of increasing the number of clinician-scientists working in this field.
Research rooted in practice, for clinical practice
General practice covers a particularly broad range of medical issues: from the treatment of acute illnesses and chronic conditions to preventive care and psychosocial support. Relatively few physicians currently integrate research in this field into clinical practice.
With its new research schools, the EKFS seeks to actively support early-career researchers in general practice. This initiative aims to reinforce evidence-based general practice and to foster closer links between clinical practice, research, and teaching.
Two-step application procedure
The call for proposals involves two steps. The Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is accepting proposal outlines up until June 18, 2026. Following a review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. The EKFS Foundation Board is expected to make the final funding decision by the end of 2026.
For more information on how to apply and the eligibility criteria, see https://ekfs.de/en
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS) – Advancing research. Helping people.
The Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is a nonprofit foundation that promotes medical research and supports humanitarian projects. To date the foundation has funded around 2,800 projects. With an annual funding volume currently of approximately 60 million euros, it is the largest foundation in Germany supporting medical advancement. For more information, see https://ekfs.de/en
Press contact:
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung
Bianka Jerke
Public Relations
Tel.: + 49 6172 8975-24
Email: b.jerke@ekfs.de