Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professuren 2026 (only available in German)

Obschon es mittlerweile an vielen Orten Programme gibt, die dem Nachwuchs eine solche Ausbildung während der Facharztweiterbildung bieten, bleibt die Attraktivität für den Berufsweg als Clinician Scientist beschränkt, weil geeignete Anschlusspositionen nach Ablauf der Clinician-Scientist-Programme fehlen.

Als einen Lösungsansatz schreibt die Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung als Modell jährlich drei

Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professuren

Support for early-career researchers: new graduate schools approved

The Graduate Schools for Medical Students funding line aims specifically to support early-career researchers training within medical faculties. With approval of the doctoral programs in Bonn, Leipzig, and Rostock, highly motivated, talented medical students will have the opportunity to complete their studies in outstanding research environments. Within these programs, they will be supervised closely by experienced mentors, explore diverse scientific career paths, and begin linking medical research and patient care at an early stage. 

Biomarker-based diagnostic tests and functional validation of therapeutic targets in MLD – from multi-omics analysis to patient-derived cell models

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, rapidly progressing disorder of the developing nervous system in children. Gene therapy can only slow or halt the progression of the disease if given very early. Dr. Laugwitz’s project aims to use reliable molecular biomarkers to pinpoint the optimal timing of treatment and to assess therapeutic success. The approach analyzes molecular data from children with MLD before and after gene therapy. It also employs patient-derived cell models to study disease mechanisms and potential adjunct therapies. 

Return-to-work grant after parental leave for three clinician-researchers in pediatrics, neonatology, and cardiology

Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, 11 February 2026 – On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS) will highlight its Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Return-to-Work Grant for clinician-researchers. The EKFS is supporting three clinician-researchers at the university hospitals in Tübingen and Essen to resume their clinical and research work after a family-related career break. The three approved projects in pediatrics, neonatology, and cardiology will each be funded for a period of 36 months with up to €400,000.

AMD (age-related macular degeneration) detector

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease that occurs in older people and progressively impairs the vision of those affected. To improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, the research team led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Ach at the University Hospital Bonn has developed an experimental fundus camera with spectral analysis, which will enable better detection and monitoring of the disease in the future.

From theory to practice: €1.1 million for regulatory advice

Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, February 5, 2026 – ForTra gGmbh for Research Transfer (subsidiary of the Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation) is to finance regulatory advice specifically for the transition from preclinical development to practical application for the first time. Following a recent call for proposals, 14 research projects were selected to receive funding totaling €1.1 million, with the aim of helping researchers to prepare for and conduct consultations with a regulatory authority – a crucial step on the path to clinical studies.

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