Change at the top of the NCT Patient Research Council: Johannes Förner takes over as spokesperson from Rudolf Hauke

In addition to spokesperson Markus Wartenberg, Johannes Förner will represent the interests of the Patient Research Council at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). Rudolf Hauke will remain Chairman of the Patient Advisory Council at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

Patients as research partners: This is an essential part of the NCT culture. Researchers and patient representatives work closely together as equals and incorporate the patient perspective into NCT studies and research projects as early as possible. The NCT Patient Research Council is involved in the NCT in an independent and advisory capacity within the framework of patient participation and supports this collaboration from the very beginning.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann and Prof. Dr. Michael Hallek, Speaker of the NCT Steering Committee, paid tribute to Rudolf Hauke's work for the NCT and the NCT Patient Research Council: "As Deputy Speaker, Rudolf Hauke has played a central role in the development and establishment of this important body and the expanded NCT. With his outstanding expertise and many years of experience as a patient representative, he has significantly shaped and supported the work of the Patient Research Council. He also advised and supported the NCT during the strategy phase." Only recently, Rudolf Hauke received the Vision Zero Innovation Award for his outstanding commitment in the "Patient Participation" category, which honors individuals who have made a special contribution to innovative cancer therapy concepts.

At the same time, the NCT Steering Committee is looking forward to working with Johannes Förner as Deputy Spokesperson of the NCT Patient Research Council: "We are convinced that Johannes Förner will continue and further develop the successful work with his expertise and commitment."

Johannes Förner brings many years of experience as a member of the DKFZ's Patient Advisory Board for Cancer Research. He emphasizes that the motto "Patients involved in cancer research from the very beginning" is what drives him. "There are two goals associated with this: Firstly, effective, easy-to-use cancer prevention for everyone. Secondly, new, more effective, individualized and patient-friendly therapies that are made available to all cancer patients at an early stage."