New Spokesperson in the NCT Patient Research Council: Gereon Mänzel succeeds Johannes Förner

July 1, Gereon Mänzel will assume the role of Deputy Spokesperson of the Patient Research Council at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), succeeding Johannes Förner. A dedicated patient advocate volunteering his time, Mänzel brings extensive experience from his involvement in cancer research. Over the past two and a half years, he has been a member of the Patient Advisory Board at NCT Dresden. For the past two years, he has also contributed to the cross-site NCT Patient Research Council, which serves as a key advisory body incorporating the patient perspective into the work of the NCT.

Gereon Mänzel Appointed Deputy Spokesperson of the NCT Patient Research Council

The NCT is a long-term cooperation between the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), excellent partners in university medicine and other outstanding research partners at various locations in Germany.

The NCT Patient Research Council operates as an independent, interdisciplinary body that strengthens the patient-centered orientation of cancer research at the NCT. Its members contribute their expertise gained from personal experience or longstanding engagement in research projects and strategic initiatives.

Gereon Mänzel emphasizes the importance of early and collaborative patient involvement:

"I see my role as Deputy Spokesperson as one of further fostering and deepening the dialogue between science and those affected. It’s not just about being heard—it’s about active participation. Cancer research needs the perspectives of those it aims to serve—and we are committed to contributing those perspectives in a lasting way."

The NCT Steering Committee welcomes Gereon Mänzel to his new role and expresses its sincere thanks to Johannes Förner for his dedicated service as Deputy Spokesperson:

"With great dedication and heartfelt commitment, Johannes Förner represented the Patient Research Council and provided constructive guidance that sparked important momentum—both in the strategic development of the NCT and in concrete research projects."
Johannes Förner will continue his involvement as a member of the DKFZ Patient Advisory Board.

With Gereon Mänzel, an experienced patient advocate takes on the role of Deputy Spokesperson—someone well acquainted with the NCT’s structure as well as the challenges and opportunities of collaborative patient engagement. Together with Spokesperson Markus Wartenberg, he will continue to advance the work of the Patient Research Council in support of a strong, patient-focused NCT.

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