NCT Masterclass
The NCT Masterclass is designed for dedicated physicians and medical scientists who aim to actively shape innovative clinical, translational cancer research. It provides a protected environment for focused concept development, interdisciplinary exchange, and the structured advancement of participants’ own study ideas at a high methodological level. As an initiative of the One NCT, the Masterclass brings together participants from all NCT sites, the German Cancer Consortium, DKTK, and the network of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, CCC, outside the NCT, thereby fostering dynamic cross-site collaboration and exchange.
Intensive five-day in-person course
The program specifically supports the development of competencies in designing and conducting innovative, patient-centered, investigator-initiated clinical-translational oncology trials. Its core component is an intensive five-day in-person course that offers dedicated time and space for the structured refinement of an individual study protocol. The goal is to prepare a competitive submission for external funding, including, among others, the NCT Overarching Clinical Translational Trial, OCT2, program.
Individual 1:1 consultations
A central element of the course is a series of individual 1:1 consultations with experienced experts. During these sessions, submitted study ideas are systematically reviewed and strategically refined. Key thematic areas include patient involvement, feasibility assessment, endpoint definition, study design, biostatistics, and budget planning.
Selection process
Participants are nominated by their respective NCT sites amongst the local Clinical and Medical Trialist Fellows. At DKFZ, the selection process is organized locally. Candidates from the DKTK and applicants from non-NCT sites are selected through a cross-site process conducted by members of the National Education and Training Committee working group. The number of available places is determined annually. For selected participants, travel and accommodation costs, catering, and participation fees are fully covered.
Impressions from the 1st NCT Masterclass, January 2026
Five days, 19 study concepts, and one clear ambition: to develop clinical cancer trials that are consistently patient-centered, methodologically sound, and feasible. During the first NCT Masterclass at Hotel Kaiserhof in Eisenach, participants from six NCT sites, DKFZ, the CCC network, and the DKTK came together to systematically refine their early-stage study ideas.
At the heart of the program was intensive work on individual projects, supported by structured expert feedback. Through dedicated 1:1 consultations, interdisciplinary discussions, and keynote lectures, participants critically reviewed and sharpened aspects such as study design, endpoint selection, sample size calculation, budgeting, regulatory considerations, and patient safety. The diversity of professional backgrounds opened new perspectives and encouraged open dialogue at eye level.
A particular added value was the inclusion of kick-off discussions with patient representatives. Their early input significantly strengthened the patient-centered focus and practical relevance of the study ideas. The program was further enriched by high-profile keynote lectures on innovative clinical trial design and the application of artificial intelligence in medical research, providing additional impulses for the development of participants’ own projects.
The first NCT Masterclass clearly demonstrated the potential that emerges when concentrated concept work, methodological rigor, and interdisciplinary networking are purposefully combined. Beyond the tangible advancement of individual study ideas, the Masterclass also established a strong network for the next generation of Clinical and Medical Trialists.