ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The NCT Masterclass 2027 is a comprehensive five-day in-person course for early- to mid-career oncology clinical researchers from all NCT sites. It focuses on strengthening participant competencies in designing and conducting innovative, patient-centered, investigator-initiated, high-quality clinical-translational cancer trials. Practical training includes lectures, workshops, project work, mentoring and networking opportunities. All associated costs, including travel, accommodation, meals, and participation, will be fully covered for selected participants.
ELIGIBILITY AND TARGET GROUP
The call is open to physicians and researchers (PhDs, Postdocs, clinician scientists and JRG leaders) with a background in oncology who are looking to deepen their expertise in the planning and conducting of academically led investigator-initiated cancer trials. We welcome applicants who are enthusiastic about clinical research and willing to contribute actively to the course. While a medical license, doctoral degree, and GCP training are not mandatory, they are considered helpful asset. Applicants should be fluent in both German and English.
Selection criteria
Candidates who have submitted complete application materials and meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated
based on their overall profile, with emphasis on the following aspects:
- Scientific profile
- Involvement in national or international study groups, review panels, or working groups
- Innovation and feasibility of trial idea
- Patient benefit of the trial idea
- Motivation and development potential of the candidate
Please note: Individual NCT sites may define additional site-specific eligibility requirements. Please refer to the respective local calls for applications for further details.
SELECTION PROCESS
Course participants are selected by the respective NCT sites. For DKFZ applicants, the selection process is organized locally. For DKTK candidates and applicants from non-NCT Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs), selection is carried out across sites by members of the National Education & Training Committee Working Group.
Application Documents
Required application documents may vary slightly depending on the site. Please select your site to view the applicable application requirements.
How to apply
How to apply:
To apply, please submit the following documents using our provided application template via email to nctsccr-at-dkfz-heidelberg.de by September 19, 2025:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV):
- Provide a short CV (no longer than 2 pages), outlining your educational background and stating any relevant experience in developing clinical study concepts, involvement in clinical trials and, if applicable, certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP); while the former is not mandatory, it is recommended in preparation for the Masterclass.
- Statement of Motivation:
- Provide a statement of motivation explaining your reasons for wanting to attend the NCT Masterclass 2027 (max. 3,700 characters including spaces page).
- Abstract of a clinical trial idea:
- Describe your trial idea, including your own contribution (max. 1,700 characters including spaces page). All documents should be submitted as a single PDF file with the name “NCT Masterclass 2027 DKTK application – [Your Full Name]”.
- Now – Late Summer 2026 (see the call for applications for the respective site)
Application period – prepare and submit application documents
- August – September 2026
Review by the National NCT Education and Training Committee or the respective site-specific review committee
- Mid-September 2026
Applicants are notified of the selection results.
- Fall 2026
Virtual preparatory meeting and preparatory exercises
- Winter 2026/2027
Kick-off meetings for study-specific patient involvement
- January 18–22, 2027
NCT Masterclass 2027, Hotel Kaiserhof, Eisenach
Contact
For further inquiries, please contactn nct-sccr-at-dkfz-heidelberg.de the subject line:“ NCT Masterclass 2027 inquiry”.