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DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at University Medicine Mannheim

DFKZ-Hector Council, © Anspach/DKFZ Anspach/DKFZ
from left to right: Dr. h. c. Hans-Werner Hector, SAP co‑founder and philanthropist, Ursula Weyrich, Administrative Director of the DKFZ, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h. c. Michael Baumann, Chairman and Scientific Director of the DKFZ, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h. c. Klaus van Ackern, former Director of the University Medicine Mannheim, former Dean of the Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, and medical expert.

Welcome to the website of the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at University Medicine Mannheim

Patient-oriented cancer research and innovative cancer prevention

The institute was founded in 2019 as a close collaboration between the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, University Medical Center Mannheim, and the Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University. Thanks to the generous support of the Hector Foundation II, it brings cutting‑edge research directly into clinical application and sets new standards in translational cancer research.

The institute is organized into two research areas:

  • Precision Oncology – We rapidly translate molecular insights into individualized treatment approaches while simultaneously using clinical care data to advance basic research (reverse translation). This bidirectional approach accelerates the development and evaluation of innovative therapies.
  • Prevention, Early Detection & Survivorship Research – We develop preventive measures, improve early detection, and strengthen the quality of life of cancer survivors. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we bring research closer to people’s everyday lives and help bring prevention into practice sooner.

Notable features of the institute include its Junior Clinical Cooperation Units for early‑career researchers, a model unique in Germany that enables young physicians to combine outstanding clinical practice with innovative research. In addition, our Translational Clinical Trial Unit provides a central platform for conducting clinical trials and supports the transfer of research findings into patient care.

The Hector Foundation II is funding the institute through 2036 with a total funding volume of 146 million euros. This long‑term commitment provides reliable funding for continuously expanding the institute’s infrastructure and achieving sustainable progress in cancer research.

With a clear patient‑centered focus and strong partnerships, the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute is making a significant contribution to improving prevention, early detection, cancer care, and the development of new therapies.