The Clinical Trials Programme by the German Research Foundation (DFG) provides funding for patient-oriented clinical research conducted within temporary projects. The programme supports interventional clinical studies, including feasibility studies (phase II) and interventional trials (phase III), aiming to prove the efficacy of new therapeutic, diagnostic, or prognostic methods. The programme also funds observational trials, provided the study investigates a highly relevant research question that cannot be answered using an interventional design.

Scope of Work

The Clinical Trials Programme supports interventional clinical studies, including feasibility studies (phase II) and interventional trials (phase III), aiming to prove the efficacy of new therapeutic, diagnostic, or prognostic methods. The programme also funds observational trials, provided the study investigates a highly relevant research question that cannot be answered using an interventional design.

Eligibility

Researchers in Germany who have completed their academic training (a doctorate as a rule) are eligible to apply for funding under the Clinical Trials Programme.

Budget and Duration

The programme provides funding for staff, scientific equipment, consumables, travel, and other costs related to the clinical trial. The funding duration for feasibility studies is a maximum of 36 months, with no possibility for renewal proposals. Interventional trials and observational trials receive initial funding for 36 months, with the option to submit a renewal proposal for longer studies.

Additional Information

The Clinical Trials Programme prioritizes projects with high international scientific quality and originality, as well as clinical relevance.

Key Dates

Feasibility studies involve a one-stage application process with full proposals submitted directly at any time. Interventional trials and observational trials involve a two-stage application process. Draft proposals can be submitted at any time for both types of trials. Full proposals for interventional trials are submitted only after explicit invitation by the DFG, based on a previously approved draft proposal. Full proposals for observational trials are also submitted only after explicit invitation by the DFG, based on a previously approved draft proposal. If an interventional trial is proposed based on a feasibility study funded under this programme, a draft proposal is not required, and a full proposal can be submitted directly.

Application Process

For feasibility studies, full proposals must be submitted directly. For interventional trials and observational trials, draft proposals can be submitted at any time. Full proposals for these trials are submitted only after explicit invitation by the DFG, based on a previously approved draft proposal.

Selection Process

The DFG evaluates proposals based on their scientific quality, originality, and clinical relevance. The selection process involves peer review by experts in the relevant field.

Contact Information

• For questions from the field of medicine: Dr. Eckard Picht, Dr. Laura Planko, Dr. Stefan Thiel

• For questions from the field of neurology/psychiatry: Dr. Katharina Hartmann, Dr. Stephanie Wegener

• For questions from the field of psychology: Dr. Tanja Kollei

• For general questions: Marion Rulle (First letters A - F and S - Z), Tel. 0228/885 - 2366, Marion.Rulle@dfg.de

• For general questions: Lhamo Schütter (First letters G - H), Tel. 0228/885 - 2826, Lhamo.Schuetter@dfg.de

• For general questions: Claudia Ihlefeldt (First letters I - R), Tel. 0228/885 - 2244, Claudia.Ihlefeldt@dfg.de

Reporting Requirements

The DFG requires funded projects to submit final reports detailing the research findings and outcomes of the clinical trial.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.