The NCT Masterclass 2026 aims to establish a high-level, hands-on training program for physician and medical scientists in the field of clinical and translational oncology. As an initiative of the One NCT, the course brings together participants from all NCT sites, the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), and the Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) outside the NCT, fostering collaboration and exchange.
Following a competitive local selection process, two candidates from NCT Heidelberg will be selected to participate at the NCT Masterclass 2026.
Course description
The NCT Masterclass 2026 will take place on January 12-16, 2026 at Hotel Kaiserhof, Eisenach and aims at building competencies in the conception and implementation of innovative, patient-centered, and academically driven clinical-translational oncology trials. The course offers an intensive one-week educational platform to support the development of a study protocol with the potential to be submitted within the framework of the NCT Overarching Clinical Translational Trial (OCT2) program. Core elements of the course supported by experienced experts include aspects such as feasibility analysis, case number estimation, and budget planning.
Application procedure
Eligibility criteria
The NCT Masterclass 2026 is aimed at:
clinical trialists and researchers with a background in oncology who are in the early to mid-stage of their careers and are seeking focused qualification in the field of academically driven clinical-translational cancer research.
Applicants are expected to be fluent in both German and English and must be employed at one of the following supporting institutions of NCT Heidelberg:
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
- Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD)
- Thorax Clinic Heidelberg
- Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg
How to apply:
Submit the following documents via email koordination(at)nct-heidelberg.de by July 20, 2025:
- CV (including experience in developing clinical study concepts, clinical trial experience and GCP certification)
- Letter of motivation (max. 3,000 characters including spaces)
- Abstract of potential study idea (briefly describing own contribution, max. 1,800 characters including spaces)
For more details on the application procedure and timeline please refer to the following documents:
For any questions regarding applications from NCT Heidelberg, please contact the local coordination office, at: koordination(at)nct-heidelberg.de