Program
Program format
Scope of funding
Program requirements
Application forms
Latest News

Program

The Heidelberg Medical Faculty and Heidelberg University Hospital recieve funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) to establish an Advanced Clinician Scientist (ACS) program.

The aim of the "ACTION - Advanced Clinician Scientists in Translational Innovation" program is to qualify outstanding and internationally competitive physicians in translational research and thereby sustainably strengthen the development of innovative diagnostic, therapeutic, and technological solutions for the four research pillars of the Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine: Cardiovascular Medicine, Neurosciences, Translational and Individualized Oncology and Infectious Diseases. 

Format

ACTION is aimed at researching medical specialists from the scientific fields of the four above-mentioned priorities who have already completed a habilitation or have the equivalent of a habilitation. The program supports them in developing their scientific career in a targeted manner and successfully combining it with clinical work.

ACTION consists of the following program components:

• Implementation of a translational research project: Within the framework of a funding period of up to 6 years, a translational research project with clinical relevance is to be realized in one of the faculty's four key research areas.
• Partial clinical leave: In the clinical area, the grantees should be able to continue their medical work and sharpen and enhance their own profile. At the same time, an essential component of the funding is the granting of 50% research leave for the Advanced Clinical Scientist from routine clinical work for the entire duration of the funding.
• Development concept: Creation and continuous development of an individual career plan that systematically supports professional development and offers options for stabilizing one's own position.
• Qualification program: Participation in modular qualification programs focusing on leadership, career development and translation/transfer.
• Mentoring: Compulsory mentoring accompanies you through the program - professionally, strategically, and personally.

Scope of funding

The Heidelberg Medical Faculty provides the following support within a six-year funding period:

• Funding of 50% of the position as an Advanced Clinician Scientist ( protected research time), the other 50% of the position will be borne by the host clinic or institute.
• Furthermore, funds are available for staffing the working group as well as material resources, travel funds, funds for awarding contracts, investments, etc.

In total, the funding amounts to a maximum of 135,000 euros per year for a maximum funding period of 6 years.

Program Requirements

• Specialist degree (max. 8 years after completion) and habilitation or habilitation-equivalent achievements or, if applicable, an adjunct professorship;
• a specific research project that is supported by the head of the host department and whose infrastructural and financial support is guaranteed in writing. External applicants should refer to the information sheet "Information for External Applicants";
• At least one last authorship in a recognized scientific journal (original publication in the peer review process);
• at least one high-ranking, independently acquired third-party funding (e.g. DFG grant, EKFS, Cancer Aid, etc.) as Principal Investigator;
• German licence to practice medicine or equivalent recognition of professional qualification.