The funding programme “Gender-Sensitive Cancer Research” was launched by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) within the framework of the National Decade Against Cancer. The initiative aims to strengthen interdisciplinary cancer research that systematically considers biological sex (sex) and socio-cultural gender aspects in oncology research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare.

Scientific evidence increasingly demonstrates that both biological sex differences and gender-related behavioural and societal factors significantly influence the incidence, progression, treatment response, side effects, and mortality of many cancers. Despite this growing evidence, gender-sensitive approaches remain insufficiently integrated into clinical oncology research and healthcare practice. Clinical studies and preclinical models often fail to adequately account for sex-specific biological mechanisms or gender-related social determinants of health.

The funding programme therefore seeks to generate new biomedical, clinical, and socio-cultural insights that can contribute to precision oncology and improve gender-sensitive cancer care in the future. The programme supports innovative research projects that investigate molecular, hormonal, immunological, epigenetic, and behavioural mechanisms associated with sex and gender differences in cancer development and treatment outcomes.

A major objective of the programme is the establishment of an interdisciplinary research landscape that combines expertise from fields such as oncology, biology, immunology, endocrinology, epidemiology, pharmacology, public health, and social sciences. The programme also aims to strengthen academic careers in the emerging field of gender-sensitive health research and encourages the participation of postdoctoral researchers and clinician scientists.

The call primarily funds collaborative interdisciplinary research consortia consisting of up to four research groups, although individual projects may also be eligible in exceptional cases. Projects should address unresolved scientific challenges and apply modern methods while making use of existing infrastructures, patient registries, cohorts, data resources, and biobanks.

Research topics may include sex-specific tumor biology, gender influences on therapy response and side effects, development of gender-sensitive preclinical models, differences in prevention and screening behaviour, and the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors such as hormones, stress, nutrition, physical activity, or sleep on cancer outcomes.

The programme places strong emphasis on patient and stakeholder participation. Applicants are expected to actively involve patients and relevant societal actors throughout the research process, from defining research questions to disseminating results. Diversity aspects such as age and cultural background must also be considered.

Funding is provided as non-repayable project grants for projects with a duration of up to two years. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, hospitals, and companies, including SMEs and start-ups. The programme follows a single-stage application process with direct submission of full proposals.

Opening: 20.05.2026
Deadline(s): 30.06.2026

This funding opportunity represents an early draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. It is expected that details of the calls will change until finalization. The final, approved version is expected to be published by End of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantee.