The German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has launched a funding initiative aimed at supporting interdisciplinary research consortia dedicated to the prevention of colorectal cancer in younger and future generations. This measure is part of the National Decade Against Cancer and aligns with the Health Research Framework Programme. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Germany, affecting around 60,000 people annually. While the majority of cases occur in people over 70, recent trends show a worrying rise among younger age groups, particularly those between 20 and 29 years old. The causes remain unclear, though lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, and physical inactivity are suspected.

The funding seeks to accelerate progress in understanding causes, improving health maintenance, developing early detection strategies, and enhancing follow-up care for young patients. Supported consortia must combine expertise from medicine, natural sciences, health sciences, and social sciences to address the phenomenon comprehensively. Eligible research areas include: molecular, lifestyle, and behavioural causes of early-onset colorectal cancer; development and testing of risk-adapted early detection methods; communication concepts for young adults and health professionals; and research into tertiary prevention, such as rehabilitation and long-term quality of life. Projects should focus on shared objectives, employ coordinated methodologies, and integrate results into a comprehensive synthesis.

Funded projects may collect new data or biomaterials but should leverage existing resources where possible. Consortia must also commit to cross-consortium collaboration, sharing resources, organising workshops, standardising procedures, and disseminating findings to relevant audiences. Active participation of patients and other societal stakeholders throughout the research process is mandatory, along with adherence to high scientific standards, quality assurance methods, gender consideration, and open-access data sharing principles (FAIR data).

Eligible applicants include public and state-recognised universities, non-university research institutions, and commercial enterprises with a base in Germany. SMEs as per EU definition are encouraged to participate. Funding covers personnel, equipment, travel, coordination, stakeholder engagement, open-access publishing, and data preparation. Project duration can extend up to eight years, typically funded in two phases (initial four years plus possible extension after evaluation). For non-commercial research, up to 100% of eligible costs may be funded; for commercial entities, funding generally covers up to 50% of eligible costs, with potential increases for SMEs and collaborative projects under EU state aid regulations.

The application process is two-stage: submission of project outlines (in English recommended) via the "easy-Online" portal, followed by invitation to submit a full proposal if shortlisted. Proposals will be evaluated on scientific excellence, societal relevance, interdisciplinarity, patient involvement, and dissemination strategies. This call contributes to the overarching goals of reducing the incidence and impact of colorectal cancer among younger populations through evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies.

Opening: 10.09.2020
Deadline(s): 20.01.2021