The Advanced Cologne Clinician Scientist Program (AdCCSP) is a structured funding program of the Faculty of Medicine and supports medical specialists on their way to scientific independence.
In 2020, the Advanced Cologne Clinician Scientist Program was established at the Faculty of Medicine. The AdCCSP is part of the Cologne Clinician Scientist funding line (Module C) and is intended to support physicians working in science and clinical practice to further consolidate their scientific profile and reach the next phase of their academic career. It is aimed specifically at medical specialists who have already demonstrated their scientific interest.
Since 2026, the AdCCSP has been funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Over the next 10 years, 12 excellent clinically active scientists can be selected and funded through a competitive selection process.
Fellows receive a total of € 135,000 per year for 50% protected research time as well as additional personnel and material resources. A successful interim evaluation after 2.5 years enables continuation within the program for a further three years. In the second half of the program, additional protected research time up to a maximum of 75% is offered through faculty funds to support the supervision of further externally funded group members.
As part of the funding, a further qualification curriculum is also to be completed. The curriculum is designed to be flexible in order to meet the individual goals of the fellows. Proof of fulfillment must be provided for the interim report
In 2 calls for applications, 3 participants can be accepted into the AdCCSP each year. The complete application documents must be submitted to the program coordinator as a PDF document by the application deadline. The application must include the clinical and scientific objectives, the division of clinical and research time and the plan for academic independence.
The selection procedure is divided into 3 stages (see illustration).
