Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF) celebrates 5 years
29.07.2025 13:59
Cancer remains one of the greatest challenges in healthcare, with approximately 70,000 new cases in Bavaria each year. The Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF), founded as a collaboration between all six Bavarian universities and university hospitals, has made significant progress over the past five years. To date, more than €50 million has been invested in research to develop innovative treatment methods.
To mark the 5th anniversary, a ceremony for invited guests from politics, science, and medicine took place in the Bavarian State Parliament on July 17, 2025. During the celebrations, a cooperation agreement was signed between the BZKF and the Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) to advance cancer research across national borders in the future. A preceding scientific network meeting at the TUM Hospital Munich brought together physicians, scientists, and industry representatives.
Cross-border alliance: Bavaria and Austria fight cancer together
At the ceremony, a cooperation agreement was initiated between the BZKF and the ACCN, consisting of the Medical Universities of Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck. The collaboration aims to improve the lives of patients by promoting cancer research and optimizing healthcare provision – even across national borders. The cooperation is one of the first transnational partnerships between leading oncology centers in Europe. The signing took place in the presence of high-level representatives: Minister of State for Science and the Arts Markus Blume, Vice Rector for Research at the Medical University of Vienna, Michaela Fritz, and representatives from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. Markus Blume, Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, congratulated the center on its anniversary: "Research is the most effective means of combating cancer. For five years, our six Bavarian university hospitals have been fighting together against the greatest scourge of humanity in the BZKF. Following the motto 'Share knowledge, heal people,' each hospital contributes its strengths – from AI to immunotherapy. The Free State of Bavaria has supported the center with over 70 million euros since its founding. With this efficient and interconnected infrastructure, we ensure cutting-edge oncological care in all regions of Bavaria. The BZKF is a living responsibility and a great promise: We want to defeat cancer. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes to this every day."
Regarding the new cooperation between BZKF and ACCN, Minister Blume further emphasized: "Modern cancer medicine requires data, digitalization, and dialogue. Cancer doesn't stop at national borders – nor does our research: With the partnership between the Bavarian Center for Cancer Research and the Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Network, we are ushering in a new era of Bavarian-Austrian research cooperation. It's clear to us: Together we can tackle the major medical challenges of our time."
Achieving more together: BZKF becomes a member of the Alliance for Prevention
The BZKF has launched a variety of initiatives to further advance cancer research. The current focus is on prevention, with active awareness-raising and an HPV vaccination campaign. At the ceremonial induction of the BZKF into the Bavarian Alliance for Prevention, Judith Gerlach, Bavarian State Minister for Health, Care and Prevention, emphasized: "Prevention is a task for every individual and for society as a whole. Together, we can achieve a great deal here! Our Alliance for Prevention already includes 151 partners from all sectors of society, as well as the Bavarian State Ministries. I am pleased that the BZKF is joining us as another strong partner and that we are officially reaffirming our already excellent collaboration. Together with the alliance partners, we want to set the course for greater health literacy, preventive care, and early detection in Bavaria through the Prevention Master Plan."
"Thanks to developments in cancer research, in which all university hospitals in Bavaria are involved, many types of cancer are now curable. Interdisciplinary collaboration within centers is essential for this. The BZKF places particular emphasis on promoting young researchers to bring new ideas and perspectives into research. Thanks to the generous support of the Bavarian State Government, the establishment of the BZKF five years ago has succeeded in placing cancer research in Bavaria on a completely new foundation that is unique in Germany," summarizes Prof. Dr. Andreas Mackensen, Director of the BZKF and Director of Medical Clinic 5 – Hematology and Internal Oncology at the University Hospital Erlangen.
Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF)
Since its founding in November 2019, the Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF) has pursued the goal of providing all citizens in Bavaria, regardless of their place of residence, with access to the best possible and innovative therapies. The merger of the six Bavarian university hospitals in Augsburg and Erlangen, as well as the two locations in Munich, Regensburg, and Würzburg, not only promotes cancer research but also pools expertise and knowledge on the topics of early detection, treatment, and aftercare for tumor diseases, while simultaneously offering those affected comprehensive, interdisciplinary care. The BZKF's Citizens' Cancer Hotline offers a straightforward way to receive individual advice on all questions related to cancer at the toll-free number 0800 85 100 80. Further information can be found at www.bzkf.de.