Medicine and the Natural Sciences

The founder of the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung wanted very special attention to be paid to medical research; this wish has been put into practice by the Foundation's committees. In the field of medicine and the natural sciences, support is concentrated on the so-called "priority programmes".

At the present time the Foundation concentrates its support on the priority programme "Molecular Basis of the Genesis of Disease". This programme supports molecular-biological investigations of those diseases which are caused to an important extent by genetic defects or in which genes contribute to the development of complex illnesses. Preference in this programme will be given to younger researchers with appropriate experience in the area of special emphasis.

The following projects receive special support:

• Functional analysis of genes for monogenous and complex genetic disease in vitro and in vivo.
• Establishing and evaluating cell and animal models in Deseases with Genetic Basis.
• Analysis of ‚predisposing' genes or genes which modify the disease.

The Foundation does not support:

• Purely methodological investigations.
• Descriptive population-genetic as well as association and linkage studies.
• Research projects with no direct relation to disease.
• Research projects regarding infectious diseases.
• Diagnostic and largely therapy-orientated projects.

Information concerning applications, application deadlines etc. can be found in the general notes of the Foundation (project support, stipends). In addition, the following points should be noted when submitting applications in the biomedical area.

• In the case of researchers working in clinics, the Foundation assumes that, during the period of support, researchers will be relieved of at least 80% of their clinical work. Confirmation to this effect from the head of the clinic should be submitted together with the application.
• The application should give the theme, the amount of support and the presumed date of completion of projects which the applicant is working on at the present time with the help of support from sources other than the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung.