Competence Networks in Medicine (Overview)
1. Aims of the funding measure Competence Networks in Medicine
The funding measure Competence Networks in Medicine aims to support innovative efficient research and its translation into patient care by means of networking. The tasks of disease-related Competence Networks in Medicine comprise:
Research on diseases
Interdisciplinary cooperation of basic scientists and clinicians within the Competence Networks is expected to enhance the development of new and efficient solutions to urgent questions of patient care.
Expert networking
Researchers in the Competence Networks build up joint data and material banks and bring together disease-related study groups. This research infrastructure enables to tackle important clinical questions. Networking between research and health care improves the translation of research results into practice. For this purpose, reviews and guidelines are written, standards in diagnosis and therapy developed, and measures for quality assurance implemented. In the Competence Networks daily-routine practice relevant research questions are addressed.
Knowledge transfer
The Competence Networks promote knowledge transfer among experts and provide information for patients, their relatives and the general public. The networks offer a wide range of information, from broad educational campaigns over newsletters and brochures to professional training for practitioners.
2. Calls
a) Call for proposals "Competence Networks in Medicine"
Funding period: 1999 - 2007
Volume: ca. 130 mio EUR
Funded Networks: 9
b) Call for proposals "Competence Networks Infectious Diseases"
Announcement: 2000
Funding period: 2002 - 2006
Volume: 40,7 mio EUR
Funded Networks: 4
c) Call for proposals "Competence Network Dementia"
Announcement: 2000
Funding period: 2002 - 2006
Volume: 12,7 mio EUR
Funded Networks: 1
d) Call for proposals "Competence Networks Cardio-vascular Diseases"
Announcement: 2001
Funding period: 2003 - 2006
Volume: 25,8 mio EUR
Funded Networks: 3
e) Call for proposals "Disease-related competence networks"
Announcements: since 2007
Funding periods: since 2008
3. State of the funding measure
Several calls for proposal have been launched within the funding measure Competence Networks in Medicine. An international jury has selected the most convincing concepts for funding. Grants are provided for a total of 8 years, initially for 3 years with subsequent potential prolongations for another 2 and 3 years after evaluation by the jury.
a) Call for proposals "Competence Networks in Medicine"
The first nine Competence Networks are being funded since 1999. They comprise the following diseases:
- Pediatric oncology and hematology
- Malignant lymphomas
- Acute and chronic leukemia
- Chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases
- Rheumatism
- Stroke
- Parkinson's disease
- Schizophrenia
- Depression, suicidalness
b) Call for proposals "Competence Networks Infectious Diseases"
Since the years 2004/2005 four Competence Networks are working in the area of Infection Diseases:
- Hepatitis (Hep-Net)
- Nosocomial pneumonia (CAPNetz)
- HIV/AIDS
- Sepsis
c) Call for proposals "Competence Network Dementia"
The Competence Network Dementia receives funding for a second phase since the end of the year 2004.
d) Call for proposals "Competence Networks Cardio-vascular Diseases"
Since 2003 three Competence Networks are funded:
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Heart Failure
e) Call for proposals "Disease-related competence networks"
Successive development of the planned networks on the basis of manageable research consortiums (collaborations) will facilitate the establishment of flexible network structures. Funding will be provided for up to four periods of three years each in order to provide a long-term perspective for research and ensure reliable results.
Disease-related competence network Degenerative Dementia
Disease-related competence network Obesity
Disease-related competence network Asthma / COPD
Disease-related competence network Diabetes
Disease Oriented Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis