Viessmann Foundation donates EUR 5,600,000.00 to the German Cancer Research Center
Focus on cancer prevention through nutrition and the development of new drugs in pediatric oncology.
Heidelberg, June 4th, 2025 – The Viessmann Foundation, which represents the core of all philanthropic activities of the Viessmann Generations Group, is supporting the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg with a donation of EUR 5,600,000.00 over a period of five years. The funding will support two areas of research: the role of nutrition in cancer prevention and the development of new drugs for treating cancer in children.
Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann Generations Group and Chair of the Advisory Council of the DKFZ: "As Europe’s leading cancer research center, the DKFZ conducts outstanding scientific work and delivers groundbreaking research directly to where it is needed most: to those affected and their loved ones – to bring hope and save lives. Our donation is a sign of solidarity and a deep shared belief that a life without cancer is possible. Because research creates the future – for us and for generations to come."
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann, Chairman and Scientific Director, DKFZ: “Research into better medications for children with cancer and more effective cancer prevention - this is research that makes a difference for a healthier future. But without patronage and philanthropy, we would never be able to carry out such projects at the necessary speed. We are deeply grateful to the Viessmann Foundation for supporting us so generously in this endeavor.”
A significant portion of the donation will be dedicated to studying the link between nutrition and cancer prevention. The goal is to build a solid scientific foundation for nutritional strategies that can sustainably reduce cancer risks.
Another major focus is the development of medications specifically for pediatric oncology. Despite major advances in cancer treatment, many therapies designed for adults cannot simply be applied to children. The donation will therefore accelerate the development of targeted, gentler, and more effective treatments for young patients.
The Viessmann Foundation has been supporting medical institutions for many years, with a focus on prevention, research, and innovative cancer therapies. Most recently, this included a donation to the Frankfurt Foundation for Children with Cancer.
The fight against cancer is a central concern that the Viessmann Foundation advances through long-term partnerships and a tangible contribution to society – guided by the purpose of co-creating living spaces for generations to come.
Viessmann Foundation gGmbH
Founded in 2020, the Viessmann Foundation follows the guiding principle: "Co-create living spaces for generations to come – with everything we do." From this guiding principle, three areas of action are derived: Sustainable Living Spaces, Future Generations, and Bringing Out the Best in All of Us. The Sustainable Living Spaces focus addresses sustainability projects, particularly those aimed at combating human-made climate change and developing climate-positive solutions. The Future Generations focus targets national and international projects in education and training for children and young people, as well as initiatives that promote the well-being and development of future generations. Bringing Out the Best in All of Us focuses on creating opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Through these activities, the Viessmann Foundation aligns with the purpose of the Viessmann Generations Group and creates diverse opportunities through regional and international projects to make the world a better place.
About the German Cancer Research Center
With more than 3,000 employees, the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. DKFZ scientists identify cancer risk factors, investigate how cancer progresses and develop new cancer prevention strategies. They are also developing new methods to diagnose tumors more precisely and treat cancer patients more successfully. The DKFZ Cancer Information Service (KID) provides patients, interested citizens and experts with individual answers to questions relating to cancer. To transfer promising approaches from cancer research to the clinic and thus improve the prognosis of cancer patients, the DKFZ cooperates with excellent research institutions and university hospitals throughout Germany.
Contact Viessmann Generations Group
Byung-Hun Park
Vice President Corporate Communications
E: huni@viessmann.com
M: +49151-64911317
Contact DKFZ
Sibylle Kohlstädt
Pressesprecherin
E: s.kohlstaedt@dkfz.de
T: +496221 42284
