Fundraising for children with cancer: TUD members support film project in pediatric oncology

The Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechno­logy at TUD Dresden University of Technology has launched a fundraising campaign to support children with cancer. The funds raised, totaling EUR 1,500, will be used to support a film project at the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden. The goal of the project is to explain the steps involved in their cancer treatment to children in simple language and with clear illustrations, and to help alleviate their fears about the treatment. The project is a prime example of how to combine scientific excellence, societal responsibility, and tangible benefits for affected families.

A cancer diagnosis during childhood presents enormous emotional and organizational challenges for both the child and their family. In many cases, treatment involves several weeks of chemotherapy, followed by numerous radiation sessions. Proton therapy, in particular, which can be used on children with minimal side effects thanks to its high precision, is only available at a few sites in Germany. As a result, many families are required to travel to Dresden for treatment and stay there for an extended period of time.

This makes it all the more important to provide care that goes beyond the mere medical treatment. In addition to highly specialized treatment, clear communication, psychological support, and child-friendly access to therapeutic procedures play a central role. By supporting this film project, the Chair is helping to strengthen the care provided to young cancer patients in Dresden, not only in medical terms but also on a personal level. The film is intended to provide guidance before the children begin their hospital stay, alleviating anxieties and building confidence in the treatment. It is geared toward children and their families, who often come to Dresden for therapy over a period of several weeks.

The Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at TU Dresden conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, biomedicine, and data-driven science. At the same time, the Chair sees itself as an active participant in society. The Chair has been organizing a charity collection during its Christmas party for several years now. They make the decision on which project to support as a groups each year.

In 2025, a conscious decision was made to prioritize pediatric oncology, and proton therapy in particular. The decisive factor was the wish to support a project that directly benefits young patients and helps them cope with a particularly difficult situation.

Prof. Mechthild Krause, Co-Director of the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, accepted the donation together with Senior Physician Dr. Chiara Valentini. “For children and their families, cancer treatment comes with a lot of uncertainty and fear. A film that explains treatment procedures in an age-appropriate manner and makes the process easy to understand at an early stage can help build trust and make it easier to begin therapy,” says Prof. Krause.

Similarly, for the Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, the decision reflected a conscious commitment to societal responsibility. “Scientific responsibility does not end at the laboratory door. “With our donation, we want to support a project that provides tangible help to children in difficult situations and demonstrates how research, societal engagement, and human connection can work together,” emphasizes Prof. Gianaurelio Cuniberti, head of the Chair.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Gianaurelio Cuniberti
Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering
Chair of Material Science and Nanotechnology
Tel.: +49 351 463-31420
Email: