According to an analysis conducted by the ACRC in 2001, there was a lack of funding opportunities for ambitious postdoctoral scientists with outstanding achievements (between the ages 35-45 years) in Germany. Therefore, most of these young researchers moved abroad and only a few returned to pursue their careers in Germany. The IZKF Münster research group concept therefore provided an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows in the above-mentioned age group to establish and lead their own research group.  Research groups were assigned to an institute or a clinic and worked there independently without being accountable to the clinic director. The group leaders were released from their clinical obligations and were able to concentrate fully on their research. In this way, the host institution received an active research group and, in return, provided the necessary infrastructure.