[12 years of competence network schizophrenia: results and perspectives].

The German Research Network on Schizophrenia (GRNS) was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) from 1999 to 2011. The objectives and the structure of the network with its horizontal and vertical networking of German research and care facilities served for the scientific investigation of open research questions for schizophrenia, and the transfer of the results into clinical practice. In this paper, the functioning and results of the GRNS are described on the basis of selected research projects. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation parameters such as scientific publications and additional external funds, as well as promotion of young scientists, public relations activities, congress activities and foundation of an European Schizophrenia Association demonstrate the successful work of the network. As a final point, the funding programme of the BMBF is critically evaluated using the example of the GRNS and future funding prospects are outlined.