The present invention relates to novel mesoporous mixed metal oxide catalysts and a method for the preparation thereof, as well as the use thereof as a catalyst in the oxidation of hydrocarbons or partially oxidized hydrocarbons. More specifically, the present invention relates to mesoporous mixed metal oxide catalysts comprising at least two, preferably at least three different metal species, at least one of which belongs to the group of transition metals, a method for the preparation thereof, which comprises a production step over the neutral templating route and a calcination step in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere at a temperature between 300 to 700°C, and the use of such catalysts as oxidation catalyst in the preparation of oxidized hydrocarbons, and especially the selective oxidation or ammoxidation of propane to acrylic acid and acrylonitrile, respectively. A more preferred catalyst comprises Mo, V, Te and Nb.