New Investigator Research Grant Program

The Leukemia Research Foundation offers the New Investigator Research Grant Program to support early-career researchers focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This competitive grant initiative is designed to fund innovative research projects that can significantly impact the field. The program reflects the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for leukemia patients and their families through research and education. The grant provides up to $150,000 in funding, distributed over a two-year period, to qualified investigators whose proposals demonstrate scientific merit and relevance to the Foundation’s goals. Eligible applicants must be independent investigators affiliated with non-profit academic institutions. Applicants must hold a faculty-level position at the time of application submission and for the duration of the award. Eligibility is limited to individuals within seven years of their first independent faculty appointment, with allowances made for career interruptions such as medical leave, family responsibilities, or military service. Applicants must also demonstrate independence through responsibilities like managing laboratory personnel and controlling research activities and expenditures. While U.S. citizenship is not required, research projects submitted from institutions outside the United States are also eligible. The program excludes fellows and those with significant active research funding, defined as grants with $175,000 or more in total direct costs per year, with specific exceptions for grant mechanisms such as KO8, R00, and R99. Renewal applications are not accepted, and individuals who have previously received this award are not eligible. Additionally, proposals must be submitted by a single principal investigator, as co-investigator applications are not permitted. The 2026 funding cycle begins on July 1, with a structured two-step application process. The Letter of Intent (LOI) portal opens on December 5, 2025, and LOIs are due by February 6, 2026, at noon Central Time. Selected applicants will be notified by March 13, 2026, and invited to submit a full proposal by April 13, 2026. Final award notifications will be issued by June 30, 2026. All application materials must be submitted through ProposalCentral, an online grants management system. The grant does not support salary for the principal investigator or institutional overhead/indirect costs. Capital equipment requests above $7,500 require justification and are generally discouraged. Research travel expenses up to $3,000 may be included if they directly enhance the study. Applicants must disclose all sources of current and pending project support, and any overlap in funding must be clearly identified. Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s independent Medical Advisory Board, which evaluates proposals based on scientific quality and relevance. The Foundation does not provide individualized reviewer feedback due to volume constraints. Minority and underrepresented applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the Foundation’s commitment to diversity in scientific research.

Submit LOI early to avoid technical issues; PI salary and indirect costs not supported