ASH Bridge Grant

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems. Building on the legacy of its ASH Bridge Grant program, the ASH Award for Research Careers in Hematology (ARCH) has been developed as an independent funding opportunity to support hematology researchers. Unlike its predecessor, ARCH is no longer tied to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 funding mechanism, allowing for greater flexibility and accessibility for investigators across various stages of their research careers. The ARCH award offers a total funding amount of $150,000, which recipients may utilize over a one-, two-, or three-year period based on individual preference. This award is designed specifically for independent investigators who have surpassed eligibility for other ASH funding programs such as the ASH AIMFD and ASH Scholar Awards. Eligible applicants must possess a PharmD, PhD, MD/DO, or a combined MD/DO–PhD degree. The supported research must fall within the field of hematology, encompassing basic, translational, patient-oriented, or outcomes-based research. In keeping with ASH’s commitment to equity and inclusion, the program gives priority to proposals that uplift at-risk populations within the hematology field. This includes researchers focusing on populations with a higher disease burden as well as those with limited access to alternative funding streams. This strategic prioritization aligns with ASH's mission to support the most pressing and underserved areas in hematologic research. Eligibility for the ARCH program requires that applicants be citizens or hold permanent residency or visa status in the United States, Mexico, or Canada, with the research being conducted in one of these countries. Furthermore, applicants must serve as the Principal Investigator and should have completed their terminal degree or residency more than 13 years prior to applying. They must also hold a position at an academic institution or a nonprofit research organization and demonstrate that they have $500,000 or less in other financial resources available at the time of application and upon award notification. The application process includes completing an online form and submitting several required materials: a detailed project proposal, budget with justification, NIH biographical sketch, certification form, a statement of risk status, and information regarding other financial resources. Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit and the qualifications of the investigator, with a limitation of no more than two awards granted per medical school to maintain programmatic balance. Applicants are notified of their award status by June 1, 2026, and funding begins upon notification. Selected applicants must reconfirm that their financial resources remain below the threshold of $500,000. The 2026 application cycle opens on February 2 and closes on March 31 at noon Eastern Time. Although there is no indication of a required pre-application such as a letter of intent, applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials thoroughly. The program is expected to recur annually, continuing to provide vital support to hematology researchers. For questions, applicants may contact ASH directly at [email protected] or by phone at 202-776-0544. Through the ARCH award, ASH continues to foster innovation and excellence in hematologic research while supporting the career development of independent investigators in a competitive funding landscape.