[Leukemia & Lymphoma Society](https://www.lls.org)

February 6, 2026 (LOI deadline) | April 13, 2026 (Full application, if invited)

Up to $150,000 total over 2 years; no indirect costs; no PI salary support.

Supports early-career independent investigators for innovative leukemia and MDS research projects to advance scientific understanding and patient outcomes.

--- ## Description This program funds independent, early-career researchers to conduct impactful, innovative research focused on leukemia, with proposals on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) also accepted. The aim is to foster new directions in leukemia research and support investigators within seven years of their first independent faculty-level appointment. The grant is designed to help launch the careers of promising scientists and advance research that can improve outcomes for leukemia patients. Researchers from diverse backgrounds and institutions, including those outside the US, are encouraged to apply. --- ## Due Dates - **February 6, 2026:** Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline (12:00 PM CT, submitted via ProposalCentral) - **April 13, 2026:** Full application deadline (if invited, 12:00 PM CT, submitted via ProposalCentral) - December 5, 2025: LOI submission opens - March 13, 2026: Notification if invited to submit a full application - By June 30, 2026: Award notification --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $150,000 total per award, distributed over two years. - No indirect costs or institutional overhead allowed. - No salary support for the principal investigator. - No capital equipment purchases above $7,500 (exceptions require justification). - Research travel is permitted but should not exceed $3,000. --- ## Eligibility ### Eligible Applicants - Independent investigators at non-profit academic institutions. - Within seven years of their first independent faculty-level appointment (excluding training years such as residency, fellowship, or postdoc). - Must be in an independent faculty-level position at application submission (dedicated lab space, supervision of personnel, control over research). - Adjustments to the seven-year window allowed for career interruptions (e.g., family leave, military service, illness). - No citizenship requirements; international applicants are welcome. - Applicants with KO8, R00, R99, DOE, DOD, NSF, R21, or other grants under $175,000/year in direct costs are eligible. - Only one LOI per applicant. ### Not Eligible - Applicants with any active grant(s) totaling $175,000 or more in direct costs per year (excluding KO8, R00, R99). - Fellows. - Applicants with NIH RO1, VA Merit Award, or equivalent funding. - Previous recipients of this New Investigator award. - Co-PI applications. Minority and underrepresented applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Submit via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=11902&ProposalID=-1) by February 6, 2026, 12:00 PM CT. - LOI is used to assess alignment with program goals and eligibility. 2. **Full Application:** - Only invited applicants may submit a full application by April 13, 2026, 12:00 PM CT. - Instructions and link provided by email if selected. 3. **Review:** - Applications reviewed by an independent Medical Advisory Board. - No written feedback is provided due to volume. 4. **Award Notification:** - Recipients notified by June 30, 2026. - Funding cycle begins July 1, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs and institutional overhead are not permitted. - PI salary support is not allowed. - All sources of support and any potential overlap must be disclosed. - Only one LOI may be submitted per applicant per cycle. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Application](https://leukemiarf.org/research/grant-programs/guidelines-application/) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=11902&ProposalID=-1) - [Leukemia Research Foundation Grant Programs Overview](https://leukemiarf.org/research/grant-programs/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Program/Eligibility/Funding | [grants@leukemiarf.org](mailto:grants@leukemiarf.org) | | Technical (ProposalCentral) | pcsupport@altum.com / 800-875-2562 | For general information about the funder: - [Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Contact Page](https://www.lls.org/contact-us) - Phone: +1 800-955-4572 ---

New Investigator Research Grant Program - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

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