The New Investigator Research Grant is the flagship funding program of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), aimed at jumpstarting the careers of new scientists focused on leukemia and related blood cancers. This grant provides up to $150,000 over 2 years to promising early-stage independent investigators pursuing novel ideas in leukemia or MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes) research By supplying critical seed funding, LRF enables these investigators – who are often just establishing their labs – to generate the preliminary data needed for larger awards, thereby accelerating discoveries in leukemia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. LRF is a nonprofit dedicated exclusively to funding leukemia research, and this program has a strong track record of advancing breakthroughs while fostering the next generation of leukemia researchers
Eligibility Criteria:
- New Independent Investigators: Must be within 7 years of starting their first faculty-level appointment(assistant professor or equivalent) as of the award start date (July 1, 2026) Time spent in clinical training or postdoc fellowship is not counted toward the 7-year limit Adjustments can be made for significant career interruptions (family leave, military service, etc.) with documentation.
- Faculty Position: Applicants must hold an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position at a non-profit institution at the time of application submission They should have their own dedicated lab space and the ability to lead a research team (fellows are not eligible)
- No Major Grant Funding: Candidates cannot have existing active grants ≥ $175K/year in direct costs, such as an NIH R01, VA Merit Award, or equivalent, at the time of application Having smaller grants (e.g., NIH K08/K99, R21, DoD, foundation grants under $175K/year) is permitted The intent is to fund investigators who have not yet obtained substantial federal funding.
- Research Focus: Proposals must be relevant to leukemia, leukemia-related blood cancers, or MDS. Both basic science and translational/clinical projects are welcome. The science should be innovative and feasible within the 2-year scope.
- Geography: Investigators worldwide are eligible – no U.S. citizenship or residency requirement The research can be conducted at any qualified non-profit research institution globally.
Funding Details:
- Grant Amount: Up to $150,000 total (USD) disbursed over a 2-year period Typically, this is budgeted as ~$75,000 per year for two years. No indirect costs are allowed; the entire award is for direct project expenses.
- Allowable costs: Funds may cover PI and staff salaries, supplies, equipment, core facility fees, and other research expenses directly related to the project. Travel to scientific meetings or LRF events can be included modestly.
- Project term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. An interim progress report and financial report are required after year 1, and continued funding for the second year is contingent on satisfactory progress. A final report is due at the end of year 2.
- Mentorship and collaboration: While not a formal requirement, LRF encourages grantees to leverage mentorship from senior leukemia researchers (many past awardees have gone on to secure NIH grants under mentorship). Grantees become part of LRF’s scientific community and may be invited to present findings at LRF sessions.
Deadline:
- Letters of Intent (LOI) due February 6, 2026 (noon CT).
Where to go for further information: