The John Voight Memorial Leukemia Research Grant, named after Kids Beating Cancer founder’s son who lost his life to AML Monosomy 7 at age nine, funds translational pediatric leukemia research with an emphasis on Acute Myelocytic Leukemia (AML). The grant is structured as an innovative two-tier format designed to first pilot and validate research feasibility (Tier 1), and then expand upon successful discoveries with extended funding (Tier 2), totaling up to $300,000 over three years. The aim is to fund translational studies that support therapeutic development, biomarker research, or other projects that will directly impact pediatric AML patients within several years. All Letters of Intent and applications are submitted through ProposalCentral and undergo rigorous annual review by the Kids Beating Cancer Scientific Advisory Board.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Research must be original, novel, and focused on pediatric leukemia with an emphasis on AML.
- Previously published work is not eligible unless there has been a significant change or advancement; abstracts from conferences such as ASPHO, ASH, ASCO, or AACR must demonstrate noted significant advancement.
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent) and be appointed as faculty (or equivalent) at an academic institution. Post-doctoral researchers are eligible to apply.
- Research institutions must be based in the United States and must have nonprofit or academic status.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated track record of pediatric cancer research.
- Applicants may be involved in other research grants, but there must be clear documentation of mechanisms to avoid scientific and/or budgetary overlap.
Funding Details:
- Tier 1: $100,000 for 1 year — pilot/feasibility of translational pediatric AML research.
- Tier 2: $200,000 for 2 additional years — awarded only to Tier 1 recipients with successful data.
- Total potential award: up to $300,000 over 3 years ($100,000 max per year).
- Indirect costs are not allowed. Grant funds cover direct costs including salary, research supplies, and equipment. Kids Beating Cancer adheres to the NIH Salary Cap.
- Carry-over of funds (no more than 20%) permitted per year with justification.
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent due: July 3, 2026 (via ProposalCentral).
- Invitation to apply notification: September 4, 2026.
- Full proposal submission (by invitation): October 16, 2026.
- Grant award notification: December 2026 – January 2027.
Where to Go for Further Information:
- Kids Beating Cancer Research Grants Page.
- 2026 Application Guidelines (PDF).
- Contact: Sam Azar, COO & VP of Research — sam@kidsbeatingcancer.com; Ian Henrich, PhD, Chair, Scientific Advisory Board — ian@kidsbeatingcancer.com