The LLS is not currently accepting new applications for the New Idea Award.

Objectives

The goal of this program is to advance novel concepts that may eventually lead to significant improvements in the clinical outcomes of patients with blood cancer.  Grants will support initial exploration of untested but potentially transformative ideas that may radically change the way we treat or understand blood cancer.  In addition to applications from blood cancer researchers, we strongly encourage applications from those with expertise outside of blood cancer, with the goal of stimulating new research.  In order to receive such an award, applicants must succinctly describe as one aim the innovative idea/approach and a method for testing it within the one year grant period. 

Grants will be awarded in an amount of up to $75,000 for a one year period. 

Eligibility

Investigators in academic laboratories are eligible to apply.  Researchers in any field are encouraged to apply, but the proposal must directly address blood cancer.  Investigators must demonstrate that their research environment is equipped and suitable for the proposed study; this includes demonstrated access to patient materials, where applicable.  Collaboration between multiple investigators to strengthen the proposed research will be considered favorably, but is not a requirement.  Applicants need not be United States (U.S.) citizens nor be associated with a U.S.-based institution.  Applicants should hold a Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M. or equivalent degree.

Criteria for Evaluation

Novelty/Innovation: Concept awards are designed to allow initial exploration of new ideas with the potential to open truly new avenues of investigation.  Concept awards are not intended to support the logical progression of already established research programs.  As such, it is unlikely that a significant amount of preliminary data will exist to support the proposal; however, preliminary data may be included to support the scientific rationale.  This is particularly true if the preliminary data shows an unexpected result which then forms the basis of the proposal.

Research Strategy and Feasibility 

The review committee will consider the following:

• Does the scientific rationale logically support the proposed study, and is it feasible?
• Is the proposal well-developed, with a clear aim, experimental design, and analysis?
• Are pitfalls acknowledged?
• Is it reasonable to expect meaningful results to support or reject the original hypothesis in one year?

Impact

The proposal must clearly state how the novel idea/approach might ultimately lead to a significant change in the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of blood cancer.

Application Format and Submission

The first phase is a letter of intent (LOI) phase. Applicants will provide brief descriptions of how this idea was inspired, how it is novel and innovative, and what impact the research may have on blood cancer.  All LOIs will be reviewed, and those that meet the intent of this grant mechanism will be invited to submit a full application.

The second and final phase is the full application phase.  The project description should be 3 pages or less (including figures, excluding references).  Application templates are found on our grants management website (https://lls.fluxx.io).  Invited applications will be reviewed by a peer review process by a diverse group of external experts covering both the science and medical aspects of the review.  Final funding recommendations are approved by our independent Medical & Scientific Board and our Mission Oversight Committee.

All application processes must be completed using our grants management website (https://lls.fluxx.io).  Contact researchprograms@lls.org with any questions.

Application Timeline

All times are Eastern Time (ET)