Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award

Named in honor of Shaji Kumar, this award supports innovative research that advances the science and care of hematologic malignancies. The program is aligned with the Summit on Hematologic Cancers and is designed to catalyze impactful investigations by early-career faculty and fellows

The Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award aims to support early-career investigators pursuing impactful discoveries that improve the understanding and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related hematologic malignancies while fostering mentorship, collaboration, and innovation within the hematology community.

Award Categories and Funding

Faculty Research Awards:

• Funding Amount: $50,000 per project
• Eligibility: Faculty within 10 years of completing fellowship

Fellow Research Awards:

• Funding Amount: $25,000 per project
• Eligibility: Current hematology/oncology fellows

Submit your abstract here

Reviewers will conduct an initial evaluation of all submitted research proposals. Based on this review, selected applicants will be invited to present their proposed projects as posters at the Summit on Hematologic Cancers.

During the poster session, applicants will discuss their research with reviewers and attendees, allowing for scientific exchange, questions, and constructive feedback. Following this evaluation, expert reviewers will select a group of finalists to advance to the Impact Pitch Session.

Application Pathway

1. Abstract Submission

Applicants must submit an abstract based on completed or ongoing work for presentation at the Summit on Hematologic Cancers.

Abstract Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026 Abstract acceptance is required before applying for the research award.

2. Research Proposal Submission

First authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a separate research proposal.

• The proposal may be different from the abstracted work
• Only one proposal per applicant is allowed
• Applicants must meet the faculty or fellow eligibility criteria

3. Peer Review and Poster Presentation

All submitted proposals will undergo peer review by an expert selection committee.

Applicants will be invited to present their proposed research as a poster at the Summit on Hematologic Cancers, providing an opportunity for scientific discussion, feedback, and collaboration prior to final funding decisions.

4. Impact Pitch Session (Final Round)

Finalists will deliver a live presentation of their proposal in a high-impact, Shark Tank–style format before a multidisciplinary panel of judges and conference audience.

The session is designed to:

• Evaluate scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and potential clinical impact
• Encourage dynamic discussion and mentorship
• Identify the projects with the greatest potential to advance the field of hematologic malignancies

Funding decisions will be made based on this final presentation.

Funding Terms and Expectations

• Faculty awards: Up to $50,000 per project
• Fellow awards: Up to $25,000 per project
• No indirect costs are allowed
• Funds must be used for direct research expenses only
• Awardees must acknowledge support in publications and presentations
• Progress and outcomes will be presented at a future Summit on Hematologic Cancers

Submit your abstract here

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Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ provides detailed information about the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award, including eligibility, the application process, and funding terms.

General Questions

Q: What is the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award?

A: This award is designed to support innovative research in hematologic malignancies (blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma). Named in honor of Shaji Kumar, the program aims to catalyze impactful investigations by early-career faculty and fellows and is closely aligned with the Summit on Hematologic Cancers.

Q: What are the main goals of the award program?

A: The program seeks to:

• Support early-career investigators in pursuing impactful discoveries.
• Improve the understanding and treatment of hematologic malignancies.
• Foster mentorship, collaboration, and innovation within the hematology community.

Eligibility Questions

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Faculty Research Award?

A: The Faculty Research Award is open to faculty members who are within 10 years of completing their fellowship.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Fellow Research Award?

A: The Fellow Research Award is open to current hematology or oncology fellows.

Award Funding

Q: What is the funding amount for the Faculty Research Award?

A: The Faculty Research Award provides up to $50,000 per project.

Q: What is the funding amount for the Fellow Research Award?

A: The Fellow Research Award provides up to $25,000 per project.

Q: How can the award funds be used? A: Funds are intended for direct research expenses only. Please note that no indirect costs (also known as overhead or facilities and administrative costs) are allowed.

Selection Process

Q: What is the application and selection process?

A: The selection process is multi-staged and designed to provide applicants with valuable feedback and visibility.

1. Initial Proposal Submission: Applicants submit their research proposals.
2. Poster Session (Selected Applicants): Following an initial review, selected applicants will be invited to present their proposed projects as posters at the Summit on Hematologic Cancers. This session allows for scientific exchange and feedback from reviewers.
3. Impact Pitch Session (Finalists): After the poster session, a group of finalists will be selected to advance. These finalists will deliver a live, "Shark Tank–style" presentation of their proposal to a panel of expert judges and the conference audience.
4. Final Decision: Funding decisions will be based on the quality of the final "Impact Pitch" presentation.

Q: What is judged during the final "Impact Pitch Session"?

A: The multidisciplinary panel of judges will evaluate each proposal based on:

• Scientific merit
• Innovation
• Feasibility
• Potential clinical impact The session is also designed to encourage dynamic discussion and mentorship.

Terms and Expectations for Awardees

Q: What are the expectations for award recipients?

A: Awardees are expected to:

• Use the funds exclusively for direct research expenses.
• Acknowledge the support of the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award in any publications or presentations resulting from the funded work.
• Present the progress and outcomes of their research at a future Summit on Hematologic Cancers.

Submit your abstract here

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