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 National 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.

Key Highlights of the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award

Research Funding

• Faculty Awards: Up to $50,000 per project
• Fellow Awards: Up to $25,000 per project

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026
• Poster Presentation: October 16, 2026 – Nashville

• Impact Pitch Session: October 17, 2026 – Nashville

Who Should Apply

• Early-career hematology or oncology faculty
• Hematology/oncology fellows
• Researchers studying leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or related hematologic malignancies

Research Award Categories and Funding Amounts

Faculty Hematology Research Award

• Funding: Up to $50,000 per project

• Eligibility: Faculty within 10 years of fellowship completion

Fellow Hematology Research Award

• Funding: Up to $25,000 per project
  
• Eligibility: Current hematology or oncology fellows

Funds are awarded as research grants for direct project expenses only.

Submit your abstract here

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 Process for the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award

The award follows a multi-stage application and review process designed to identify the most promising hematology research proposals.

Step 1: Abstract Submission for the Summit on Hematologic Cancers

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.

Step 2: Research Proposal Submission

Authors of accepted abstracts to submit a research proposal if they meet the eligibility criteria. Authors of accepted abstracts (first author or co-author) will be invited to submit a separate research proposal.

Key requirements:

• 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

Step 3: Peer Review and Poster Presentation

All submitted proposals will undergo peer review by an expert selection committee. Selected applicants will be invited to present their proposed research as a poster at the Summit on Hematologic Cancers on October 16, 2026.

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.

Step 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 are made based on this final presentation.

Funding Terms and Award Recipient Expectations

Allowable Use of Funds

• Funds must be used for direct research expenses only
• No indirect costs (overhead or facilities and administrative costs) are allowed

Responsibilities of award recipients

• Acknowledge support of the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award in publications and presentations
• Present research progress and outcomes at a future Summit on Hematologic Cancers

Submit your abstract here

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Q: What is the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award?

A: This award supports innovative research in hematologic malignancies (blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma). Named in honor of Shaji Kumar, the program provides research funding for early-career faculty and fellows and is presented at the 2026 National Summit on Hematologic Cancers in Nashville.

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.

Q: Who is eligible and how much funding is available?

A: Faculty members within 10 years of completing fellowship are eligible for up to $50,000 per project. Current hematology or oncology fellows are eligible for up to $25,000 per project. Funds cover direct research expenses only with no indirect costs allowed.

Q: What are the expectations for award recipients?

A: Awardees must use the funds exclusively for direct research expenses, acknowledge the support of the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award in publications and presentations, and present research progress at a future Summit on Hematologic Cancers.

Q: Where can I submit an abstract?

A: Abstracts can be submitted at the official submission portal.

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