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 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

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.

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.

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 Terms and Award Recipient Expectations

Research Funding

• Faculty awards: Up to $50,000 per project

• Fellow awards: Up to $25,000 per project

Allowable Use of Funds

• 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

Important Dates for the Research Award

Abstract Submission Deadline

August 15, 2026

Poster Presentation

October 16, 2026 – Nashville

Impact Pitch Session

October 17, 2026 – Nashville

Submit your abstract here

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Q: Where can I submit the abstract for the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award?

A: You can submit the abstract for the Shaji Kumar Hematology Research Award at https://abstracts.binaytara.org/conference/2026-national-summit-on-hematologic-cancers-abstract.

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