Apply now for Innovative Pilot Grants (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 05-Nov-2026

Blood Cancer UK is inviting applications for its Innovative Pilot Grants to support researchers developing pilot data for novel projects focused on blood cancer prevention, early detection, or treatment. The scheme supports innovative research ideas that could help accelerate progress towards a future where no one dies from blood cancer or the side effects of its treatments. Grants of up to £50,000 per application are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.

About the Innovative Pilot Grants

The Innovative Pilot Grants scheme was launched in 2023 to give researchers an opportunity to explore novel ideas in blood cancer research. The funding is designed to help researchers generate early or pilot data that can provide a foundation for larger research projects and future investment. The scheme aims to support research that can contribute to improved outcomes for people affected by blood cancer. Research Priority Themes Projects must focus on at least one of three priority themes: - Prevention. - Early detection and predicting outcomes. - Treatment of blood cancer. Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed research fits within one or more of these themes and why the research is important. Blood Cancer Prevention Research under the prevention theme can focus on developing new knowledge and approaches that could contribute to preventing blood cancer. Applicants should explain the potential significance of their proposed work and how it could ultimately benefit people affected by blood cancer. Early Detection and Predicting Outcomes The program also supports research focused on early detection and predicting outcomes. Projects in this area can generate pilot data that may help researchers develop future approaches to identifying blood cancer earlier or understanding potential outcomes. Applicants should clearly communicate the potential impact of their research on people affected by blood cancer. Blood Cancer Treatment The third priority theme focuses on the treatment of blood cancer. Research projects can explore novel approaches that may contribute to improving treatment or reducing the effects of blood cancer and its treatments. The proposed research should demonstrate a clear potential benefit for people affected by blood cancer. How Much Funding Is Available? The Innovative Pilot Grants provide funding of up to £50,000 per application.

Key funding details include:

- Maximum grant: £50,000 per application.

- Approximate USD value: $63,500.

- Maximum project duration: 12 months.

- Purpose: Generate pilot data for novel blood cancer research projects.

- Future funding: Pilot data can be used to support applications to larger grant schemes, medical research funders, or industry partners.

The funding is intended to help researchers establish preliminary evidence that can support the next stage of research and investment. Who Can Apply? The scheme is open to researchers developing innovative projects in blood cancer research. Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed project addresses at least one of the scheme’s priority themes and has potential to make a meaningful difference for people affected by blood cancer. Why Pilot Data Matters The Innovative Pilot Grants are designed to support research at an early stage. Generating pilot data can help researchers: - Test novel research ideas. - Establish preliminary evidence. - Develop the foundation for larger studies. - Strengthen applications to larger grant schemes. - Seek additional support from medical research funders. - Engage potential industry partners. The scheme therefore provides researchers with an opportunity to develop evidence that can support future research investment. Focus on Impact for People Affected by Blood Cancer Applicants are expected to clearly articulate the potential impact of their research for people affected by blood cancer. The proposal should explain why the research matters and how successful development of the proposed idea could contribute to improvements in prevention, early detection, predicting outcomes, or treatment. Encouraging Early Career Researchers Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply to the Innovative Pilot Grants scheme. The funding can provide an opportunity for researchers at an early stage of their careers to investigate novel research ideas and generate pilot data that may support future research funding. Application Process Applications must be submitted through the Blood Cancer UK Grants Portal before the relevant deadline. Applicants should ensure that their applications are completed and submitted on time because late submissions will not be accepted. Researchers should review the application requirements carefully and ensure that their proposal clearly addresses the relevant research priority and potential impact. How Applications Are Reviewed Submitted proposals undergo review by the Research Funding Committee and the Research Involvement Network. Final approval is provided by the Board of Trustees. This review process considers the proposed research and its potential contribution to blood cancer research and the people affected by the disease. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should present a clear and well-defined research idea and explain why pilot funding is needed. A strong proposal should clearly communicate: - The research question or problem. - The novel aspect of the proposed project. - Which priority theme or themes the project addresses. - The proposed research approach. - The pilot data that will be generated. - The potential impact on people affected by blood cancer. - How the pilot findings could support future research investment. - How the project can contribute to future applications or partnerships. Early career researchers should also clearly demonstrate the potential value of the project as a foundation for their research de