DKMS John Hansen Research Grant

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant supports early-career researchers conducting innovative studies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy for hematological diseases. Selected projects can receive up to €240,000 over three years, and researchers from all countries may apply. The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant is an international research funding opportunity designed to advance scientific knowledge in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell-based therapies for blood-related diseases. The grant supports promising early-career scientists who are developing innovative diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, transplantation methods, and cell therapy solutions. Up to four research projects may be selected based on their scientific merit and relevance to the field. The research grant was established in honor of Dr. John A. Hansen, a pioneering oncologist and immunogeneticist. Dr. Hansen’s work contributed significantly to improving the safety and effectiveness of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. His research helped strengthen scientific understanding of transplant immunology, donor compatibility, and complications associated with transplantation. By supporting emerging researchers, the grant continues his legacy of scientific innovation and improved treatment outcomes for people affected by hematological diseases. The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant aims to: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or diseased blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells. These stem cells can develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The treatment may be used for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, bone marrow failure disorders, and certain inherited blood or immune-system conditions. Research in this field focuses on improving donor matching, reducing transplant complications, strengthening immune recovery, preventing relapse, and increasing patient survival. Cell therapy uses living cells to treat, repair, replace, or support damaged tissues and immune functions. In hematology, these therapies may be developed to target blood cancers, restore healthy blood-cell production, or improve immune responses. Relevant research may include immune-cell therapies, engineered cellular products, transplantation technologies, and methods for producing safe and effective therapeutic cells. Eligible research proposals must address hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or cell therapy for hematological diseases. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to: Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed research relates to transplantation or cell therapy and how it could contribute to scientific or clinical progress. The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant provides: Continued funding is subject to reasonable research progress during the grant period. Selected researchers should therefore be prepared to demonstrate that their projects are advancing according to the approved research plan. Applicants must have obtained a doctoral-level qualification in a relevant field. Accepted qualifications include: The doctoral degree must have been awarded within the 10 years preceding the start date of the grant call.

Eligible applicants may include:

Applicants do not need to hold a faculty position to apply. Researchers from all countries are eligible to apply. The grant has an international scope and is not limited to applicants from a particular country or region. Candidates should still review the official call guidelines for any institutional, administrative, or documentation requirements. Research projects are selected according to their scientific quality, relevance, and potential contribution to the field. Applications may be assessed on factors such as: Because funding is competitive, applicants should clearly connect the research question, methodology, expected results, and potential benefits. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy can provide life-saving treatment for people affected by serious blood cancers, bone marrow disorders, immune deficiencies, and inherited hematological conditions. However, major challenges remain, including: The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant addresses these challenges by investing in researchers who can develop new evidence, technologies, and treatment approaches. It also helps early-career scientists build expertise, produce meaningful research, and contribute to the future of transplantation medicine and cellular therapy. Applicants should follow the official DKMS application process and carefully review the current grant call before preparing a submission. A typical application process may involve the following steps: Applicants should use the current official call as the authoritative source because submission requirements and deadlines may change between funding rounds. Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

Applicants should avoid:

It is an international research grant supporting early-career scientists working in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy for hematological diseases. Each selected project may receive up to €240,000 over three years, with annual funding of up to €80,000. Up to four research projects may be selected based on merit and relevance to the field. Researchers who obtained a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field within the last 10 years may apply. Fellows, postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty members, and researchers without faculty positions may be eligible. Yes. Researchers from all countries are eligible to apply, subject to the conditions specified in the official grant call. Supported topics include diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, transplant immunology, transplantation complications, donor selection, cell manufacturing, and other areas connected to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or cell therapy for hematological diseases. Funding is depend