Current Funding Opportunities 2011
The Leukaemia Foundation's 'Vision to Cure' is actively realised in our National Research Program (NRP). The NRP seeks to foster innovative research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. The program includes grants-in-aid to provide seed funding for novel research projects, whilst our fellowships and scholarships program aims to encourage talented young scientists, medical graduates and researchers to pursue a career in basic, applied or translational research to find cures and better ways to care for patients and families living with haematological malignancies.
We will consider funding applications in all fields of research which will improve outcomes for people with blood cancers and related disorders.
In 2011 the following funding opportunities will be offered:
- Grants-in-aid
- Clinical Trial Grant
- Post Doctoral Fellowship
- PhD Scholarships
- PhD Scholarships (Clinical)
- New Investigators Grant (WA)
- Honours Year Scholarship (WA)
- Career Establishment Grant (NSW/ACT)
All applications to the NRP undergo peer review overseen by the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee and its subcommittees – the Grant Review Committee and the Fellowships and Scholarships Review Committee. Unfortunately it is not possible to provide individual feedback to applicants as our peer review relies entirely upon the generosity of our expert volunteers.
All applications for funding in every state and territory are assessed through one national process. Where applicable, this includes applications for funds which are state specific. The Leukaemia Foundation NRP is listed on the Australian Competitive Grants Register.
All Leukaemia Foundation grants, fellowships and scholarships are GST exclusive.
Please read eligibility criteria carefully as there have been changes made to criteria of past years.
Special Initiatives for 2011
We are delighted to announce three special research initiatives for 2011 in addition to our usual program.
1. Clinical Trial Grant
The Leukaemia Foundation invites expressions of interest for the funding of clinical trials research into haematological malignancies commencing in 2011. Projects must be initiated by Australian investigators. Projects should address issues with strong potential to significantly impact clinical practice in the management of patients with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma, or other blood or bone marrow cancers and disorders, and may include therapeutic or psycho-social intervention trials.
The grant will be valued at up to $200,000 pa for three years.
2. CLL Research Initiative
The Leukaemia Foundation together with the CLL Australian Research Consortium is calling for applications for research into CLL according to pre-defined and specific research priorities. This has been made possible by the significant generosity of a private donor. In 2011 it is anticipated that at least 3 grants-in-aid will be available for this research initiative in addition to the Foundation�s usual budgeted research allocation. Applications are encouraged in all aspects of CLL research which is patient oriented, and likely to translate rapidly into clinical applications however researchers are encouraged to address at least one of the following priorities:
- Proteomics and other post-genomic technologies applied to the investigation of CLL and to relevant drug development
- Molecular definition and characterisation of prognostic factors, relevant to the natural history of CLL
- Molecular targets in CLL
- Identification of and interruption of CLL survival pathways
- New vaccine and gene therapy approaches
- New monoclonal antibodies that target CLL cells or restore immune functions
- Etiology of CLL:
1. Molecular genetics
2. Extrinsic factors - Methods for quantifying residual disease in CLL Cell/Stroma interaction
Researchers wishing to apply for these funds should prepare and submit applications using the standard GIA-EOI forms and instructions provided.
Applications for CLL research which is not patient focused and falls outside these priorities will still be eligible for Leukaemia Foundation funding but should be submitted via the general grants-in-aid category as indicated on the application form.
3. Roche and the PwC Leukaemia and Lymphoma Tissue Bank, partnering for personalised healthcare.
The Leukaemia Foundation calls for grant-in-aid applications for translational research utilising the Australasian sample collection from the CLL-8 clinical trial held by the PwC Leukaemia and Lymphoma Tissue Bank. For details of the sample collection click here. Collaboration with the German CLLSG investigators has been agreed to, for the provision of clinical data on this subset of samples if required. These samples may also be pooled with additional samples if available from other sources.
Researchers wishing to apply for these funds should prepare a FULL application and submit using the CLL-8 form provided. There will be NO expression-of-interest process for these grants. We anticipate successful applicants to be announced by September in advance of our usual timeframes. A maximum of $100,000 is available. Applications for lesser amounts are welcome. Applications will be assessed by the Tissue Bank Management Committee in conjunction with the ALLG Laboratory Sciences Committee and the Leukaemia Foundation Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee. Please clearly address the relevance of your proposed research to the CLL-8 samples in your application
For more detailed information regarding the CLL-8 clinical trial click here
Supported by an educational/research grant by Roche Products Pty Limited
For more information please contact Dr Susan O’Brien at the Leukaemia Foundation (07) 3866 4038 or 0423 821 732, or email sobrien@leukaemia.org.au
