Innovative Pilot Grants
Innovative Pilot Grants support researchers to develop the pilot data needed to secure further investment.
Introduction
Innovative Pilot Grants support researchers with novel research ideas to develop the pilot data needed to secure further investment from our larger grant schemes, other medical research funders or from industry. This scheme allows us to fund innovative research ideas that could lead to the next big breakthroughs in blood cancer research.
Process and timeline
- Applications open: Thursday 4th September 2025
- Deadline for submission of applications: 3pm on Thursday 27th November 2025
- Applicants notified of outcomes: February/March 2026.
Grant amount
Grants are awarded for a duration of up to 12 months and for at a maximum of £30,000.
Remit and eligibility
We invite applications for innovative research projects which aim to develop pilot data in novel areas of blood cancer research and that focus on at least one of the three priority research themes from our research strategy:
Early career researchers in particular are encouraged to apply. Applicants should clearly outline the potential impact for people affected by blood cancer.
Pilot grants are not for:
- Supplementing or making up shortfalls in funding for ongoing research and staff funded by other awards.
- Bridging support between grants.
- Biobank funding or other infrastructure costs.
- Research involving randomised trials of clinical treatments.
The scheme's impact
Since launching Innovative Pilot grant scheme in 2023-2024 we have funded 17 new Innovative Pilot Grants at a total of £500,000. You could be the next researcher we support.
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12 Grants awarded last year
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£346,722 Total invested
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36% Applicant success rate
Our research
Our £500 million investment in research since 1960 has helped transform treatments and taken us to the point where beating blood cancer is now in sight. Our researchers are working to finish the job.
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