Grant News

Blood Cancer UK has announced that applications are open for its 2026-2027 Transformational Research Awards.  The Awards support ambitious research aiming to make substantial progress towards transformative change for people with any blood cancer or precursor condition, including children and young people.

Blood Cancer UK is a UK charity that funds research, provides support and information, and campaigns to improve outcomes for people affected by blood cancer.

The programme will support:

• advanced or late-stage translational and pre-clinical research;
  • clinical and experimental medicine, including clinical studies and trials;
  • research that can speed the uptake of new treatments and other interventions into the NHS.

Grants are typically available for up to five years and up to £1.5 million. Blood Cancer states that most bids are likely to be at least £500,000, with a core funding pot of up to £3 million for this round and additional ring-fenced myeloma funding available through the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund.

Eligible applicants are individuals based at UK universities, hospitals or other recognised research institutions who can accept the charity’s terms and conditions; commercial organisations cannot apply. Proposals should show a clear route to patient benefit and NHS uptake, and meaningful patient and public involvement is expected.

Applications must be submitted through the Blood Cancer UK Grants Portal using a two-stage process that begins with an expression of interest. The EOI round closes at 3pm on 4 June 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications by November 2026, with final decisions due in March 2027.