Eligibility

Individuals with an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degree are eligible to be invited to submit an application. Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited academic center or research institute (domestic or foreign). Individuals must have demonstrated experience in CLL research as well as an adequate research environment. An application may have collaborators from multiple institutions. In any given funding cycle, an individual may be the principal investigator on only one application.

Research Priorities

As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing the treatment and understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we invite researchers to align their applications with the following research priorities:

1. Immune Dysfunction, Restoration, and Immune Effector Therapies
   Define mechanisms of immune dysfunction in CLL and develop strategies to restore anti-tumor immunity, including advancing immune-based therapies and overcoming resistance.
2. Origin and Early Evolution of CLL
   Elucidate the origins of CLL and drivers of progression from monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), with a focus on early detection, risk stratification, and prevention.
3. Novel Therapeutic Targets and Approaches
   Identify and validate new targets and therapies for CLL, particularly in inhibitor-refractory disease, and develop combinatorial strategies to improve depth and durability of response.
4. Richter Transformation, High-Risk, and Genomically Complex Disease
   Advance understanding and treatment of aggressive CLL, including Richter transformation, with an emphasis on resistance, early relapse, and improving outcomes.

Please ensure your submission clearly addresses one or more of these priorities. Proposals that demonstrate high potential for clinical impact and innovation are strongly encouraged.

Review Process

Letters of Intent will be reviewed by independent reviewers and the CLL Global Scientific Advisory Board. The Scientific Advisory Board will make the final selection of applications to be invited to submit a full proposal. Applications will be evaluated on their relevance to the defined research priorities, strength of the scientific rationale, and likelihood to lead to advances in treatment, diagnosis, or monitoring of CLL in the near-term. Applicants will be notified via email as to whether they have been selected to submit a full application.

Completing the LOI

The following information is required to complete the application form:

1. General information including the project title, name of the Principal Investigator (PI), recipient institution address, and PI contact information. 
2. Selection of the primary research priority that the proposal addresses. Only one priority may be selected.
3. The amount of funding requested up to $150,000.
4. Status of IRB or IACUC approval as appropriate.
5. PI biographical sketch (Common Form + NIH Supplement or Legacy Form accepted).
6. A scientific abstract (up to 1200 words) that describes the working hypothesis, scientific rationale, experimental design, and expected outcomes. One figure, image, or data table may be included. References are not counted toward the word limit.
7. If applicable, a description of how you will obtain clinical samples for the proposed work (clinical investigator, protocol, location) and who your collaborators are, including those not listed as personnel on the proposed project.

Considerations

• Awards are for a period of 12 months with a budget of up to $150,000. This amount is inclusive of up to 5% that may be used for institutional overhead.
• Funds may not be used for secretarial or office expenses.
• Co-investigators are permitted.
• Reviewers’ comments are considered confidential.