Leukaemia Uk

Charity Number: 1154856

Annual Expenditure: £3.5M
Throughout England And Wales

Contact Info

Website: www.leukaemiauk.org.uk

Phone: 020 7299 0722 / +44 (0)20 8189 9878

Email: info@leukaemiauk.org.uk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Data available from Charity Commission for 2023
  • Success Rate: 8% (Project Grants 2023)
  • Decision Time: Approximately 4-5 months
  • Grant Range: £200,000 - £250,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK national

Contact Details

  • Website: www.leukaemiauk.org.uk
  • Email: info@leukaemiauk.org.uk
  • Phone: 020 7299 0722 / +44 (0)20 8189 9878
  • Address: 26 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BL
  • Charity Number: 1154856

Overview

Leukaemia UK was formed in November 2019 following a merger between Leuka (founded in 1982 by leukaemia patient Lester Cazin) and the Elimination of Leukaemia Fund (operating for approximately 40 years). The charity is the UK's dedicated leukaemia research charity, funding world-class research into leukaemia and other blood cancers. Between 2015-2025, the organization has funded 46 prestigious John Goldman Fellowships, 3 John Goldman Fellowship Follow-Up Fund projects, 5 Medical Research Council Clinical Research Training Fellowships, and 8 Project Grants. The charity focuses exclusively on innovative research of the highest scientific quality that promises to expand understanding of leukaemia and other blood cancers, or to discover and develop new treatments. Translational projects are particularly encouraged, with the aim of bringing about real change in treatment and care for those affected by leukaemia.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Project Grants: Up to £250,000 over maximum 3 years

  • For established research group leaders and senior clinician/research scientists with outstanding track records
  • Supports one full-time post-doctoral scientist or clinician scientist (named or recruited)
  • Covers salary and direct costs (no institutional overheads)
  • Applications submitted via online Funding Management System
  • Annual deadline (2024 deadline: 31 July, decisions by 20 December)

John Goldman Fellowships: Up to £200,000 over 18 months to 3 years

  • For early career researchers (post-doctoral researchers or new lecturers within 2 years of first permanent appointment)
  • No age limit, intended for talented scientists developing as independent investigators
  • Named in honour of Professor John Goldman (1938-2013), renowned haematologist
  • Includes the Olive Boles Innovation Award (launched 2021) for one fellowship awardee annually recognizing higher-risk, innovative ideas
  • Applications close annually (2025 applications closed, 2026 details available Autumn 2025)

John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund: Up to £250,000 over maximum 3 years

  • For previously funded John Goldman Fellows whose original fellowship is complete or soon to complete (within 3 years of completion)
  • Supports continuation of research and career development
  • Previously unsuccessful applicants eligible to reapply if they meet eligibility criteria
  • Funding for PhD students not available under this scheme

Priority Areas

  • Innovative research expanding understanding of leukaemia and other blood cancers
  • Discovery and development of new treatments
  • Translational projects encouraged
  • Research improving outcomes for all those diagnosed
  • Novel, clearly defined projects only

What They Don't Fund

  • Existing research projects (will not provide supplemental funding)
  • Institutional overheads or indirect costs
  • Projects outside the scope of leukaemia and related diseases
  • PhD student funding under John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund

Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Ian McCafferty CBE

  • Former member of the Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England (2012-2018)
  • Prior to Bank of England, Chief Economic Adviser to the CBI since 2001

Chief Executive Officer: Fiona Hazell (appointed September 2020)

Other Trustees:

  • James Fairclough: Portfolio Angel investor and advisor, Non-Executive Chair of Kindred, Furthr and Settlement Agreement Solicitors. Former CEO of AA Financial Services and AA Cars (2018-2023)
  • Ellen: Managing Director of Coram BAAF, UK's largest membership organisation for agencies and professionals involved with children in care
  • Jo: Director of Science & Communities at The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), former Director of Research Communications & Engagement at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
  • Luke: Healthcare marketing and communications professional focusing on strategy and multichannel marketing

Leadership Quotes

Fiona Hazell, CEO, on research funding: “Spearheaded by pioneering early career researchers, these vital insights could unlock the better, kinder and more targeted treatments desperately needed to transform outcomes for patients.”

Fiona Hazell on supporter impact: “Allowing us to accelerate progress and improve the lives of people affected by leukaemia both today and in the future.”

Fiona Hazell welcoming Ian McCafferty as Chair: “I feel confident that the incoming chair, Ian McCafferty, along with our new and existing trustees, will continue to drive the organisation forward and will keep what matters most to those impacted by leukaemia at the heart of all their decisions.”

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Leukaemia UK Funding Management System (online portal). All parties must register for an account and approve applications:

  • Applicant
  • Head of Department
  • Institutional Finance Approver
  • Any Co-applicants

Leukaemia UK recommends beginning applications early to avoid submission delays. Portal guidance documentation is available on their website.

Decision Timeline

Project Grants:

  • Application deadline: Mid-year (2024 deadline was 31 July)
  • Decision notification: Approximately 4-5 months after deadline (2024 decisions by 20 December)

Process includes:

  1. Initial assessment for eligibility, scope, and compliance with page/word limits
  2. Applications passing initial review sent for expert review
  3. External expert reviewers and people with experience of leukaemia assess applications

Success Rates

Project Grants: 8% success rate (2023 data)

This competitive success rate reflects the high quality of applications and limited funding available.

Reapplication Policy

John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund: Previously unsuccessful applicants are eligible to reapply, provided they still meet the eligibility criteria.

Policy for other funding streams not explicitly stated in available documentation, though applicants are encouraged to contact the Research Manager with queries.

Application Success Factors

Key Priorities

Leukaemia UK funds “only innovative research of the highest scientific quality” - emphasizing both novelty and excellence. Applications must demonstrate:

  • Clear innovation and novel approaches
  • Highest scientific quality with potential for significant impact
  • Expansion of understanding of leukaemia and blood cancers OR discovery/development of new treatments
  • Ultimate aim to improve outcomes for all those diagnosed

Translational Focus

Translational projects are particularly encouraged - research that can bring about real change in treatment and care for patients.

Recent Funded Projects (2023 Examples)

Four John Goldman Fellowships awarded in 2023 (£600,000 total) focused on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML):

  • Dr Kevin Rattigan (University of Glasgow)
  • Dr Noelia Che (University College London)
  • Dr Simona Valletta (University of Manchester)
  • Dr Sophie Kellaway (University of Nottingham) - investigating AML caused by RUNX1 gene mutation, a sub-type with very poor survival across all age groups

Application Requirements

  • Established track record for Project Grants (group leaders/senior scientists)
  • Early career researchers for John Goldman Fellowships (developing independence)
  • Compliance with eligibility criteria is mandatory
  • Proper completion required with strict adherence to page and word limits
  • All required approvals must be obtained before submission deadline

Standing Out

  • Focus on kinder, more effective treatments
  • Address particularly aggressive or poorly understood forms of blood cancer
  • Demonstrate potential for real-world patient impact
  • Show clear pathway from research to clinical application
  • Emphasize innovation and higher-risk ideas (especially for Olive Boles Innovation Award)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Competition is fierce: With only an 8% success rate, applications must be exceptionally strong and demonstrate clear innovation
  • Quality over quantity: Leukaemia UK funds “only innovative research of the highest scientific quality” - both elements are non-negotiable
  • Translational research valued: Projects showing clear pathway to patient impact are particularly encouraged
  • Early planning essential: Online portal requires multiple approvers, so start applications well before deadline
  • No overhead funding: Budget accordingly - only salary and direct costs covered, no institutional overheads
  • Career stage matters: Different programs target different career stages - ensure you apply for the right scheme
  • Reapplication is possible: For John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund, unsuccessful applicants can reapply if still eligible
  • Contact for queries: Research Manager available for questions about application process and eligibility

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References