Call for Proposals

Despite major advances in the treatment of leukemia, many fundamental questions remain unresolved. The biological mechanisms underlying disease initiation, therapeutic resistance and relapse are still only partially understood. Addressing these challenges may require approaches that go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The Leukemia Institute therefore launches a new funding initiative dedicated to transdisciplinary research, encouraging collaborations between leukemia researchers and experts from other fields, including but not limited to physics, mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, chemistry, social sciences, or economics.

We seek innovative projects that have the potential to generate new concepts, methods or technologies capable of advancing our understanding of leukemia and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

  1. Foster scientific innovation

Support high-risk, high-gain research projects that may be difficult to fund through conventional funding schemes but have the potential to open new research directions.

  1. Promote transdisciplinary collaboration

Encourage the development of innovative partnerships between leukemia researchers and experts from other disciplines, within the Leukemia Institute and across external institutions.

  1. Accelerate progress against leukemia

Stimulate the development of novel approaches to better understand, predict, prevent, treat or overcome therapeutic resistance.

Applications must be jointly submitted by one  team from the Leukemia Institute and at least one collaborating team from a complementary discipline, bringing additional expertise. Collaborations may involve academic or industrial partners.

Applications must be submitted by 15/10/2026, using the dedicated form (maximum 5 pages), describing:

  • Scientific background and objectives
  • Description of the transdisciplinary approach and partner contributions
  • Work plan and expected outcomes
  • Budget request (up to €200,000 for a maximum duration of 2 years)

Resources may be allocated to both the Leukemia Institute team and the collaborating external team, provided that they are clearly justified and directly contribute to the scientific objectives of the project. Support may cover operational costs, personnel, and, in exceptional cases, equipment.

For projects funded through this call, an annual scientific and financial update will be required, along with a final report at the end of the two-year period. The leaders of funded projects will also be expected to present their work during regular seminar meetings gathering all IHU teams.

Applicants will be invited to deliver a 10–15 minutes oral presentation of their project in november. These presentations will be open to all Leukemia Institute team leaders and permanent researchers.

The selection committee will consist of the “IHU Team” along with 1–2 invited external experts.

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Scientific excellence
  • Originality and innovative character of the project in the field of leukemia
  • Quality and integration of the transdisciplinary approach
  • Collaborative dimension and potential for long-term partnerships.

Contacts

For any questions or assistance with administrative, legal, or financial matters:
Stéphanie CHAMBAUD

For any questions or assistance with scientific aspects or valorisation:
Charlotte BOUQUEREL

Responses to this call should be sent by email to Hugues de Thé (hugues.dethe@inserm.fr) with copies to Stéphanie Chambaud (stephanie.chambaud@u-pariscite.fr) and Charlotte Bouquerel (charlotte.bouquerel@u-pariscite.fr) .