Award for Research Careers in Hematology

ARCH Key Information

The ASH Award for Research Careers in Hematology (ARCH) succeeds the ASH Bridge Grant program, introducing refinements that include decoupling the program from the National Institutes of Health R01 funding mechanism. ARCH is now an independent award designed to make research in hematology more accessible to independent investigators. 

Program Benefits

The ARCH offers a $150,000 research award to independent investigators who are ASH members, with a funding period selectable by the recipient between 1 and 3 years. It is available to researchers who are no longer eligible for the ASH-Amos Institute for Medical Faculty Development and ASH Scholar Awards who hold a PharmD, a PhD, an MD/DO, or an MD/DO—PhD or equivalent. The grant supports Principal Investigator (PI) salary and fringe benefits (up to 15%), justified travel, salary and fringe benefits for research personnel, and supplies and equipment.

Supported Research

Applicants must submit proposals for research in hematology, which may fall into the following categories:

  • Basic Research
  • Translational Research
  • Patient-Oriented Clinical Research
  • Outcomes-Based Research

For additional details on eligible research categories, please consult the Research Definitions page.

Programmatic Priorities

To maximize the limited resources of the Society while maintaining our rigorous review process and in recognition of the challenges present in the current environment; ASH remains committed to uplifting at-risk communities within hematology, such as those engaged in addressing health outcomes for populations who experience a higher disease burden, or researchers with limited other funding opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is determined as of the application deadline. To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a US, Mexico, or Canadian citizen conducting research anywhere in the world; or hold a visa or permanent resident status in the US, Mexico, or Canada with plans to conduct research within the US, Mexico, or Canada.
    • Any visa, citizenship and/or U.S. work authorization restrictions applicable to receiving the ASH Award are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Be an ASH member in good standing at the time of application deadline and plan to maintain membership for the duration of the award term.
  • Serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) on the project.
  • MD/DO or MD/DO-PhD applicants must have completed residency more than 13 years prior to the application deadline.
    • If the MD and PhD were earned separately, the completion date of the second degree or residency establishes eligibility.
  • PhD or PharmD applicants must have completed their terminal doctoral degree more than 13 years prior to the application deadline.
  • Hold a position at an academic institution or an equivalent position at a non-profit research organization. Employees of independent research institutions are eligible to apply if they have a faculty-type appointment and the institution is allowed to independently apply for and receive National Institutes of Health funding.
  • Have $500,000 or less in other resources available. This does not include:
    • Any institutional funding
    • Salary and Fringe
    • Donated clinical trial supplies (e.g., therapies) from industry

Exclusions to Eligibility

  • Individuals eligible to apply for the ASH Scholar Award are not eligible for this program.
    • If you have never received an R01 or equivalent, have never received an ASH Scholar Award at the Junior Faculty level, and have fewer than 13 years since your degree/residency (see eligibility above), you may qualify for the ASH Scholar Award. For clarification, contact awards@hematology.org to ensure you are applying for the appropriate award.
  • An individual may only be funded by one ASH award at any given time; concurrent funding from ASH two awards is not permitted.

Application Process

The application and the supporting documents outlined below must be submitted through the ASH online awards system. Contact staff with any questions awards@hematology.org.

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Program Requirements

All applications must include the following:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Completed Budget Form
  • Budget Justification
  • Applicant’s NIH Biographical Sketch
  • Project Proposal
  • Certification form (Ethical/IRB paperwork)
  • Qualitative Statement Describing Risk Status
  • Other Resources Financial Information
  • Other Resources Descriptive Statement

Eligible Expenses

  • PI salary (the percent effort and related salary from the proposal should be equivalent) and fringe benefits (limited to 15%)
  • Travel, if well justified
  • Salary and fringe benefits (limited to 15%) of research personnel
  • Research supplies
  • Equipment (up to $10,000 if required for and justified by the applicant)

Evaluation, Selection, and Notification

The review of the award applications is based on the scientific merit and quality of the applicant. However, in fairness to programmatic balance, no more than two awards will be granted per medical school. For this purpose, ASH defines medical school so that it encompasses all sub-institutions (e.g., University of Washington would include the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Children's Hospital).

Individuals selected to receive this award will be notified in mid 2026, with the award commencing upon notification. At the time of the award all recipients are required to reaffirm that their ‘other resources’ remain below $500,000.

Terms and Conditions

As a condition of acceptance of this award, it is required that the recipient cite support from the American Society of Hematology in any publication, poster, or presentation describing this supported research.

ASH will pay the award in equal annual installments at the start of each year of the award.

Unused Funds

Any unused funds in an amount equal to or greater than $1,000 should be returned to ASH so that they may be repurposed for future grants. Unused funds less than $1,000 are permitted to be appropriately repurposed for other research expenses.

Deferral

A deferred start of up to three months can be requested with justification. They should be noted in the application or requested within 10 business days of the award notification.

Termination

An award will be terminated if the applicant moves to a non-research position or is dismissed from the institution.

Voluntary Termination

An awardee can terminate their award early and is expected to return unspent funds, they are encouraged to continue to refer to the award in their CV. If an awardee receives another award of significant size (such as an R01), they are asked to consider returning unused funds so that they may be repurposed for future grants.

Transfers

In the event the awardee transfers to another institution during the funding period, continuation of the funding at the new institution may be allowed with prior approval from ASH. To obtain permission, the awardee must make a request in writing to ASH before the transfer occurs.

Reallocation

Awardees may request a reallocation of funds from one expense category to another by submitting the request in writing to the ASH Treasurer at the Society's headquarters. This written request must specify the dollar amount, which categories are impacted, and a justification as to why this change is necessary.

All transfer and/or reallocation requests must be sent to awards@hematology.org. ASH staff will work with the ASH Treasurer to make final determinations.

Final Reports

A final written report (not to exceed four pages) is expected within 60 days of the end of the award period. Award recipients, along with the financial officers from their institutions, must also submit a financial report detailing how the funds were used over the two- or three-year period. This report must be submitted within 60 days of the end of the award period.

Both final reports must be sent to awards@hematology.org.

Evaluation

All award recipients are expected to be responsive to follow up communications from ASH to evaluate the value and impact that the award had on their research and their career.

Benefits

Any benefits associated with the award are for two years, even if payments are spread over three years.

Questions?

For questions about the award, please contact awards@hemtology.org.

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