Jammu Tawi:Young scientists worldwide who are conducting research in the field of stem cell transplantation or cell therapy for hematological diseases can apply for the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant 2025 from August 1, 2024 onwards. The foundation DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden will fund up to four innovative projects over a period of three years with 240,000 euro each. Possible aspects of the research include diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, transplant immunology, complications in stem cell transplantation, donor selection, or cell manufacturing. Applicants must have received a doctoral degree (PhD, MD or equivalent achievements) in a field pertinent to the grant within the last 10 years. The application deadline is November 20, 2024.
Every year, around 1.2 million people worldwide are diagnosed with blood cancer. For many, a stem cell transplant from a suitable donor is the only chance for a cure. Nevertheless, there can be relapses and serious complications. DKMS, known above all as the world's largest stem cell donor center with more than 12 million registered donors, contributes to the further development of stem cell transplantation and other cellular therapies for blood cancer through its research funding and its own scientific studies and trials. “It is very important to us to pursue our mission sustainably and to continuously improve the basic medical requirements for a successful stem cell donation or therapy,” says Professor Dr. Marcel van den Brink, Chairman of the DKMS Medical Council. “We are therefore very pleased to support talented young scientists with the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant and allow them to realize their promising research projects for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
In 2025, the coveted research grant will be awarded for the eleventh time. For many young researchers, the grant is an important stepping stone in the early stages of their career. “The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant has enabled me to develop my own line of research and become an independent researcher in the field of leukemia and stem cell transplantation,” explains Dr. Esteban Arrieta-Bolaños, research associate at the University of Duisburg-Essen and one of the previous awardees.
