Every practicing dermatologist benefits from new treatments unlocked through research — and so do their patients.
For nearly 60 years, the Dermatology Foundation has invested in groundbreaking research leading to new knowledge, treatments, and cures. In 2023, the Foundation continued its investment and awarded over $2.8 million in research funding. This accomplishment is made possible with the ongoing support of our dedicated members, corporate partners, and friends. Their generosity sustains this advancement of patient care.





First BMS Psoriasis Research Award Recipient Named
Congratulations to Junko Takeshita, MD, PhD, for receipt of the 2023 Psoriasis Research Award -- the first of three awards made possible by a generous $1 million grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. This new funding mechanism supports the innovative work of exceptional mid-career investigators. Check this space for 2024 application information this summer.
Why We're Here
Advancing our understanding of skin is crucial, not just for us in the specialty, but for the health and well-being of everyone. That’s why the Foundation is here, providing the support needed to increase knowledge, develop innovations, and maintain a talented investigative workforce.


Changing Lives Through Research
The Dermatology Foundation Research Award Program supports the work of investigators who are exploring a wide spectrum of conditions within the specialty. Their contributions to the knowledge of skin disease drive the improvement of patient care. We empower them today to guide the future of dermatology tomorrow.
Mark Your Calendar for the 2024 Clinical Symposium!
We will be back in Naples, Florida January 24-27 to deliver our next annual CME program. Be sure to save the date for another informative and practical CME program. Watch this space for program, faculty and registration information in the weeks ahead.

Saving Skin Saves Lives
It’s the body’s first line of defense, and skin needs defending more than ever. That’s why the Dermatology Foundation supports cutting-edge research and education, and why we aim to bring together all who care for skin. Our collective impact touches so many, as these stories from our community illustrate.
The Potential of Investigators is Infinite
The Dermatology Foundation invests in early and mid-career researchers with novel ideas and the potential to achieve scientific breakthroughs that lead to new treatments and cures. Our current award recipients are uncovering new knowledge about the topics below, which represent a sample of the Foundation's research portfolio. As science evolves, the potential for more breakthrough research in dermatology expands — and the DF is there to support each step forward.
- Acne and Rosacea
- Allergy
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Auto-immunity
- Blistering Diseases
- Carcinogenesis and Cancer Genetics
- Chemoprevention
- Clinical Trial / Therapeutics
- Contact Dermatitis
- Cutaneous Lymphoma
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Epidemiology and Public Health
- Epidermal Structure and Barrier Function
- Genetic Diseases, Gene Regulation and Gene Therapy
- Growth Factors, Cell Adhesion and Matrix Biology
- Hair Disorders
- Healthcare Delivery
- Immunity and Lymphocyte Biology
- Immunotherapy
- Infectious Disease
- Inflammation
- Melanoma
- Microbiology
- Microbiome
- Mohs Surgery
- Mouse Models
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Pharmacology and Drug Development
- Photobiology
- Pigmentation and Melanocyte Biology
- Psoriasis
- Scar
- Skin and Hair Developmental Biology
- Skin of Color
- Stem Cell
- Tissue Regeneration and Wound Healing
- Tumor Immunology
- Vitiligo / Pigmentation
- Women’s Health
Accelerating Discovery
Your contributions to the Dermatology Foundation fuel the groundbreaking research that makes new discoveries possible. And those discoveries in a physician’s hands become the knowledge that heals.

2023 Research Awards Recipients
Congratulations to our research award recipients! The DF's Medical and Scientific Committee reviewed many promising proposals and identified those which are most meritorious and impactful.

Dermatology Focus has Moved to a New Digital Format
The DF’s long-time quarterly newsletter has transitioned to a new online format. Its purpose will remain the same—to share the most current, relevant discoveries and Foundation news. Visit the new Dermatology Focus site for our newest issue.

New Mid-Career Award for Psoriasis Investigators
Thanks to a $1 million grant, the DF is pleased to announce the availability of a 2023 Bristol Myers Squibb Psoriasis Research Award. Applications will be accepted through December 15.
There is no such thing as a small contribution; every action creates impact.

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