2026 DF Research Award Applications Are Now Open!
The Dermatology Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Career Development Awards, Fellowships, and Research Grants. Application deadline is October 15, 2025 (midnight CT). For CDA renewals, the deadline is December 1, 2025 (midnight CT).
Research award recipients will be announced at the Annual Meeting next March in Denver, Colorado.
Inside the Summer Issue of Dermatology Focus
The latest issue is here—highlighting innovation, inspiration, and impact across the specialty. Discover the story of Dr. Kurt Lu and his groundbreaking work, get a preview of the upcoming 2026 Research Award application season, and explore a special profile on Dr. Vincent DeLeo, one of DF'S 2025 Honorary Award recipients. Explore summaries of presentations delivered by Drs. Desai, Gelfand, Glass, and Klufas during the 2025 Clinical Symposium Plenary Sessions. Rounding out the issue is a profile on DF’s recent $1.5 million gift from Karl Kaess that will foster new generations of physician-scientists and support the growth of dermatology research and education.
A Spectacular Celebration!
It was a night to remember at DF’s 60th anniversary reception! Thanks to many incredible colleagues and sponsors, the evening was filled with laughter, old and new connections, and a true sense of warmth and accomplishment! Here’s to the past, present, and many more years of advancement together!
Celebrating 60 Years with a Special Series!
We have a long history of investing in early and mid-career research helping to launch investigative careers across the field of dermatology. Over 60 years, the Foundation has invested in 1,345 individuals, through more than 2,500 research awards. This investment has impacted the specialty and our ability to provide leading edge care to our patients. As part of our special series, we’ve interviewed a diverse group of exceptional researchers and members of the DF, all of whom have and are contributing to the growth of the Foundation and our field.
Every practicing dermatologist—and their patients—benefit from new treatments unlocked by research.
Since 1964, the Dermatology Foundation has invested in groundbreaking research leading to new knowledge, treatments, and cures. In 2025, the Foundation continued its investment and awarded over $3.3 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.
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
There is no such thing as a small contribution; every action creates impact.
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