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 2022, the Foundation continued its investment and awarded over $2.5 million in research funding. This accomplishment is made possible with the ongoing support of our dedicated members and friends. Their generosity sustains this advancement of patient care.




The Dermatology Foundation was sad to hear of the recent passing of our longtime supporter and former Chair of the Board of Trustees and past-president, Dr. Jouni Uitto. He was a well-recognized expert on collagen biology and elastic tissue, but it was through his pioneering application of genetic techniques to skin disorders that he elucidated…
Read MoreWhy 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.
Register Now for the 2023 Clinical Symposium!
The DF will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its annual continuing medical education meeting February 1-4, in Naples, Florida. This year’s agenda and faculty were selected in keeping with the Foundation’s high standards for an informative and practical CME program. Be sure to register early to secure your space.

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
Skin Care is Health Care
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.

Proposals for 2023 Research Awards Requested
The DF is pleased to announce its research funding opportunities for 2023. Research proposals are being accepted in ten career development award (CDA), including a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CDA, one fellowship and four grant categories. This year the DF is especially grateful to the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation for sponsorship of a CDA for HS investigative work and the Women’s Dermatologic Society for it support of a Women’s Health Research Grant. The application deadline this year is November 1, 2022.

Dermatology Focus is Moving to a New Digital Format
The DF’s long-time quarterly newsletter is being 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 and let us know what you think by completing this short reader survey. Your opinion is important and will help us shape the content and features you believe are valuable.

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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