We’re celebrating 60 years of advancing research and advancing healing. See how together we can change tomorrow today.
Celebrating 60 Years with a Special Series!
We have a long history of investing in early and mid-career research helping to launch careers across the field of dermatology. Over 60 years, the Foundation has invested over $88.4 million, across more than 2,500 research awards. There is a story behind every research award, every investigator funded. We've interviewed just a few of the exceptional researchers who have received DF funding over the years. Learn about their personal stories and how you can support research like theirs in the DF's 60th Anniversary Special Series.
It is that time of year again!
The Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 research award application season has opened for its career development awards, fellowships and research grants. Applications are due to the DF by 12 a.m. (CT) October 15th. This year we have increased the value of each of our early investigator awards to provide greater support when it is needed most—at the very start of an investigative career.
- New 2-year CDAs will provide $75,000 a year.
- Fellowships will now cover up to $35,000 in salary support for one year.
- All research grants have risen to $25,000 to provide annual project support.
You will find our various award categories, eligibility requirements and application instructions on our Research Award Program page.
Created Especially for the Mid-Career Investigator
The DF is pleased to offer two research funding opportunities in 2025 for exemplary mid-career investigators. Both awards provide $100,000 a year for up to three years. New applications will be accepted beginning September 15th through midnight (CT) on December 1st.
Thanks to a generous contribution to the Research Award Program, the third Bristol Myers Squibb Psoriasis Research Award is available to one recipient this year for research that will expand our understanding of psoriasis and the development of future treatments.
In collaboration with the Skin of Color Society, the DF is pleased to share the availability of the second Sanofi and Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Research Award. Made possible by a large research donation, the award is intended for research focused on issues impacting underrepresented or underserved groups in medicine.
Registration for the 2025 DF Clinical Symposium Opens Soon!
The DF’s 2025 continuing medical education meeting will return January 29–February 1 to The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida. This year’s full agenda is in keeping with the Foundation’s high standards for an informative and practical CME program. DF members receive a discounted fee so be sure to put your 2024 donation in place. We recommend you register early to secure your space.
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 2024, the Foundation continued its investment and awarded over $2.97 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.
Why We're Here
Advancing our understanding of skin, hair and nail diseases and disorders is crucial for the specialty and patients everywhere seeking the best care possible. That’s why the Foundation exists. We provide promising investigators with novel ideas, the support they need to launch productive investigative careers. By providing early career research funding, we enable tomorrow’s experts to uncover new knowledge, enable discovery and further treatments that benefit everyone for years to come.
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.
2024 Research Award Recipients Announced
Congratulations to our 2024 research awardees! The DF's Medical and Scientific Committee received many promising proposals and identified those that have the greatest potential to further dermatology.
Catch Up on What’s New
Our latest issue of Dermatology Focus pays tribute to our honorary awardees and the work of past DF award recipients. Visit the Dermatology Focus site for the latest issue.
Mid-Career Award for Psoriasis Bestowed
The DF is pleased to award the 2024 Bristol Myers Squibb Psoriasis Research Awards to Dr. Marlys Fassett. One final award will be available for an exceptional mid-career investigator in 2025.
There is no such thing as a small contribution; every action creates impact.
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