Johnson & Johnson Early Career Innovator Award
Drive Innovation in Inflammatory Skin Disorder Research
The Dermatology Foundation® is pleased to offer a research award made possible by a generous contribution from Johnson & Johnson. The 2026 Johnson & Johnson Early Career Innovator Award focused on inflammatory skin disorders. This new award will significantly enhance the research for early-career investigators studying inflammatory skin disorders. The Johnson & Johnson Early Career Innovator Award aims to support the research of an outstanding early career investigator who is developing a track record of excellence in basic, clinical, or translational science. The funded projects are expected to produce innovative findings that deepen our understanding of dermatological issues associated with inflammatory skin conditions.
Applications open September 15, 2025, and will be accepted through midnight (CT) December 1, 2025.
Know Before You Apply
All Foundation-funded research must be conducted in the U.S. under the sponsorship of a department/division of dermatology that is ACGME-approved for training in dermatology. Applicants must meet the DF’s general eligibility requirements, in addition to award-specific requirements presented on or before the time of funding. Applicants from minority populations are encouraged to apply.
The DF encourages applications concerning health issues impacting applicants from minority populations, including, but not limited to, racial minorities, sexual ¬ gender/LGBTQ minorities, and underserved/disadvantaged populations.
DF Early Career Innovator Award FAQs
Am I eligible?
If you meet all of the requirements below, you may be eligible to apply for the Johnson & Johnson Early Career Innovator Award.
- Early-Career Investigator within 5 years of initial appointment as an Assistant Professor as of January 1, 2026
- Faculty appointment in an accredited dermatology department/ division
- Primary appointment in the dermatology department
- MD; MD, PhD degree
- The proposed project must address a dermatological issue associated with inflammatory skin disorders
- Research aims must be unique to the award
- Strong demonstrated commitment to research
- Appropriate training and experience in relevant research
- Must have completed a minimum of 1 year of DF CDA funding at the time of application or returned a DF CDA due to being the recipient of federal funding
How do I apply for a Johnson & Johnson Early Career Innovator Award Focused on Inflammatory Skin Disorders?
The DF is now accepting applications via our Innovator Mid-career Research Award Portal. The Applicant Instructions provided below include essential information potential applicants need to know to evaluate the various award opportunities and develop a successful application and research proposal. The DF has also prepared a Quick Reference Guide to enable users to quickly acclimate to the online application system. Applications open September 15, 2025, and will be accepted through midnight (CT) December 1, 2025.