Career Development Awards
We want to fund your scientific breakthrough.
The Dermatology Foundation® offers ten categories of highly competitive Career Development Awards (CDAs). All CDAs receive an annual salary stipend of $75,000, which may be supplemented by institutional sources to ensure the salary is commensurate with peers within the institution. A CDA recipient may seek simultaneous grant support from other agencies to provide for the non-salary components of the research being performed under the auspices of an award. Strong institutional commitment to an individual’s career development is essential for a recipient of any career development award and must be clearly explained in the Department Chair’s form of support.
Dedicated Vitiligo Career Development Funding
The Global Vitiligo Foundation (GVF) will fund one vitiligo-focused career development award in any category in 2027. If your research advances vitiligo science or patient care, this is your opportunity to apply.
Dedicated HS Career Development Funding
The HS Foundation will continue its support for better outcomes for patients with HS and fund one hidradenitis suppurativa-focused award in the 2027 Career Development Award category. Investigators pursuing innovative HS research are encouraged to apply.
Important Deadlines
October 15, 2026: New CDA, Fellowship, and Grant Applications Due
January 1, 2027: CDA Renewals Due
March 2027: Announcement of Award Recipients
Know Before You Apply
All DF-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. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
The Dermatology Foundation encourages applications concerning health issues impacting minority groups, including, but not limited to, racial minorities, sexual gender/LGBTQ minorities, and underserved/disadvantaged populations.
Am I eligible?
Detailed general and award-specific eligibility requirements are outlined in the 2027 Research Award application instructions. Carefully review all criteria before submitting your application, as eligibility requirements may have changed from prior years.
How do I apply for a Career Development Award?
Updated application instructions for the 2027 cycle will be available mid-July.
Application deadline: October 15, 2026
How do I renew my Career Development Award?
Renewal applications are due to the DF on or before January 1, 2027 via the CDAFG Research Award Portal. The DF office will send you an email in early September with a unique link to your renewal application. The required content is defined in detail in the Research Award Program Applicant Instructions.
Aileen Y. Chang, MD
University of California, San Francisco
Public Health Career Development Award
Career Development Award Recipient
Hospital Utilization for Skin Diseases in Persons Experiencing Homelessness
One in 25 Americans will experience homelessness in their lifetime. Homelessness is an independent risk factor for increased emergency department use, longer length of hospital stay, and hospital readmission. This study aims to evaluate homelessness as a risk factor for hospital-based dermatology care and readmissions after dermatology-related hospitalizations. Understanding the social risks that drive costly health care utilization for skin diseases will inform future interventions.