Hone Your Research
The Research Career Development Award (CDA) assists an individual in the transition from fellowship to established investigator. It provides career development support in skin research for a junior investigator.

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. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
The DF 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 eligble?
If you meet all of the requirements below, you may be eligible to apply for the Research Career Development Award.
- M.D.; M.D., Ph.D.; Ph.D.; or D.O. degree
- Appropriate initial training in biomedical research (i.e., two- to three-year fellowship or postdoctoral training)
- Junior investigator in the early stages of his/her career
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to skin research
How do I apply for the Research Career Development Award?
The PDF application instructions provide essential information potential applicants need to know to evaluate the various award opportunities and develop a successful application and research proposal. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to read sections II and III before beginning any paperwork.
Application deadline: October 15, 2021
Featured Award Recipient
Optimizing Phototesting and Investigating Photobiology of Visible Light
Through improved means of investigating photoprotection efficacy extending into the visible waveband, the proposed studies should provide improved guidelines for testing sun protection agents that prevent sunburn in light-skinned individuals. Additionally, the understanding of the evolution of visible-light–induced pigmentation should improve the assessment and development of novel agents to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation skin conditions commonly seen in individuals with skin of color.

Indermeet Kohli, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health System
Research Career Development Award
Award Recipients | Research Career Development Award
Indermeet Kohli, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Medical Center
Optimizing Phototesting and Investigating Photobiology of Visible Light
Matthew T. Patrick, Ph.D.
University of Michigan
Identification of Shared Genetic and Modifiable Risk Factors for Psoriasis and Multiple Sclerosis
Satish Sati, Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania
Investigating Neuroimmune Interactions to Promote Scarless Skin Regeneration
Juan-Manuel Leyva-Castillo, Ph.D. – Year 3
Harvard University
Role of PAX5 in Skin-derived Dendritic Cells During the Development of Allergic Skin Inflammation