DF Research Award Program Receives $1M Grant from Johnson & Johnson
New Early Career Innovator Award in inflammatory skin disorders
July 2025
A million-dollar grant from Johnson & Johnson to the Dermatology Foundation (DF) Research Award Program will support three exceptional early-career researchers dedicated to pursuing innovative knowledge on inflammatory skin disorders. This new DF research award funds groundbreaking investigations into these critical conditions providing each selected investigative researcher will receive $100,000 annually for three years, beginning July 1, 2026. Applications open on October 15, 2025, and are due December 1, 2025.
Inflammatory skin disorders affect millions of people. Atopic dermatitis — the most common form of eczema — impacts an estimated 5 to 7.5 million American adults. Psoriasis affects about 7.5 million individuals, primarily adults, while seborrheic dermatitis, often associated with dandruff, affects about 12.5 million adults1.
The DF Research Award Program supports outstanding researchers whose forward-thinking ideas promise to shape the future of dermatology.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet be physician-scientists (MD or MD-PhD) who have either completed at least one year of a DF-sponsored Career Development Award (CDA) at the time of application or returned their CDA after receiving NIH funding.
Advancing dermatologic research
Early career can be a particularly challenging time for young researchers, who face immense pressure to secure funding while balancing clinical responsibilities. The Dermatology Foundation strives to support junior faculty committed to academic careers by offering some protection from the burden of clinical demands — an essential step in sustaining our specialty.
The Johnson & Johnson Early Career Innovator Award is designed to extend junior investigators path to success. As DF President Janet A. Fairley, MD, explains “It’s crucial to support individuals early in their research careers. Funding is often their greatest concern, and this new DF award — made possible by Johnson & Johnson’s generous contribution — will help ease that financial burden. By enabling researchers to focus on advancing knowledge in inflammatory skin disorders, my hope is that it will encourage them to continue pursuing important work in their investigative careers.”
Apply for a DF Research Award to advance your research.