Dr. Marilyn Seskin Clinical Research Fund
The Dr. Marilyn Seskin Clinical Research Fund supports scientists’ pilot studies to develop novel medical treatments for generalized vulvodynia or vestibulodynia and build evidence for larger research awards.
Funder: National Vulvodynia Association
Due Dates: September 15, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | November 10, 2026 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Usually $50,000–$80,000; clinical study budgets up to $100,000 considered
Summary: Supports pilot research on vulvodynia, with the Fall 2026 call focused on developing novel medical treatments for generalized vulvodynia or vestibulodynia.
Key Information: Psychosocial proposals are not funded in this call; all funds must support direct research costs, not institutional costs.
Description
The National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) administers the Dr. Marilyn Seskin Clinical Research Fund to help scientists gather pilot data needed to secure larger awards from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Renamed in 2021 in honor of physician and patient advocate Dr. Marilyn Seskin, the fund supports research into the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, classification, and treatment of chronic vulvar pain.
The Fall 2026 invitation specifically seeks proposals developing novel medical treatments for generalized vulvodynia or vestibulodynia. Although earlier awards have supported a broad range of biological, physical, and psychological approaches, this call does not fund psychosocial proposals, including work on CBT or mindfulness. The program’s broader research history includes studies of inflammation, nerve and immune pathways, genetics, the vaginal microbiome, and targeted drug delivery.
