Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award
Supports early-career faculty researching the cellular and molecular basis of changes in human appearance due to aging or environmental factors, with a focus on mechanistic, non-clinical studies.
Funder: Dermatology Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (New CDA, Fellowship, Grant) | November 2026 (CDA Renewal)
Funding Amounts: $75,000/year for up to 2 years (new/renewal); third-year renewal possible at $55,000; salary support only
Summary: Supports early-career faculty conducting research on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying altered human appearance, with emphasis on aging and environmental factors.
Key Information: All dates are projected; check program page for updates.
Description
This award provides annual salary support for junior faculty aiming to advance understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying altered human appearance or the effects of therapeutic interventions. The focus is on research into appearance changes resulting from aging or environmental factors, including work on hyper/hypopigmentation, aging, photoaging, and dry skin (not related to disease or congenital defects). Projects may also examine mechanisms involved in interventions such as minimally invasive devices, peels, fillers, antioxidants, retinoids, and other topical/systemic agents. Clinical trials are not supported; instead, the emphasis is on hypothesis-driven, mechanistic, or biophysical studies comparing altered and normal skin. Strong mentorship and institutional commitment are required.
