Description

The Dermatology Foundation’s Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award provides salary support to junior investigators developing expertise in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying altered human appearance. It addresses the growing focus on appearance within dermatology and the shortage of high-quality research in this area.

Supported work examines appearance changes caused by aging or environmental factors, including hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, photoaging, and dry skin not related to disease or congenital defects. Projects may investigate mechanisms of therapeutic interventions such as non/minimally invasive devices, peels, fillers, antioxidants, retinoids, and other topical or systemic agents. Proposals should be hypothesis-driven, with career plans explaining how mentorship will develop the applicant’s expertise. Cellular, molecular, or biophysical comparisons of altered and normal human skin are particularly relevant.