Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award
The Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award from the Dermatology Foundation funds research on the cellular and molecular basis of appearance changes due to aging and environmental factors.
Funder: Dermatology Foundation
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (New CDA, Fellowship, and Grant applications) | January 1, 2027 (CDA renewal submission)
Funding Amounts: $75,000/year for up to 2 years (salary support; renewable once)
Summary: Supports early-career researchers investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying changes in human appearance, with emphasis on aging and environmental factors.
Description
The Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award (CDA) from the Dermatology Foundation provides annual salary support to junior faculty committed to advancing research on the cellular and molecular basis of altered human appearance or therapeutic interventions. The award specifically targets research on appearance changes due to aging or environmental factors, and aims to address the significant gap in high-quality research in this area within dermatology. Projects may include studies of mechanisms involved in pigmentation, aging, photoaging, or dry skin (not related to disease or congenital defects), as well as the mechanisms of action for non/minimally invasive devices, peels, fillers, antioxidants, retinoids, and other agents. Clinical trials are not supported, but mechanistic research on devices and agents is encouraged.
