The Dermatology Foundation and Skin of Color Society Deliver Research Support for 2024

The Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award will be available to three established investigators beginning in 2024; applications accepted beginning Sept. 15.

 

The Dermatology Foundation (DF) and the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) have partnered to create and deliver an impactful opportunity to advance health equity in the specialty of dermatology. Developed especially for the exceptional mid-career investigator with an established trajectory of excellence in basic, clinical or translational science, the Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award will expand the understanding of dermatological issues impacting underrepresented or underserved groups in medicine, said the organization.

 

Administered and promoted by the DF/SOCS Collaborative, this unique award will leverage the DF's experience and infrastructure in award development and management, along with the SOCS's expertise in DEI and deep reach into the community of DEI investigators.

All research must be conducted in the US under the sponsorship of a department/division of dermatology that is ACGME-approved for training in dermatology. Applicants must meet the DF's general eligibility requirement, in addition to the award-specific requirements at the time of funding.

 

The request for research proposals opens on Sept. 15 and closes on Dec. 1, with disbursements to commence in 2024.

Each Award will provide $100,000 in annual funding for up to three years. Award dollars could be used for any combination of salary and related benefits, and project expenses supporting a meritorious research project. A total of three awards will be available for funding.

Each of the award recipients will be selected by the DF and SOCS Collaborative according to a well-defined evaluation process based on the National Institutes of Health procedure for research grants. The collaborative review process will identify worthy applicants—talented researchers with the ideas, thought leadership and experience needed to pave the way for scientific advancements and improvements in patient care.

Each applicant must meet the DF's stringent eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to:

 

The proposed project must address an issue impacting groups underrepresented/underserved in medicine. Award applicants belonging to groups underrepresented/underserved in medicine are encouraged to apply for this award;

A strong demonstrated commitment to research;

At least 75% of their time is devoted to research;

Appropriate training and experience in relevant research;

A faculty appointment in an accredited dermatology department/division, within 12 years of appointment as an Assistant Professor; and

An MD, DO, MD/PhD or PhD degree

Application packages for the Award will be accepted through the Dermatology Foundation online portal beginning Sept. 15 through Dec. 1 of each year for funding beginning July 1 of the following year.

 

“The Dermatology Foundation is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Skin of Color Society on the Sanofi-Regeneron sponsored DEI mid-career award.  We believe this award can be transformative in supporting the next generation of clinical, translational, and basic researchers in this critical area,” said Janet A. Fairley, MD, FAAD, president of the Dermatology Foundation and Strauss professor and chair, department of dermatology, University of Iowa. “Furthermore, our research programs need to reflect the changing demographics and skin problems in the US and this program will help us achieve this aim.”