L’Oréal USA Announces $100K Grant Advancing Inclusive Dermatology Research

L’Oréal USA has announced a $100K research grant to the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) intended to assist five early-career dermatologists and scientists in furthering their academic careers and promoting the development of innovative ideas in clinical and translational research. The grant aims to promote the continued emphasis on dermatology research for underserved populations.

As per recent projections, people with skin of color will become the majority population in the US by 2044. In the field of dermatology, it is evident that significant gaps exist in scientific and clinical knowledge regarding the underlying causes, manifestations, and treatment of dermatological issues in skin of color. These knowledge gaps can lead to poor quality of care, resulting in delayed or incorrect diagnoses and negative outcomes that can significantly impact patients' quality of life, according to experts.

“We at L’Oréal are committed to helping bridge the gap for people of color and the dermatological conditions that affect them, as they are often underrepresented in research and healthcare,” said Sanford Browne, president of research and innovation, North America. “Through the dedicated work of our Research & Innovation team, we have been able to advance science and solutions that benefit diverse populations for many years. We are proud to support the mission of the Skin of Color Society and dermatologists dedicated to improving the lives of those with skin of color. We are optimistic about the impact of this funding on the field of dermatology and look forward to witnessing its results.”

“We are incredibly grateful for L'Oréal’s support in advancing skin of color dermatology research–a vital part of the Skin of Color Society's mission. This funding will provide crucial resources for young dermatologists to further their academic careers and improve the lives of those with skin of color through research and innovation,” said Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, president, Skin of Color Society. “We look forward to seeing the impact of this grant program in the field of dermatology and the skin of color community.”

The SOCS Research Committee is responsible for reviewing grant applications, making funding recommendations, and monitoring the grant program. The committee will award five grants of $20,000 to eligible dermatologists and scientists who are SOCS members. The grants are intended for research in clinical, translational, or basic science with clinical applications related to skin of color. Priority will be given to applicants within eight years of post-graduate training who have not received previous funding.

The grant recipients will be announced at the 19th Annual SOCS Symposium in New Orleans, on March 16, in conjunction with the 2023 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

L’Oréal’s brands CeraVe and La Roche-Posay recently announced partnerships with Howard University's College of Medicine to expand their expertise in clinical trials and offer dermatology fellowships for underrepresented medical students.