Deadline: 11-Sep-2025
The LEO Foundation is accepting applications for its Research Grants, which aim to support outstanding dermatology research projects globally. These grants are intended to fund projects that enhance understanding of skin biology and the medical, biological, chemical, or pharmacological mechanisms underlying dermatological diseases and their symptoms.
Applications are also encouraged for research that addresses clinical issues affecting individuals at risk of developing skin diseases or those already living with such conditions. Projects exploring the impact of skin diseases on quality of life and the broader societal costs are also welcomed.
The foundation supports a wide range of dermatology-related topics. These include autoimmune skin diseases, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, genetic conditions, diseases of skin appendages, rare skin disorders, and other skin diseases. Proposals for basic dermatological research are also considered.
Applicants must submit their budgets in Danish kroner (DKK), with typical grant amounts ranging from DKK 2 to 4 million for projects lasting one to three years. Eligible costs include salaries and benefits for staff (including the lead applicant), operational costs, equipment, publication fees, travel and conference expenses, PhD tuition fees, and up to 5% administrative costs.
Certain projects are not eligible. The foundation does not currently fund research related to skin cancers such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, except when cancer models are used to explore other skin biology aspects. Also excluded are commercial research projects, drug testing for commercial purposes, and work in aesthetic or cosmetic dermatology. However, treating moderate to severe sequelae of dermatological conditions is allowed.
Researchers who hold a PhD or equivalent qualification may apply, provided they are the principal investigator of the project and affiliated with a university, hospital, or non-profit organization. Applications are open to researchers from any country.
The LEO Foundation’s Scientific Evaluation Committee assesses proposals based on their significance, innovation, methodology, leadership, team expertise, research environment, and overall project design.
Applicants must include several mandatory PDF attachments. These include a short CV (max two pages), a list of the ten most important publications with underlined authors and direct links, a summary of current external funding, and, for resubmissions, a cover letter detailing changes from the previous version.
Additional materials such as up to four project illustrations may be submitted in PDF, JPG, or PNG format to support the proposal. Documents uploaded to the applicant’s profile are not automatically included in the application and must be uploaded separately.
For more information, visit Leo Foundation.
