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Call for Proposals: Research Grant Program (Round 2)

Deadline: 19-Mar-2026

The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program supports investigator-led dermatology research worldwide, funding projects from basic science to clinical studies that explore disease mechanisms, clinical challenges, and quality-of-life impacts of skin conditions. Grants typically range from DKK 2–4 million over 1–3 years, covering salaries, equipment, publications, travel, and administrative costs.

Overview

The LEO Foundation invites applications for its Research Grant Program, aimed at advancing dermatology research globally. The program prioritizes investigator-initiated projects that explore disease mechanisms, clinical challenges, and the broader impact of skin conditions on patients’ quality of life.

Focus Areas and Objectives

Eligible projects may address:

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases

  • Infections of the skin

  • Genetic and rare dermatological disorders

  • Conditions affecting hair, nails, and skin structures

  • Core dermatological sciences including genetics, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, microbiome, and epidemiology

The program encourages research that combines basic science, clinical investigation, and technological innovation to improve understanding and treatment of skin diseases.

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: DKK 2–4 million per project

  • Project Duration: 1–3 years

  • Eligible Costs:

    • Salaries and mandatory benefits for employees (PhD-level and above)

    • Running and operating costs, including laboratory consumables

    • Equipment necessary for project execution

    • Publication and dissemination costs

    • Travel and conference expenses

    • Tuition fees for PhD students

    • Administrative costs up to 5% of total budget

Exclusions:

  • Salary for undergraduate or graduate students below PhD level

  • Double salaries already covered by other funding or base salaries

  • Commercial company research or drug testing for commercial purposes

  • Aesthetic or cosmetic dermatology projects aimed solely at improving appearance

  • Skin cancer projects (melanoma, CTCL, BCC, SCC), unless models are used to study other skin disease mechanisms

Who Is Eligible?

  • Investigator-led research teams conducting independent studies without commercial influence

  • Principal investigator must conceive and lead the project and be responsible for publication

  • PhD projects must be fully funded through the grant

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Prepare Application: Include a structured scientific abstract, background, project strategy and approach, references, team environment, significance and impact, and a layman’s abstract.

  2. Submit Mandatory Appendices: Short CV, publication list, overview of current external funding, and relevant supporting documents.

  3. Screening: Applications are checked for formal compliance and completeness.

  4. Evaluation: Independent expert committee reviews proposals based on:

    • Significance and impact

    • Innovation and novelty

    • Strategy and approach

    • Lead investigator and team

    • Environment and resources

    • Overall project plan and focus

  5. Grant Award: Successful applicants receive funding to implement their research project according to the proposed timeline and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Including unapproved salary categories (undergraduate or graduate students below PhD)

  • Proposing projects influenced by commercial interests

  • Submitting research focused on cosmetic or aesthetic outcomes

  • Including melanoma, CTCL, BCC, or SCC projects unless used as models for other skin biology studies

  • Failing to provide a structured scientific abstract, layman’s summary, or required appendices

Why This Grant Matters

  • Promotes cutting-edge dermatology research worldwide

  • Supports innovative, investigator-initiated studies from basic science to clinical applications

  • Advances understanding of skin disease mechanisms and treatment strategies

  • Encourages projects with direct impact on patient quality of life

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Investigator-led research teams conducting independent dermatology projects.
2. What is the typical grant amount? DKK 2–4 million over 1–3 years.
3. What research areas are supported? Autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases, infections, genetic and rare disorders, hair and nail conditions, and core dermatological sciences.
4. Are commercial projects eligible? No, projects involving commercial companies or drug testing for profit are not supported.
5. Can skin cancer projects be funded? Only if skin cancer models are used to study other skin disease mechanisms, not the cancer itself.
6. What costs are covered? Salaries (PhD-level and above), equipment, publications, travel, conferences, and administrative costs up to 5%.
7. How are applications evaluated? By an independent expert committee on significance, innovation, strategy, team strength, environment, and overall project plan.

Conclusion

The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program empowers investigator-led teams to pursue innovative dermatology research globally. By funding projects that explore disease mechanisms, clinical challenges, and patient-centered outcomes, the program advances scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and quality of life for people affected by skin conditions.

For more information, visit LEO Foundation.