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Call for Applications: Research Grant Program

Deadline: 08-Jan-2026

The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program funds high-impact, investigator-initiated dermatology research worldwide, supporting projects that advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of skin diseases. Grants typically range from DKK 2–4 million for 1–3 years and are open to qualified researchers affiliated with non-profit institutions globally.

Program Overview

The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program invites applications from researchers worldwide to support innovative and high-quality dermatology research.

The program is designed to advance scientific knowledge of skin biology and dermatological diseases, while promoting independent, non-commercial research that can improve patient outcomes, quality of life, and societal health systems.

Funding supports both fundamental science and applied clinical research across the full dermatology research spectrum.

Research Areas Supported

The LEO Foundation supports a broad range of dermatology research disciplines, including:

  • Basic research on skin biology

  • Translational research linking laboratory findings to clinical applications

  • Technical and methodological research

  • Epidemiological studies

  • Clinical research and clinical trials

Eligible projects may focus on:

  • Biological, medicinal, chemical, or pharmacological mechanisms of skin diseases

  • Symptoms, progression, and prevention of dermatological conditions

  • Clinical challenges faced by individuals at risk of, or living with, skin diseases

  • Quality of life impacts and societal or economic costs related to skin disorders

Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials

The Foundation only funds investigator-initiated clinical trials, meaning:

  • The applicant must have conceived the research idea

  • The applicant must conduct and publish the study independently

  • The research must be free from commercial or industry-driven interests

Grant Size and Duration

Funding Amount

  • Typical grant size: DKK 2–4 million

  • Funding period: 1 to 3 years

Eligible Costs

Grant funding may be used for:

  • Salary and mandatory benefits for employees, including the main applicant

  • Research-related running and operating costs

  • Equipment and laboratory resources

  • Publication and dissemination costs

  • Travel and conference participation

  • Tuition fees for PhD students

  • Administrative costs (up to 5% of the total budget)

Costs Not Covered

The Foundation does not fund:

  • Salary for student workers, graduates, or undergraduates

  • Partial PhD funding unless remaining salary and expenses are fully secured

  • Activities already completed or initiated before official funding notification

  • Double salaries or overlapping salary support

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualification

  • Act as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the proposed project

  • Be affiliated with a university, hospital, or non-profit organization

  • Submit only one application per call

Additional eligibility rules:

  • Applicants may hold only one active LEO Foundation grant at a time

  • Resubmissions are allowed once only

  • Resubmitted applications must include a cover letter explaining changes

Geographic Eligibility

  • Applications are welcome from any country worldwide

Why This Grant Matters

Skin diseases affect hundreds of millions of people globally and carry significant medical, psychological, and economic burdens.

The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program plays a critical role by:

  • Advancing independent dermatology research

  • Supporting early and mid-career research leaders

  • Encouraging innovation beyond commercially driven agendas

  • Improving clinical care and patient quality of life

  • Addressing societal costs and healthcare system challenges

How the Application Process Works

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. The applicant prepares a detailed research proposal aligned with LEO Foundation priorities.

  2. All required documentation and appendices are submitted through the Foundation’s application system.

  3. Applications undergo a formal eligibility and completeness screening.

  4. Eligible proposals are reviewed by an independent Scientific Evaluation Committee.

  5. Final funding decisions are made by the LEO Foundation Board, informed by scientific recommendations and strategic considerations.

  6. Applicants are notified of the outcome approximately three months after the application deadline.

Application Requirements

Mandatory Project Information

Each application must include:

  • Project title

  • Proposed start and end dates

  • Project type

  • Primary and secondary research areas

  • Scientific abstract

  • Background and rationale

  • Project strategy and approach

  • Project references

  • Project significance and expected impact

  • Description of project team, environment, and resources

  • Layman’s (non-technical) abstract

Mandatory Appendices

Applicants must upload:

  • Short CV of the main applicant

  • One-page list of the 10 most important publications of the main applicant

  • High-level overview of current external funding

  • Cover letter (mandatory for resubmissions only)

Optional Attachments

  • Project illustrations or figures

  • Additional supporting documentation, if relevant

Information about all project participants other than the main applicant must also be provided.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed using the following criteria:

  • Scientific significance and potential impact

  • Innovation and novelty

  • Research strategy and methodological approach

  • Qualifications of the lead investigator(s) and project team

  • Research environment and available resources

  • Overall coherence, focus, and feasibility of the project plan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a project that is not clearly investigator-initiated

  • Requesting funding for ineligible cost categories

  • Including activities started before funding approval

  • Failing to explain changes in a resubmitted application

  • Providing incomplete documentation or missing appendices

Careful alignment with Foundation priorities significantly improves application quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can researchers from outside Europe apply?

Yes. The LEO Foundation welcomes applications from researchers worldwide.

2. What types of institutions are eligible?

Applicants must be affiliated with a university, hospital, or other non-profit organization.

3. Are industry-sponsored or collaborative trials allowed?

No. Only investigator-initiated, non-commercial clinical trials are supported.

4. Can I submit more than one application per call?

No. Only one application per applicant is permitted per call.

5. Can I resubmit a previously rejected proposal?

Yes, but only once, and changes must be clearly described in a cover letter.

6. How long does the review process take?

Applicants are typically notified approximately three months after the submission deadline.

7. Can grant funding be used for administrative costs?

Yes, administrative costs are allowed up to a maximum of 5% of the total grant.

Conclusion

The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program offers substantial, flexible funding for independent dermatology research with the potential to generate meaningful scientific and societal impact.

By supporting investigator-led projects across basic, translational, and clinical research, the Foundation enables global researchers to advance knowledge, improve patient care, and address the growing burden of skin diseases worldwide.

For more information, visit LEO Foundation.