Dermatology Research Award (Skin of Color Society)

About this program

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Dermatology Research Award funds clinical, translational, or basic science projects addressing skin of color, offering non-renewable grants up to $20,000 to advance early-career investigators. Applications open October 2026 via the SOCS online portal; funded projects must begin within six months, be completed within 18 months, and funds may not be used for indirect costs, capital equipment, IRB fees, travel, or direct salary. Applicants must be SOCS members with an MD, DO, or international equivalent affiliated with a U.S.-accredited institution and include dermatology residents, dedicated research fellows, or dermatologists early in their careers (board-certified/eligible within the first eight years post-training; preference for those ≤10 years since terminal training or who are instructors/assistant professors). Proposals must demonstrate commitment to skin of color research and include a mentor letter of commitment, department chair support, a detailed budget and timeline, and adherence to reporting and publication requirements.