Skin of Color Society Early Career Innovations Award

About this program

The Skin of Color Society’s Early Career Innovations Award provides startup funding for innovative projects that advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, access, education, or delivery of dermatologic care for people with skin of color. Funding may support new ideas or the development and expansion of projects already in progress, with applications accepted October 5–November 18, 2026. U.S.-based SOCS student, resident, junior faculty, and early-career professional members—and pending members with complete applications—are eligible. Applicants must submit a project summary and status, proposed use of funds, budget, evaluation plan, required contact information, and optional supporting documents; finalists may present their ideas to SOCS reviewers.