FIRST Research Grant Program
The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc. (FIRST) research grant program was established in 2006 to encourage and support investigation into causes, treatments, and potential cures for ichthyosis. With the adoption of this program, the Foundation manages the entire program through the national office. Guided by the Foundation's Research Committee, which is comprised of knowledgeable physicians, scientists, and Foundation leaders, the office administers the annual granting program. Surveys of the ichthyosis community, specifically individuals affected with ichthyosis and their families, have indicated that research is their primary area of interest and their top priority for funds donated to the Foundation. In response to this, the Foundation has initiated this program to promote promising avenues of research by investigators who have a new or established interest in ichthyosis.
Letter of intent process.
Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types ® (FIRST) is now accepting letters of intent (LOI) for the 2024 Research Grant Program. Projects with promising LOI will be asked to complete a full application (5 page narrative). Pilot grants (up to $15,000 for one year, not renewable) that support generation of new ideas for study and simple projects that provide definitive information within 1 year, and research grants (up to $50,000 for year one, with potential for a second year of funding upon demonstration of progress and availability of funds) that will lead to ongoing, self-supporting programs in ichthyosis research. Different types of ichthyosis research will be considered. Research may include focused basic science projects addressing keratinocyte biology and differentiation, genetics, biology of skin inflammation, itch or other ichthyosis-related areas. Clinical research is also encouraged and may address improving diagnosis and/or quality of life, defining quality of life measures, expanding knowledge about topical or systemic treatments, or specific aspects of the disease. Investigators are encouraged to utilize the National Registry for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Disorders when appropriate.
Surveys of the ichthyosis community, specifically individuals affected with ichthyosis and their families, have indicated that research is their primary area of interest and their top priority for funds donated to FIRST. In response to this, FIRST initiated an expanded program to promote promising avenues of research by investigators who have a new or established interest in the ichthyoses.
The genetic basis of most types of ichthyosis is now known. Recent advances in knowledge about epidermal structure, function, and physiology have provided insights into the pathogenesis of several of the ichthyoses. A variety of new approaches to molecularly targeted therapy for genetic disease have been developed by the scientific community. FIRST and its stakeholders are determined to promote the use of this knowledge and to encourage its translation into more effective therapies. Special interest exists for research with relevance to autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), epidermolytic ichthyosis and keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome.
Research priorities used by the research committee for funding decisions reflect the interests of FIRST members and advice of the FIRST MSAB and are reviewed annually by FIRST’s CEO and Board of Directors.
All letters of intent (one page maximum) will be reviewed by FIRST’s Research Review Committee; investigators will be notified if they are invited to submit a full proposal.
DATES FOR THE 2024 APPLICATION PROCESS:
- April 14, 2024 - Letters of intent are due to FIRST
- May 6, 2024 - Invitation to submit full application emailed to investigator
- June 16, 2024 - Full grant application due to FIRST
- August 31, 2024 - Notification of award
Research Grant Application Download in PDF format
For additional information contact:
Christine Wassel, Community Engagement Director
Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types
PO Box 1067
Lansdale, PA 19446
215-997-9400
cwassel@firstskinfoundation.org
