FIRST Research Grant Program
FIRST officially launched its own Research Grant Program in early 2006. Our grant program promotes and strengthens investigation into the 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 2023 Research Grant Program. Projects with promising LOI will be asked to complete a full application (5 page narrative). Pilot awards are available for up to $15,000 for one year. Research grants will be awarded for up to $50,000 for year one, with potential for a second year of funding with evidence of adequate progress and available funds. Priority will be given to applications that can be substantially advanced with the funding provided.
The Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST) is committed to funding basic and clinical research studies to promote and strengthen investigation into the causes, treatments, and potential cures for ichthyosis. 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 may utilize the National Registry for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Disorders when appropriate. Special interest exists for research with relevance to autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), epidermolytic ichthyosis and keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome.
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 2023 APPLICATION PROCESS:
- April 14, 2023 - Letters of intent are due to FIRST
- May 8, 2023 - Invitation to submit full application emailed to investigator
- June 16, 2023 - Full grant application due to FIRST
- August 31 , 2023 - Notification of award
Research Grant Application Download in PDF format
RESEARCH Grant Application Packet Download in Word 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
