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FIRST Research Grant Program

The FIRST research grant program was established in 2006 to encourage and support investigation into causes, treatments, and potential cures for ichthyosis.

Grant Types

Pilot Grants (for one year, non-renewable) support the generation and exploration of new ideas for a research study, straightforward projects that provide definitive information within a one-year award period and/or deliver sufficient preliminary research data for a future comprehensive research project. Consideration is also given to projects led by early-career principal investigators who are new to the field of ichthyosis and epidermal differentiation disorders (career development support).

Up to $15,000
One year of research support
Non-renewable
Priority consideration will be given to clinical research projects and projects led by early-career principal investigators

Research Grants (for one year, with the potential for a second year of funding upon submission of a renewal application) support high-impact research endeavors that will ultimately lead to ongoing, self-supporting programs in EDD research. 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, and expanding knowledge about topical or systemic treatments, or specific aspects of the disease.

Up to $50,000
One year of research support
Renewable for a second year of funding with submission of a renewal application upon demonstration of research progress and availability of funds

Application Process

FIRST is now accepting letters of intent (LOI) for the 2026 Research Grant Program. All LOI (one page maximum) will be reviewed by FIRST’s Research Committee. Investigators for projects with promising LOI will be invited to submit a full grant proposal (5 page narrative). Final funding decisions will be made after review of full grant proposals. 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.

Please use links below to download pdf forms for LOI and research grant applications. Applicants and awardees should carefully review FIRST’s Grants Guidelines as well as Terms and Conditions of awards. For all awarded grants, please submit a brief semiannual and an annual update on the research to Christine Wassel. Please note, if you have been awarded a one-year research grant and you wish to apply for a second year of funding, you MUST SUBMIT A LOI and FULL GRANT APPLICATION IN BOTH YEARS.

Dates for the 2026 Application Process

March 2, 2026 – Letters of intent are due to FIRST
For investigators pursuing a second year of funding, please also submit a letter of intent for a year 2 proposal.
March 23, 2026 – Invitation to submit a full application is emailed to investigators
April 1, 2026 – Progress reports for one-year awards are due to FIRST
For investigators pursuing a second year of funding, please instead include a progress report for year 1 of funding with the full grant proposal for year 2 (no progress report due on April 1).
May 4, 2026 – Full grant application due to FIRST
For investigators pursuing a second year of funding, include a progress report for year 1 of funding as a separate section in your grant proposal for year 2.
August 31, 2026 – Notification of awards
October 1, 2026 – Funding start
November 30, 2026 – Final progress reports for prior year awards are due to FIRST

Application Forms and Terms

For additional information contact

Christine Wassel, Community Engagement Director
215-997-9400
cwassel@firstskinfoundation.org

Pediatric Ichthyosis Challenge Grant

The Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST) and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) collaborate to support research investigations focused on pediatric ichthyosis and related skin types. Through this grant, FIRST and PeDRA intend to advance a high-impact research
endeavor relevant to pediatric patients and families facing the burden of ichthyosis and related conditions.

Up to $25,000
One year of research support
Priority consideration will be given to projects led by early-to-mid-career principal investigators who are part of multidisciplinary teams including researchers, clinicians, and patient stakeholders
Submission via PeDRA website
Application deadline 2026: TBD

Join Our Ichthyosis Physician Finder

If you are a physician who treats patients with ichthyosis and you would like to be added to our listing, complete this form.

FIRST Physician Research Fellowship

FIRST is offering a fellowship that is intended to advance the careers of physicians interested in seeing patients affected with ichthyosis and other EDD’s. Details are provided here.