Childhood Eczema Challenge Grant
Overview
Nearly 10 million U.S children under the age of 18 are affected by eczema, with one‐third affected by moderate‐to‐severe disease. Despite recent therapeutic advances, the burdens on these patients, and their families, can be significant and many important research questions remain unanswered.
To address this need, the National Eczema Association (NEA) and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) are collaborating to support targeted clinical research investigations focused on pediatric eczema with the Childhood Eczema Challenge Grant. Through this grant NEA and PeDRA intend to accelerate research that improves the health and quality of life of pediatric eczema patients and their families.
Focus
This Challenge Grant is intended to stimulate early and mid-career scientists as they seek to build and sustain careers as research investigators and future thought leaders within this critical field of study. Research proposals should address at least one of the following priorities related to pediatric eczema:
- Eczema Heterogeneity: Novel Insights
Projects aimed at advancing understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the diversity of pediatric eczema clinical presentation, treatment response and comorbidities.
- Innovations in Clinical Practice & Care
Studies addressing approaches to facilitate optimal identification and treatment of pediatric eczema and associated comorbidities in all health care settings to enhance patient/caregiver-reported and patient/caregiver-centric outcomes.
- Understanding & Alleviating Disease Burden
Insightful proposals that identify, quantify, or aim to reduce aspects of pediatric eczema burden that negatively affect patient or family/caregiver quality of life (including lifestyle, academic, occupational, or economic impacts) based on patient population, treatment approach, etc.
- Eczema Prevention
Novel investigations into the potential risk factors and strategies of primary eczema prevention in the pediatric population.
Priority will be given to proposals that focus on clinical or translational research, are broadly applicable, and include a patient-centered or comparative effectiveness framework. Applications that support NEA’s and PeDRA’s commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all facets of their organizations and research are encouraged. Proposals that include basic research will be accepted, however, they should be combined with a significant clinical or translational component. Proposals related to the development or enhancement of mobile apps will not be accepted.
Number of Awards
One (1) Challenge Grant is available for the 2024 funding cycle. This is a one‐year non‐renewable grant, with an expected start date of January 1, 2025.
Eligibility
Early and mid‐career investigators (Associate Professor level or below and within 15 years of finishing training) are eligible to apply. Applicants need not be trained in pediatric dermatology but must hold the degree of MD and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution. Applications may be submitted by either a single investigator or multiple investigators at multiple institutions. Applicants need not be United States citizens and the research need not be conducted in the United States. Applicants may not hold current R‐level funding from NIH (or equivalent) as PI or Co‐PI, however recipients of past or current NEA and/or PeDRA grants are eligible to apply.
Budget
Applicants may request up to $50,000 (USD; direct costs only). Indirect costs are not allowed. Salary and fringe benefit support is allowed. Staff salary support should be commensurate with the percent effort dedicated to the project and explained in budget justification. PI salary support must adhere to the current allowable NIH salary cap.
How To Apply
Review and download the Childhood Eczema Challenge Grant application. Completed applications must be submitted as a single Word or PDF file to grants@nationaleczema.org. A cover letter (up to 2 pages) may additionally accompany the application.
Important Dates
Application deadline: 5:00PM PDT, Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Awards Made: After November 30, 2024
Earliest Start Date: January 1, 2025
Questions
Email grants@nationaleczema.org or research@pedraresearch.org for additional information or with any questions on the Challenge Grant, application, or review process.
About the National Eczema Association (NEA)
Founded in 1988, the NEA is the largest, 501(c)(3) non‐profit, US patient advocacy organization serving people affected by eczema. NEA is the driving force for an eczema community fueled by knowledge, strengthen through collective action and propelled by the promise for a better future.
About the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA)
Formed in 2012, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) is a nonprofit research network with the mission to create, inspire, and sustain research to prevent, treat, and cure childhood skin disease.