Research We Fund
Our Program
The NEA research grant program is the cornerstone of our commitment to advance eczema research.
Since awarding our first grant in 2004, NEA has funded research to improve the health and quality of life for people with all forms of eczema. As the largest private nonprofit funder of eczema research, we have awarded over $4 million to date — supporting a diverse grant portfolio that addresses key areas of eczema research, and nurtures creative scientific ideas that provide hope for all individuals and families living with eczema. NEA grants have led to 85 novel research studies, and grants have been distributed to 55 individual researchers and 35 different institutions.
Publications from our grants have supported a deeper understanding of the symptoms, comorbidities and burdens of eczema, provided insights into new treatment strategies, and furthered the ability to improve care and prevention. As of January 1, 2024, NEA-funded research has been cited 5,218 times. And most importantly, for every $1 NEA has invested in eczema research, our grantees have collectively gone on to obtain an additional $8.56 in subsequent National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to support further research.
We are working hard to increase the number of scientists, research projects and research dollars devoted to eczema — which may lead to better therapies, better care, better outcomes — and one day, potentially a cure.
Our Research Priorities
NEA funds forward-thinking basic, clinical and translational adult and pediatric eczema research guided by the five research priorities established by our Scientific & Medical Advisory Council:
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Cutting-Edge Basic & Translational Science
Innovative investigations of targets, pathways or technologies that will advance understanding of the pathophysiology or natural history of eczema, and potentially lead to novel or enhanced therapeutic/preventative areas of exploration or application.
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Eczema Heterogeneity: Novel Insights
Projects aimed at advancing understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the diversity of eczema clinical presentation, treatment response and comorbidities.
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Innovations in Clinical Practice & Care
Studies addressing approaches to facilitate optimal identification and treatment of eczema and associated comorbidities in all health care settings to enhance patient-reported and patient-centric outcomes.
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Understanding & Alleviating Disease Burden
Insightful proposals that identify, quantify or aim to reduce aspects of 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.
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Eczema Prevention
Novel investigations into the potential risk factors and strategies of primary eczema prevention at all ages.
Our competitive peer-review process ensures only the most promising and relevant grant applications are funded to stimulate key advances in the biology, treatment and burden of eczema for both children and adults.