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Skin Cancer Foundation Research Grants Program

Skin Cancer Foundation

Since 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has been empowering people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Yet every year, as many as 5.4 million people in the U.S. alone are diagnosed with the world’s most common cancer. And though enormous strides have been made in treatments for all types of skin cancer — including a nearly fivefold increase in overall survival for advanced melanoma — there is still much work to do.

That’s why, for 40 years, the Foundation has been awarding research grants to early career investigators to support pilot research projects related to prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. Many of our grantees’ studies have led to important breakthroughs.

Each year, our Skin Cancer Foundation Research Grants Committee Chair David Polsky, MD, PhD, assembles a group of world-class volunteer physicians to review the applications and select the grantees.

To be awarded:

$50,000 Research Grant Award$50,000 Research Grant Award$25,000 Research Grant Award

Application period closes at 11:59pm (Eastern) July 12, 2025

Winners announced in September 2025.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Early Career Investigator Status

Eligibility is limited to dermatology residents, fellows, or faculty within 10 years of their first academic appointment

This program is structured to fund pilot projects led by emerging investigators.

🏥 2. Strong Clinical or Basic Science Focus in Skin Cancer

Preference is given to projects that target prevention, detection, or treatment of skin cancers at clinical or laboratory levels .

🧪 3. Pilot Study with High Translation Potential

Grants (typically $25K–$50K for 1 year) are meant for pilot studies which pave the way for larger-scale research or follow-on grants from institutes like NCI .

👥 4. Institutional Support and Mentorship

Projects must be conducted within or supervised by dermatology departments of U.S. academic or medical institutions .

Active departmental endorsement, lab infrastructure, and clear mentorship strengthen applications.

🔍 5. Peer Review by Expert Panel

Applications are evaluated annually by a volunteer committee led by Dr. David Polsky, a group of experts in the field

They assess scientific merit, innovation, potential impact, and relevance to the Foundation’s mission.

🏆 6. Track Record of Past Awardees

Historically, funded projects—from melanoma immunotherapy to HPV vaccine adaptation—have produced significant breakthroughs, including FDA-approved therapies and high-impact publications .

Successful applicants often demonstrate both prior productivity and the potential for substantial downstream impact.

✅ Application Best Practices

Strategy	How to Leverage It
Highlight Early-Career Position	Emphasize you're within 10 years of your first faculty role.
Align With Mission Areas	Focus clearly on prevention, detection, or treatment of skin cancer.
Present a Pilot Study with Big Vision	Show that your small-scale project has the potential to lead to major follow-up funding.
Show Institutional Backing & Mentorship	Include letters of support and describe facilities and senior scientists involved.
Demonstrate Innovation & Expected Impact	Cite how similar past-funded work led to meaningful breakthroughs.

📅 Timeline Reminder

Next cycle opens: May 1, 2025

Deadline: July 12, 2025 (Eastern Time)

Awards announced: September 2025

🧩 Why These Matter

The Foundation’s goal is to catalyze transformative research in skin cancer starting from early-stage, high-potential projects. They look for applicants who are primed to make the pilot grant count—meaning strong credentials, a compelling project, institutional support, and a clear route to scale-up funding or clinical application.

Specialties

Cancer

Oncology

Dermatology

Eligibility Requirements

MD or PhD is required.

Only applications for research projects relevant to skin cancer will be accepted for consideration.

The Skin Cancer Foundation Research Grants are intended for pilot projects, which, if successful, can be developed to the point where they are eligible for larger grants from other sources.

Research must be conducted by dermatology residents, fellows or investigators within 10 years of their first academic appointment.

Preference is given to projects that address, at the clinical and basic science levels, improved methods of prevention, detection or treatment of skin cancers.

Applications must be conducted in, in collaboration with or under the supervision of the dermatology departments of medical or academic institutions within the United States.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Skin Cancer Foundation

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 205 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY 10016

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