Call for Applications: Research Grants Program (Round 1)

The proposed activities can be within basic, translational, technical, epidemiological, or clinical research.

They welcome applications for research projects that improve the understanding of skin biology, as well as the underlying medicinal, biological, chemical, or pharmacological mechanisms of dermatological diseases and their symptoms.

They also welcome applications that address clinical issues among people who are at risk of developing, or have developed, a skin disease, including how it impacts their quality of life, and the societal costs involved.

The LEO Foundation only supports investigator-initiated clinical trials, i.e., the applicant has conceived the proposed research project, and will conduct and publish the involved trial or study independent of commercial interests.

Focus Areas 

• Autoimmune skin diseases and connective tissue diseases
• Eczemas and urticaria
• Psoriasis and related diseases
• Skin infections and infestations
• Genetic skin diseases
• Diseases of skin appendages (or specific cutaneous structures)
• Rare diseases
• Other skin diseases
• Basic dermatological research

Types of Project

• Basic research
• Translational research
• Clinical research
• Epidemiological research
• Technology development

Funding Information

• The budget must be submitted in Danish kroner (DKK). The typical applied amount for a research grant is DKK 2-4 million for a period of 1-3 years.

Eligible Expenses

• The following types of expenses are covered:
  • Salary and mandatory benefits for employees including main applicant (salary justification mandatory)
  • Running costs/operating expenses including bench fees
  • Equipment
  • Publication costs
  • Travel and conference expenses
  • Tuition fees for PhD students
  • Administrative costs up to 5%
• For Danish universities, administrative costs and bench fees are replaced by project supplements.

Ineligible Expenses

• Costs not covered include: Salary for student workers, graduates and undergraduates (i.e., below PhD student level).

Eligibility Criteria

• Any researcher who has obtained at least a PhD degree or equivalent academic qualifications may apply.
• The applicant must be affiliated with a university, hospital, or other non-profit organization.
• The LEO Foundation welcomes applicants from anywhere in the world.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The Foundation does not support:
  • Projects on skin cancer (e.g., melanoma, CTCL, BCC and SCC), at present. However, research using skin cancer models may be permitted if the models are used as tools to investigate other aspects of skin biology or skin diseases.
  • Research projects involving commercial companies.
  • Research projects involving drug testing for commercial purposes.

Evaluation Criteria

• The LEO Foundation Scientific Evaluation Committee reviews your application according to the following criteria:
  • Significance and impact
  • Innovation and novelty
  • Strategy and approach
  • Lead investigator(s) and team
  • Environment and resources
  • Overall focus and project plan

For more information, visit LEO Foundation.