Apply for a grant

We are committed to supporting eczema researchers. We play a vital role in supporting researchers and scientists focused on eczema and related skin conditions. By providing research funding for innovative research projects, we aim to foster advancements in understanding the underlying causes of eczema and explore new treatment options.

Grant applications are open

Applications are open for Eczema UK 2026 research grants that back innovative, patient-centred eczema research across the UK.

We’re inviting proposals that push understanding, improve care, and deliver real-world impact for people living with eczema.

Proposals that meaningfully involve people with lived experience of eczema - especially through collaboration with our Experts by Experience (EXEC) Group - are strongly encouraged.

The deadline for proposal submissions is 28 February 2026. Please see the full details and application materials below.

Grant funding streams

We will offer two funding streams in our 2025/2026 grant round:

PhD Studentship provides full funding for an UK-based doctoral student to undertake high-quality research that will contribute to improving the understanding, treatment, or management of eczema.

This prestigious studentship includes:

Domestic UK tuition fees (up to £5,000 a year)
A maintenance stipend based on UKRI stipend rates.
Research expenses, in line with UKRI funding levels

The studentship is designed to support emerging researchers who are committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by eczema. Projects may explore a wide range of topics, from the biological mechanisms and triggers of eczema, to innovations in care delivery, digital health, and patient self-management.

Successful applicants will benefit from:

Generous funding for their doctoral research (36-months)
Mentorship and support from academic supervisors and clinical collaborators
Access to the National Eczema Society’s network of experts, ‘Expert by Experience’ (EXEC) Group, patient advisors, and research partners

We are pleased to announce the return of its Pump Priming funding call, designed to support early-stage research with the potential to make a meaningful impact in the field of eczema with funding up to £30,000.

These awards are intended to fund pilot studies, feasibility work, or preparatory research that will strengthen future applications for larger-scale funding. The scheme is open to researchers based at recognised UK institutions and welcomes applications from both early career and established investigators.

We particularly encourage proposals that:

Explore innovative therapeutic or diagnostic approaches
Aim to improve patient experience and care
Address unmet needs or under-researched areas in eczema

Pump Priming grants offer financial support for 12-month period to help researchers generate proof-of-concept data or preliminary findings that can underpin further funding bids. In addition to funding, successful applicants gain access to our network of experts, lived experience advisors, and wider research community.

If you have a bold, original idea with the potential to advance eczema research or care, we encourage you to apply.

To understand the scope of projects we have previously supported, please visit our Research Grant Winners page.

In our first-ever grant round, competition was extremely strong. PhD Studentships had a success rate of 0.33 %, while Pump‑Priming Grants achieved a success rate of 0.40 %. These figures reflect the exceptional standard of proposals we receive and our commitment to funding the most promising research with the potential to improve the lives of people with eczema. We warmly encourage researchers to apply in future rounds and continue driving forward innovative eczema research.

Eligibility

Our Pump priming grants and PhD Studentships are open to any UK-based researcher working at UK Research Institution looking to fund research into any topic focused on eczema.
We will only accept PhD studentship applications from Supervisors and not directly from prospective PhD candidates.
No more than one application can be submitted by a Principal Investigator per application round.
Collaborative grants with other UK and/or recognized international research institutions will be welcomed.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate the value of the project to the field of dermatology/immunology.
Research projects should be in alignment with our Research Strategy.
Research projects must demonstrate value to people living with or caring for eczema.

Download our full eligibility criteria

How to apply

Applicants must submit all documents online before the deadline of 28 February 2026. Incomplete or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Applicants must agree that the information provided is, to the best of their knowledge, complete and accurate.

Step 1: Read through our guidance

Grant Application Guidance

Research Grants Terms and Conditions

Step 2: Fill out the relevant application document

Pump Priming Grant Application Document

PhD Studentship Application Document

Step 3: Submit your application

Complete the application form and submit all required documents here:

PhD Studentship Application Form

Pump Priming Grant Application

Application timeline

Call for Proposals Announced: November 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026
Review Period: March-April 2025
Successful Awards Announced: May 2026

Additional information

Applicants should be aware that information provided on grant applications will be stored and circulated as needed for our review process. Eczema UK is compliant with GDPR and adheres to the principles of the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information on application guidelines and eligibility criteria, please contact us directly research@eczema.org.

Assessment and review process

Applications will be evaluated based upon scientific merit, feasibility, relevance to people affected by eczema, alignment with our Research Strategy from our Grant Advisory Panel (GAP) and lay statements by a selection of our EXEC Group.

Please note that projects that involve the EXEC Group and demonstrate meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI) will be prioritised.

Our commitment

We are committed to supporting rigorous, relevant, and inclusive research that improves outcomes for people living with eczema. We look forward to receiving proposals that reflect these aims.

We actively welcome interdisciplinary collaborations and are committed to supporting the development of early career researchers. Applications from individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in health and academic research are strongly encouraged to apply.

Any questions please get in touch at research@eczema.org.