Run in partnership with the National Eczema Association.

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.

Important Details

• Up to $50,000 to support one year of research
• Proposals should address one of the following priorities: Eczema Heterogeneity: Novel Insights; Innovations in Clinical Practice & Care; Understanding & Alleviating Disease Burden; Eczema Prevention
• Application deadline is 5:00PM PT, Friday, August 14, 2026