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Medical Student Research

Dermatology Foundation

The Dermatology Foundation® created an introduction to the specialty for students. The Medical Student Research Supplement Award (MSRSA) enable past DF awardees to support the participation of medical students in the completion of a research project. Participants report the impact of this exposure and investment is highly encouraging, and the majority have subsequently matched for a dermatology residency.

Applications for the fall 2026 cycle are now being accepted and are due November 1, 2026.

Apply for a Medical Student Research Supplement Award

Former DF award recipients can apply for this award, along with an eligible medical student recruited from their institution or another accredited U.S. medical school. The Medical Student Research Supplement Award provides $5,000 to support the participation of a student. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, travel, lodging and a salary stipend for the student. Award funds may not be used for indirect expenses and are payable to the applicant’s institution.

Information about the Medical Student Research Supplement Awards will be provided this Spring.

Award payments will be made in two installments:

An initial payment of $4,000 is made to the recipient’s institution at the start of the award period.
The remaining $1,000 is payable upon receipt of the medical student’s summary of their research experience, following the end of the award period, and the institution’s financial reconciliation.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

The rankings below are evidence-informed inferences from the Foundation's published review process and award requirements, not an official numerical scoring rubric.

1

★★★★★

Significance to dermatology and patient care — Critical

Address an important clinical or biological problem in skin disease and explain how the findings could advance dermatology or improve patient outcomes. Benefit to the dermatology community is an explicit Foundation priority.

Dermatology Foundation

2

★★★★★

Innovation and originality — Critical

Present a novel research question or approach that advances knowledge beyond existing studies. Explain what is new and why the expected findings matter.

3

★★★★★

Scientific rigor and methodological quality — Critical

Establish clear aims, a sound hypothesis, appropriate methods, suitable outcome measures and a defensible analysis plan. Explain how the design will answer the research question.

4

★★★★★

Investigator potential and research commitment — Critical

Demonstrate relevant training, research accomplishments, dedication to dermatology research and the capacity to execute the proposed work. The emphasis varies between early-career, fellowship and mid-career awards.

Dermatology Foundation

5

★★★★☆

Feasibility and preliminary evidence — Very high

Show that the project can be completed with the proposed resources and timeline. Pilot data, access to suitable samples or patients, and a credible contingency plan strengthen the case where appropriate.

6

★★★★☆

Mentorship and institutional support — Very high

For career development and fellowship awards, establish a suitable mentor, a structured development plan and access to the facilities and expertise required for success.

7

★★★★☆

Potential for future funding and career growth — Very high

Explain how the award will build research independence, generate publications or preliminary data, and position the investigator to obtain subsequent external funding.

8

★★★★☆

Alignment with a specific award category — Very high

Match the research to the relevant mechanism, such as medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery, public health or inflammatory skin disease. Award-specific eligibility and selection criteria differ.

Dermatology Foundation

9

★★★☆☆

Relevance to underserved populations and diversity — High

Address important dermatologic health needs affecting underserved or disadvantaged populations when relevant to the proposed research. DF explicitly encourages research on health issues impacting minority populations.

Dermatology Foundation

10

★★★★☆

Budget justification and eligibility compliance — Essential gate

Meet the degree and career-stage requirements, use an eligible U.S. dermatology department, provide a detailed research budget and follow the applicable application instructions. Standard DF research grants do not permit funds for indirect costs, principal-investigator salary or the PI's travel.

Specialties

Dermatology

Eligibility Requirements

Former DF award recipients can apply for this award, along with an eligible medical student recruited from their institution or another accredited U.S. medical school.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Dermatology Foundation

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 5750 Old Orchard Road, Suite 450 Skokie, IL,

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