Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types Now Accepting Letters of Intent for 2025 Research Grant Program

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The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST) announced it is now accepting letters of intent (LOI) for its 2025 Research Grant Program. According to FIRST, research with “promising LOI” will be asked to complete a full application consisting of a 5-page narrative. Awarded grants include the pilot and research grants.¹

Pilot grants include up to $15,000 for one year, are not renewable, and support the creation of new ideas for study and simple projects that provide definitive information within 1 year. Research grants include up to $50,000 for one year with the opportunity for a second year of funding based on the demonstration of progress and availability of funds. The research grants should lead to ongoing, self-supporting programs in ichthyosis research.

FIRST’s Research Review Committee will review all LOIs (1 page maximum), and investigators will be notified if they are invited to submit a full proposal.

2025 application process dates include:

• April 18, 2025 - Letters of intent are due to FIRST
• May 9, 2025 - Invitation to submit full application emailed to the investigator
• June 20, 2025 - Full grant application due to FIRST
• August 31, 2025 - Notification of award

Research for both grants should include focused basic science projects addressing keratinocyte biology and differentiation, genetics, biology of skin inflammation, itch, or other ichthyosis-related areas. FIRST also encourages clinical research that addresses improving diagnosis and/or quality of life, defining quality of life measures, expanding knowledge about topical or systemic treatments, or specific aspects of the disease.

FIRST conducted surveys of the icthyosis community and specifically patients and their families that revealed research is a top priority for funds donated to the foundation. Based on the responses, FIRST launched an expanded program to support promising research initiatives led by investigators with new or established interests in ichthyosis.

The FIRST research grant program was founded in 2006 to encourage and support investigation into causes, treatments, and potential cures for ichthyosis. The overall foundation is celebrating its 40th year of supporting patients and their families and has provided over $117,000 in scholarships to patients, approximately $53,000 in financial aid for skin care, enrolled 1600 families in the Ichthyosis Registry at Yale, and discovered 8 new genetic causes of ichthyosis. FIRST’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Directors work to support patients and their families through programs, services, and technology resources.²

For questions about the research grants or to download the LOI format, visit FIRST’s website.

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References

1. FIRST research grant program. Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.firstskinfoundation.org/first-research-grant-program
2. About us. Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.firstskinfoundation.org/about-us