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2025 Call For Proposals is now open!

The 2025 Call for Proposals for Canadian Dermatology Foundation Grants is now open! 
Click here to apply!
Submission deadline is 11:59 ET March 7th, 2025.

New in 2025

In the 2024 CDF Grant Competition we will have 4 categories of grants:

Innovation Grants:
Funding: Up to $100,000 distributed over two years ($50,000 per year/full amount up front).
Criteria: Awarded to mature, well-developed projects with the highest scores in peer-review evaluations.

Pilot Grants:
Funding: Up to $10,000 granted for a one-year period.
Eligibility: Open to residents enrolled in accredited Canadian dermatology residency programs.
Purpose: Support projects initiated by residents, fostering early contributions to dermatological research.

Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Grants:
Funding: Two proposals considered at levels of $10,000 and $50,000, for a one-year period.
Focus: Proposals addressing pediatric atopic dermatitis, particularly those serving underserved communities in Canada.

Dr. Mercy Alexis – Skin of Color Research:
Funding: Grants by L’Oreal, up to $50,000 for 1 year(renewable for 1 year with satisfactoryprogress report).

Further documents and resources:

Transparent peer review:

 Peer review process

The CDF adheres to CIHR grant review principles. Each grant undergoes evaluation by two independent reviewers: the primary and secondary. The primary reviewer presents the score and justification to the panel, followed by input from the secondary reviewer. Post additional discussion, each panel member assigns a score, with the average determining the final ranking for project assessment. This process ensures a meticulous evaluation aligned with rigorous medical research standards. The criteria for grant assessment can be accessed here.

Review panel

The review panel, presided over by the CDF Scientific Chair, is tasked with safeguarding the fairness of the review process, with the chair refraining from participating in voting. To reinforce impartiality, non-voting observers will be invited, representing key stakeholders: CIHR, patient organizations, Canadian dermatology residents, and SKiN Canada.  The identities of both the complete review panel and the observers will be disclosed publicly. This commitment to transparency ensures accountability and upholds the integrity of the evaluation procedures.

Conflict of interests

Every member of the review panel and observers will be required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event a conflict is identified, those specific reviewers and observers will be excused from participating in the deliberations and scoring of the relevant grants. However, they will remain actively involved in the evaluation of grants where no conflicts of interest arise.

Feedback

Each applicant will receive a written review of their grant. Authors of unsuccessful grants may additionally obtain panel recommendations on enhancing the chances of success in the next competition. The CDF Scientific Chair will actively gather feedback from reviewers and observers, emphasizing aspects such as objectivity, impartiality, effectiveness, and relevance in the grant review process.

Confidentiality

In order to safeguard intellectual property, the confidentiality of applicants and project details will be strictly maintained, except for the names and project titles of successful applications. Additionally, we will refrain from publishing the reviews or scores of the projects, ensuring a secure environment that respects and protects the intellectual contributions of all applicants.

CDF / CSID partnership

The Canadian Society of Investigative Dermatology (CSID) serves as a vital partner organization for CDF, concentrating on the dissemination of Canadian dermatological research. Additionally, we collaborate with SKiN Canada to foster network building and facilitate collaborations among researchers across the country. It is anticipated that successful applicants will showcase their research at CDF/CSID meetings, typically held during the annual gatherings of the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). This collaborative effort ensures the widespread dissemination and visibility of cutting-edge dermatological research within the Canadian Scientific community.