2026 Research Grants

2026 Research Grants is sponsored by National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). Funds research to improve understanding and treatment of alopecia areata, including ethnomedicine approaches.

Research Grants & Awards Archive - National Alopecia Areata Foundation | NAAF 2026 Early Career Award – OPEN Thursday, September 17, 2026 NAAF’s Early Career Award seeks to support junior investigators entering the alopecia areata research space with funds to support critical research questions.

The goals of the program are to support individuals early in their career, to encourage interest and commitment to alopecia areata as a research focus, and to bring new voices and ideas to the alopecia areata research community. Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic science, translational research, technology, epidemiology, health services, and clinical research.

Previously funded projects are listed here . Investigators with innovative research ideas are encouraged to apply.

Priority consideration will be given to individuals who have not received NAAF grant funding in the past and to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest: Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AA Basic science research to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AA, including investigations of pathways/targets that could lead to new therapies, and development/ characterization of new animal models Secondary analysis of NIH’s All of Us data set Comorbid diseases: Impact and treatment considerations/ strategies Investigations to improve understanding of disease triggers Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families Elucidation of the burden of alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact Applicants must hold the degree of MD, DO, and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution.

Eligible applicants may not have current or previous NIH R series funding as PI or Co-PI on an alopecia areata-focused project. Priority consideration will be given to individuals who have not received NAAF grant funding in the past. Investigators and institutions throughout the world are welcome to apply.

Evidence of IRB or IACUC (or equivalent) approval is required as applicable. The Early Career Award is a 2-year, non-renewable award with an expected start date of 1/15/27. Applicants may request up to $150,000 ($75,000 per year over two years.)

Applicants may request direct costs only . Indirect costs are not allowed on NAAF grants. NEW this year: Applications will be submitted via ProposalCentral.

Application link will be available soon. Application deadline: 11:59 PM PT, Thursday, September 17, 2026 Award announcement: anticipated on or before December 31, 2026 Earliest start date: January 15, 2027 Questions?? Email grants@naaf.

org , Vice President of Research and Education, for additional information or with any questions on the NAAF Early Career Award application or review process.

Download the Application Instructions 2026 Research Grants – OPEN Thursday, September 17, 2026 NAAF Research Grants support scientists and clinicians pursuing promising research ideas and innovative projects that will improve understanding of the disease and advance the development or discovery of safe and effective treatments, and potentially a cure for alopecia areata.

Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic science, translational research, technology, epidemiology, health services, and clinical research.

NAAF is committed to supporting seasoned experts in alopecia areata research and treatment, as well as young scientists and clinicians building careers to become high-caliber, independent researchers with an enduring focus on research relevant to alopecia areata. Applications undergo a rigorous scientific review by a panel of experts and are then selected for funding based on NAAF priorities.

Through the Research Grants program, NAAF encourages investigations that contribute new information to the understanding of alopecia areata (AA). Investigators with innovative research ideas are encouraged to apply. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest.

Basic science research to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AA, including investigations of pathways/ targets that could lead to new therapies, and development/ characterization of new animal models Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AA Secondary analysis of NIH’s All of Us data set Comorbid diseases: Impact and treatment considerations/ strategies Investigations to improve understanding of disease triggers Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families Elucidation of the burden of alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact Multiple awards are available for the 2026 funding cycle.

NAAF Research Grants are 1-year, non-renewable awards with an expected start date of 1/15/27. Applicants may request up to $75,000 (direct costs only) . Indirect costs are not allowed on NAAF research grant awards.

Applications may also be considered for the Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant if the proposed project aligns with that program. Applicants must hold the degree of MD, DO, and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution. Investigators and institutions throughout the world are welcome to apply.

Evidence of IRB or IACUC (or equivalent) approval is required for all studies when relevant. Recipients of past or current NAAF grants are eligible to apply. NEW this year: Applications will be submitted via ProposalCentral.

Note that you will required to create an account in ProposalCentral if you do not already have one. Application deadline: 11:59 PM PT, Thursday, September 17, 2026 Awards announcement: Anticipated on or before December 31, 2026 Earliest start date: January 15, 2027 Questions?? Email grants@naaf.

org f or additional information or with any questions on the NAAF Research Grant application or review process. Download the Application Instructions 2026 Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant – OPEN Thursday, September 17, 2026 In collaboration with the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), NAAF is pleased to offer a grant opportunity for research explorations focused on pediatric alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes on other areas of the body, affecting as many as 160 million people worldwide. Nearly half of patients experience their first episode of alopecia areata before age 20, highlighting the impact of the disease in children and adolescents.

Recent clinical data indicate that treatment efficacy decreases with length of time living with severe disease, suggesting that early disease management is needed to prevent a lifetime without hair. Pediatric alopecia areata remains a critical target for research and therapeutic development.

Currently, there is only one FDA-approved treatment for adolescents ages 12 and older, limiting effective treatment options for most pediatric patients. The burdens on AA patients and their families are significant, and many key research questions remain unanswered.

To address this need, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) are collaborating to support research investigations focused on pediatric alopecia areata with the Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant. Through this grant, NAAF and PeDRA intend to accelerate research that improves the lives of pediatric alopecia areata patients and their families.

This Challenge Grant is intended to stimulate scientists to establish or sustain research programs focused on pediatric alopecia areata.

Investigators with any innovative research idea are encouraged to apply for the challenge grant, with priority consideration given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest: Investigations of targets or pathways that will advance understanding of the pathophysiology of pediatric AA Investigations of epidemiology or the natural history of pediatric AA Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to pediatric AA Elucidation of the burden of pediatric alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families Priority consideration will be given to projects led by early-to-mid career principal investigators collaborating with senior mentors and projects that address high-priority research questions.

Additional priority will be given to applications that support NAAF’s and PeDRA’s commitments to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all facets of their organizations and the research they support.

– Up to $75,000 to support one year of research – One award anticipated for this funding cycle – Application deadline: Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Awards made: no later than December 12, 2026 – Earliest start date: February 1, 2027 2026 Travel Grant Awards – OPEN NAAF Travel Grants help early career researchers cover the cost of attending a scientific conference or meeting to present research related to alopecia areata.

Meetings of particular interest include: the Society for Investigative Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress for Hair Research, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress, and other relevant meetings in immunology, skin, and hair research.

Applicant Eligibility: To be considered for this award, you must be a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or a newer MD and/or PhD within two years of receiving degree or any postdoctoral training. You must have an alopecia areata-related abstract accepted for oral presentation or a live poster session at the meeting and attend the conference in its entirety. (AAD virtual-only posters are not eligible for travel awards.)

Note: the number of travel awards to any one research group or laboratory may be limited to encourage broad participation. International applicants not residing in the United States may be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria above AND are presenting their research at a conference in the United States.

Please note that NAAF will not sponsor visas or other travel requirements for international applicants attending a conference in the United States. Award Amounts : For applicants residing in the United States: Awards of up to $1,250 for travel to a conference within the United States and $1,750 for travel to an international conference not held in the United States are available to qualified applicants.

For applicants not residing in the United States: Awards of up to $1,750 for international travel to a conference held in the United States are available to qualified applicants. Terms: Travel grants may only be used to cover registration, travel, and accommodation. Individuals may receive no more than one travel grant award per calendar year.

Deadline: Travel Grant applications must be received by NAAF at least 30 days prior to the anticipated meeting to be considered. Exceptions may be made for late-breaking abstract acceptances. Applications must include a copy of the abstract submitted, a copy of the letter or e-mail confirming acceptance of presentation or poster, and a bio sketch or CV of the presenter.

International applicants must provide confirmation of visa permitting them to travel to the United States to present at the conference for which they are seeking support. Download the application and instructions: Download Email completed applications to grants@naaf. org .

2026 Student Internship Awards – CLOSED NAAF Student Internship Awards support undergraduate, graduate and medical students, as well as residents, or fellows, interested in conducting mentored research focused on alopecia areata.

The goal is to enable promising young scientists and physicians to develop and refine their research skills and advance towards careers as investigators dedicated to improving the lives of those living with alopecia areata. Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic and translational science, burden of disease, epidemiology, and clinical research.

Eligibility: The applicant must be enrolled as a student (undergraduate, graduate, medical), resident, or fellow for the duration of the award; secure the endorsement of an investigator willing to host and mentor the applicant in their lab or research environment; and be committed to conducting a research project focused on alopecia areata. Note: survey studies that anticipate using NAAF’s community email list will not be considered.

Awards: Awards will be issued to and administered through the mentor’s or supervisor’s host institution.

Funding levels are as follows: Graduate or medical students, residents or fellow: $5,000 salary/stipend Undergraduate students: $2,000 salary/stipend Project supervisors must be able to provide appropriate mentorship of the applicant throughout the proposed study period, be formally affiliated with an institution capable of administering the internship award, and have an active interest in alopecia areata research.

** Please note that the number of student internship awards granted to any one research group or laboratory may be limited to encourage broad participation. Project Period: Between May 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 Deadline: The deadline to apply is Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST . Email completed applications to grants@naaf.

org . Download Student Internship Awards announcement and instructions . Download Student Internship Awards application template .

2025 Early Career Award – CLOSED Thursday, September 18, 2025 NAAF’s Early Career Award seeks to support junior investigators entering the alopecia areata research space with funds to support critical research questions.

The goals of the program are to support individuals early in their career, to encourage interest and commitment to alopecia areata as a research focus, and to bring new voices and ideas to the alopecia areata research community. Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic science, translational research, technology, epidemiology, health services, and clinical research.

Investigators with innovative research ideas are encouraged to apply.

Priority consideration will be given to individuals who have not received NAAF grant funding in the past and to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest: Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AA Basic science research to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AA, including investigations of pathways/targets that could lead to new therapies, and development/ characterization of new animal models Secondary analysis of NIH’s All of Us data set Comorbid diseases: Impact and treatment considerations/ strategies Investigations to improve understanding of disease triggers Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families Elucidation of the burden of alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact Applicants must hold the degree of MD, DO, and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution.

Eligible applicants may not have current or previous NIH R series funding as PI or Co-PI on an alopecia areata-focused project. Priority consideration will be given to individuals who have not received NAAF grant funding in the past. Investigators and institutions throughout the world are welcome to apply.

Evidence of IRB or IACUC (or equivalent) approval is required as applicable. The Early Career Award is a 2-year, non-renewable award with an expected start date of 1/15/25. Applicants may request up to $150,000 ($75,000 per year over two years.)

Applicants may request direct costs only . Indirect costs are not allowed on NAAF grants. Review and download the 2025 NAAF Early Career Award Application for specific instructions.

Applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF file to grants@naaf. org . Applications must be written in Arial or Calibri font 11pt or larger with at least one-half inch margins.

Application deadline: 11:59 PM PT, Thursday, September 18, 2025 Award announcement: anticipated on or before December 31, 2025 Earliest start date: January 15, 2026 Email Lisa Anderson, PhD, Senior Director of Research, at lisa@naaf. org for additional information or with any questions on the NAAF Early Career Award application or review process.

2025 Research Grants – CLOSED Thursday, September 18, 2025 NAAF Research Grants support scientists and clinicians pursuing promising research ideas and innovative projects that will improve understanding of the disease and advance the development or discovery of safe and effective treatments, and potentially a cure for alopecia areata.

Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic science, translational research, technology, epidemiology, health services, and clinical research.

NAAF is committed to supporting seasoned experts in alopecia areata research and treatment, as well as young scientists and clinicians building careers to become high-caliber, independent researchers with an enduring focus on research relevant to alopecia areata. Applications undergo a rigorous scientific review by a panel of experts and are then selected for funding based on NAAF priorities.

Through the Research Grants program, NAAF encourages investigations that contribute new information to the understanding of alopecia areata (AA). Investigators with innovative research ideas are encouraged to apply. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest.

Basic science research to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AA, including investigations of pathways/ targets that could lead to new therapies, and development/ characterization of new animal models Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AA Secondary analysis of NIH’s All of Us data set Comorbid diseases: Impact and treatment considerations/ strategies Investigations to improve understanding of disease triggers Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families Elucidation of the burden of alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact Multiple awards are available for the 2025 funding cycle.

NAAF Research Grants are 1-year, non-renewable awards with an expected start date of 1/15/26. Applicants may request up to $75,000 (direct costs only) . Indirect costs are not allowed on NAAF research grant awards.

Applications may also be considered for the Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant if the proposed project aligns with that program. Applicants must hold the degree of MD, DO, and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution. Investigators and institutions throughout the world are welcome to apply.

Evidence of IRB or IACUC (or equivalent) approval is required for all studies when relevant. Recipients of past or current NAAF grants are eligible to apply. Review and download the 2025 NAAF Research Grant Application for specific instructions.

Applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF file to grants@naaf. org . Applications must be written in Arial or Calibri font 11pt or larger with at least one-half inch margins.

Application deadline: 11:59 PM PT, Thursday, September 18, 2025 Awards announcement: A nticipated on or before December 31, 2025 Earliest start date: January 15, 2026 Email Lisa Anderson, PhD, Senior Director of Research, at lisa@naaf. org f or additional information or with any questions on the NAAF Research Grant application or review process.

2025 Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant – CLOSED Thursday, September 18, 2025 In collaboration with the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), NAAF is pleased to offer a grant opportunity for research explorations focused on pediatric alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes on other areas of the body, affecting as many as 160 million people worldwide. Nearly half of patients experience their first episode of alopecia areata before age 20, highlighting the impact of the disease in children and adolescents.

Recent clinical data indicate that treatment efficacy decreases with length of time living with severe disease, suggesting that early disease management is needed to prevent a lifetime without hair. Pediatric alopecia areata remains a critical target for research and therapeutic development.

Currently, there is only one FDA-approved treatment for adolescents ages 12 and older, limiting effective treatment options for most pediatric patients. The burdens on AA patients and their families are significant, and many key research questions remain unanswered.

To address this need, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) are collaborating to support research investigations focused on pediatric alopecia areata with the Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant. Through this grant, NAAF and PeDRA intend to accelerate research that improves the lives of pediatric alopecia areata patients and their families.

This Challenge Grant is intended to stimulate scientists to establish or sustain research programs focused on pediatric alopecia areata.

Investigators with any innovative research idea are encouraged to apply for the challenge grant, with priority consideration given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest: Investigations of targets or pathways that will advance understanding of the pathophysiology of pediatric AA Investigations of epidemiology or the natural history of pediatric AA Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to pediatric AA Elucidation of the burden of pediatric alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families Priority consideration will be given to projects led by early-to-mid career principal investigators collaborating with senior mentors and projects that address high-priority research questions.

Additional priority will be given to applications that support NAAF’s and PeDRA’s commitments to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all facets of their organizations and the research they support.

Up to $75,000 to support one year of research One award anticipated for this funding cycle Application deadline: Thursday, September 18, 2025 Awards made: no later than December 12, 2025 Earliest start date: February 1, 2026 2025 Student Internship Awards – CLOSED NAAF Student Internship Awards support students (undergraduate, graduate, medical), residents, or fellows interested in conducting research focused on alopecia areata.

The goal is to enable promising young scientists and physicians to hone their research skills and go on to become investigators focused on improving the lives of those living with alopecia areata. Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic science, translational research, burden of disease, epidemiology, and clinical research. Awardees will receive $5,000 as salary/stipend.

Awards will be paid to and administered by the mentor/supervisor’s host institution. Eligibility: The applicant must be a student (undergraduate, graduate, medical), resident, or fellow for the duration of the award; have the endorsement of an investigator willing to host the applicant in their lab; and be committed to conducting a research project focused on alopecia areata.

Project supervisors must be capable of mentoring the applicant during the proposed study period, be affiliated with an institution capable of administering the internship, have an active interest in alopecia areata research. ** Please note that the number of student internship awards to any one research group or laboratory may be limited to encourage broad participation.

Project Period: Between May 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 Deadline: The deadline to apply is Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST . Email completed applications to grants@naaf. org .

Download Student Internship Awards announcement and instructions . Download Student Internship Awards application template . 2025 Travel Grant Awards – CLOSED NAAF Travel Grants help early career researchers cover the cost of attending a scientific conference or meeting to present research related to alopecia areata.

Meetings of particular interest include: the Society for Investigative Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress of Dermatology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress, and other relevant meetings in immunology, skin, and hair research.

Applicant Eligibility: To be considered for this award, you must be a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or a newer MD and/or PhD within two years of receiving degree or any postdoctoral training. You must have an alopecia areata-related abstract accepted for oral or poster presentation at the meeting and attend the conference in its entirety.

Note: the number of travel awards to any one research group or laboratory may be limited to encourage broad participation. International applicants not residing in the United States may be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria above AND are presenting their research at a conference in the United States.

Please note that NAAF will not sponsor visas or other travel requirements for international applicants attending a conference in the United States. Award Amounts : For applicants residing in the United States: Awards of up to $1,250 for travel to a conference within the United States and $1,750 for travel to an international conference not held in the United States are available to qualified applicants.

For applicants not residing in the United States: Awards of up to $1,750 for international travel to a conference held in the United States are available to qualified applicants. Terms: Travel grants may only be used to cover registration, travel, and accommodation. Individuals may receive no more than one travel grant award per calendar year.

Deadline: Travel Grant applications must be received by NAAF at least 30 days prior to the anticipated meeting to be considered. Exceptions may be made for late-breaking abstract acceptances. Applications must include a copy of the abstract submitted, a copy of the letter or e-mail confirming acceptance of presentation or poster, and a bio sketch or CV of the presenter.

International applicants must provide confirmation of visa permitting them to travel to the United States to present at the conference for which they are seeking support. Download the application and instructions: 2025 Travel Grant Application Email completed applications to grants@naaf. org .