Young Investigator Awards

Young Investigator Awards is sponsored by American Academy of Dermatology. Recognizes significant research advances in dermatology by young researchers in the U. S.

and Canada.

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Learn about the Academy's advocacy priorities and how to join efforts to protect your practice. Young Investigator Awards The AAD Young Investigator Awards are given annually by the Academy to young dermatology researchers in the United States and Canada who demonstrate the potential to become established, independently funded investigators in the field.

The purpose of the award is to recognize significant research advances in the science and practice of dermatology. The award has three tracks: one for basic/translational research, another for clinical research, and a third for research on Dermatology Health Disparities. One recipient from each track will receive a $6,000 prize and an engraved plaque during the Academy’s Annual Meeting.

The applicants must have a DO, MD, or MD/PhD degree and have completed or be participating in a dermatology residency program in the U.S. or Canada accredited by: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or The Professional Corporation of Physicians of Quebec. MD and DO applicants must have initiated the research after medical school, and applicants with a PhD must have initiated the research after their PhD thesis work.

The research submitted must be completed; proposals or research in progress are not eligible. Applicants must complete their research by age 40 and within eight years of completing a terminal degree. An extension of up to two years may be granted for personal or family medical issues or the birth, adoption, or rearing of a child or children.

The submitted research must also be submitted for publication, in press, or published. The Dermatology Health Disparities track recognizes research that advances inclusive dermatologic care by addressing health disparities or barriers to dermatologic care in underserved communities.

Eligible submissions may focus on access to dermatologic services, outcomes disparities, structural or logistical barriers to care, or health issues that disproportionately affect medically underserved populations. This award is open to all applicants who meet the program criteria. Selection is based on the quality and impact of the research, its relevance to underserved communities, and the applicant’s overall research trajectory.

Participation does not prefer or exclude applicants based on personal characteristics. The application period runs from June 20 to Sept. 20.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, as are individuals whose submitted research examines underrepresented minority and diverse populations. Applications close on Sept. 20, 2026.

Fill out our online application form to apply for the award. The applicant must personally complete all sections of the application except the letter of recommendation Narrative description of the applicant's major contribution to science as designated for this application.

The description should include the following as they relate to the major contribution to science theme: background and significance of the scientific question(s); objectives, methods, results, conclusions, and benefits to dermatology of each study (if multiple studies) comprising the body of research; overall value of the research contributions to dermatology; future directions of research; and appropriate reference list.

CV should include publication history, scientific presentations, research achievements, and prior recognition of work (awards and funding) One additional letter of recommendation may be submitted as a supplemental attachment Additional material related to the submitted research may be submitted as a supplemental attachment, including (if applicable) a letter from the applicant attesting to the reason(s) for a time extension for submitted research The awards selection panel includes representatives from the Council on Science and Research, the editorial board of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Association of Professors of Dermatology, the Society for Investigative Dermatology, an AAD member-at-large, and a resident in dermatology or past winner.

Nominees will be judged on the following criteria: Originality of research concept Soundness of research design Quality/clarity of the narrative research description Perceived value of the research to dermatology Quality and strength of publications Overall assessment of applicant a. Likelihood of becoming an established, independently-funded investigator in dermatology b. Quality and strength of research achievements c.

Prior recognition of work (awards and funding) Recent awardees have a track record of scholarship reflected by publications in clinical and research-focused journals, presentations at academic meetings, and application for research grants. Most have received independent or mentored research funding in the form of career development or other awards.

Successful applicants have developed research programs which poise the investigator to become an independent leader in the field. In addition, they have pursued ongoing investigations in the same or related/complementary areas of dermatology.

If external collaborators or sources of external funding represent any perceived or actual conflict of interest with the AAD and its mission, the AAD reserves the right to exclude the applicant from consideration.

Basic/Translational Research Award Anna Eisenstein, MD, PhD, FAAD Jinwoo Lee, MD, PhD, FAAD Dermatology Health Disparities Research Award Courtney Johnson, MD, PhD, FAAD Basic/Translational Research Award Benjamin Nanes, MD, PhD, FAAD Yevgeniy Semenov, MD, MS, FAAD URiM/Underserved Population Research Award Leandra A. Barnes, MD, FAAD Basic/Translational Research Award Alicia J.

Little, MD, PhD, FAAD Mackenzie Wehner, MD, FAAD URiM/Underserved Population Research Award Roxana Daneshjou, MD, PhD, FAAD Basic/Translational Research Award Basic/Translational Research Award Sherrie Divito, MD, PhD, FAAD John Barbieri, MD, MBA, FAAD Basic/Translational Research Award Basic/Translational Research Award Basic/Translational Research Award Tamia Harris-Tryon, MD, PhD Katrina Abuabara, MD, MA, MSCE Basic/Translational Research Award Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD Shadmehr "Shawn" Demehri, MD, PhD Niroshana Anandasabapathy, MD, PhD Johann Eli Gudjonsson, MD, PhD Julie V.

Schaffer, MD, FAAD Rochelle Mandelcorn-Monson, MD Registration begins today at 12 pm noon (CT) for physician members, life members, and honorary members. Go to registration and housing system No thanks, I'll do this later