Emerging Investigator Research Grants (EIRG)

The Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) invites applications for the Emerging Investigator Research Grants (EIRG) program, aimed at supporting medical students and pediatric residents with a 12-week mentored research experience in pediatric dermatology. Awardees receive funding of up to $4,000 for in-person projects and $1,500 for remote projects, plus $1,000 for travel to the PeDRA Annual Conference. This initiative promotes diversity and supports projects addressing crucial patient-centered research questions.

Childhood skin diseases are associated with a severe burden on patients, families, and healthcare providers. Despite this burden, effective treatments remain sparse, and the pace of research remains slow. To help overcome these challenges while developing the next generation of leaders in the field, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) is accepting applications for its Emerging Investigator Research Grant (EIRG) program to support a short-term (12-week maximum) mentored research experience for medical students and pediatric residents to conduct projects relevant to pediatric dermatology. The expectation is that awardees will complete EIRG projects during the summer (e.g., between MS1 and MS2) or another suitable time that is mutually agreed upon with a project mentor.
Goals
The EIRG program is driven by PeDRA’s mission to create, inspire, and sustain research to prevent, treat, and cure childhood skin disease. Grants are intended to support a focused research experience that equips awardees with valuable skills and relationships, fosters interest in pediatric dermatology from a diverse cohort of applicants, and contributes meaningful research outcomes to the field of pediatric dermatology. PeDRA is interested in supporting a high percentage of EIRGs led by investigators from communities who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM).
Award
Awards will be given to support projects for up to 12 weeks. Awardees will receive $4,000 to support a mentored in-person research project or $1,500 to support a mentored remote research project, plus $1,000 in travel support to attend the PeDRA Annual Conference, payable to the mentor or student institution. As many as ten grants may be awarded. The total number of awards will depend on available funds and the receipt of sufficiently meritorious applications.

Eligibility

Applicants must be actively enrolled as either medical students or pediatric residents in an accredited medical school and able to devote at least 50% of their effort to research during the award period.Mentors must be Active, Affiliate, or Emeritus Members of PeDRA in good standing. Applicants need not be PeDRA members at the time of application.Applicants may be concurrently enrolled in the PeDRA Mentorship Program.Applicants may not concurrently hold a Mentorship Grant from the Society for Pediatric Dermatology or Research Fellowship Grant from PeDRA.Mentors may not be listed on more than one application in the same cycle.Applicants who hold any concurrent research or mentorship support must provide an explanation of how they will manage potentially overlapping funds and/or programs in their cover letter.Research projects must be completed in the designated award period.Research projects must be carried out at an institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.