We’re delighted to share that we will be funding four ground-breaking eczema and TSW research projects in our first-ever grant round!
This is a milestone moment for the Society, in our 50th year.
Meet the researchers:
PhD Studentship Award – The Christine Orton Memorial Award
Talk TSW – Talking about Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Healthcare Consultations
Researchers including Dr Paul Leighton, Dr Laura Howells, and Dr Lydia Tutt at the University of Nottingham, are exploring how people with eczema and healthcare professionals talk about topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
Together they want to create a tool that helps support better conversations and improve care for those impacted by TSW.
“This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for the National Eczema Society as we begin directly funding research for the first time”, said Andrew Proctor, chief executive of National Eczema Society.
“We are especially proud to honour our founder, Christine Orton, by naming our first PhD studentship after her — a fitting tribute to her visionary work and lifelong dedication to improving the lives of people with eczema.“
PhD Studentship Award
Evaluating Effects of Sunlight and Other Environmental Exposures in Atopic Dermatitis
Researchers led by Dr Kirsty Rutter and Dr Zenas Yiu at the University of Manchester, are exploring how sunlight and other environmental factors impact eczema symptoms. They are also investigating whether wearable UV sensors and data tools can help people manage their eczema more effectively.
Pump-Priming Award
The Lived Experiences of Women with Atopic Dermatitis – Natural Language Processing (LEAD NLP)
Professor Carsten Flohr and his team at King’s College London are using AI and interviews to understand better the challenges women with eczema face – especially during pregnancy. Their research aims to improve care and guide better support for healthcare professionals.
Pump-Priming Award
Scratching the Surface: Investigating the Scale and Molecular Mechanisms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Dr Alice Burleigh and Professor Sara Brown, at the University of Edinburgh, are investigating how topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) develops. Their research could lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating TSW in the future.
It is National Eczema Society’s aim that our research grant round becomes an annual award.