We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the winners of National Eczema Society’s first-ever research grant round! After a rigorous application review process, we’re proud to award funding for the following ground-breaking research projects investigating eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW):
- PhD Studentship Award – The Christine Orton Memorial Award
Talk TSW – Talking about Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Healthcare Consultations
Dr Paul Leighton, Dr Laura Howells and Dr Lydia Tutt, University of Nottingham.
This PhD studentship will explore how patients and healthcare professionals communicate about Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a growing area of concern among he eczema community. The project will develop and pilot a consultation tool to support better conversations and improve care outcomes. This award marks the first-ever PhD studentship funded by the National Eczema Society in memory of its founder, Christine Orton, honouring her legacy by supporting pioneering research that addresses the real-life challenges faced by people with eczema. Christine’s tireless work helped transform public and clinical awareness of eczema, laying the foundation for the Society’s advocacy, education, and now research funding work. The Society is deeply proud to honour her legacy through this award, and to support the next generation of eczema researchers in her name. - PhD Studentship Award
Evaluating Effects of Sunlight and Other Environmental Exposures in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr Kirsty Rutter and Dr Zenas Yiu, University of Manchester & Salford Care Organisation.
This research investigates how sunlight and other environmental factors affect eczema symptoms, including whether wearable UV sensors and data tools could support personalised self-management. Findings will help clarify how UV exposure helps or worsens eczema for different individuals and inform care strategies. - Pump-priming Grant Award
The Lived Experiences of Women with Atopic Dermatitis – Natural Language Processing (LEAD NLP)
Prof Carsten Flohr – St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, Prof Dr Christian Apfelbacher, Prof Catherine Nelson-Piercy, Prof Christian Vestergaard, Dr Helen Yannakoudakis, Stephen Barlow, Dr Ruchika Kumari, Dr Alphonsus Yip, Dr Suzanne Keddie and Sarah Mewett, Patient Expert.
This study uses natural language processing (NLP) and qualitative methods to explore the challenges women with eczema face, especially around pregnancy and reproductive health. Insights will help improve care, guide resources for healthcare professionals, and create an NLP model to support future dermatology research. - Pump-Priming Grant Award
Scratching the Surface: Investigating the Scale and Molecular Mechanisms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Dr Alice Burleigh and Prof Sara Brown, University of Edinburgh.
This project will be the first structured study of TSW in the UK, combining survey data from 500 people with clinical and molecular analysis. The research aims to improve understanding of how TSW develops and inform future approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
These grants mark a major step forward in our commitment to fund pioneering eczema and TSW research that aims to improve lives and drive scientific progress.
Why Eczema Research Matters
Eczema affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort, distress, and a significant impact on everyday life. Despite its prevalence, many aspects of the condition remain under-researched, and treatment options are often limited.
At National Eczema Society supporting innovative, patient-centred research is a top priority. These newly awarded grants aim to:
- Explore the underlying causes of eczema
- Identify new treatment pathways
- Improve the quality of life for people living with eczema
A Huge Thank You to All Applicants and Reviewers
We received an overwhelming response to our first grant round, and we were inspired by the high calibre of proposals submitted. Thank you to all researchers who applied, your dedication to making a difference is deeply appreciated.
A special thank you to:
- Our Grant Advisory Panel and External Reviewers – for their time, expertise, and thoughtful assessments
- The Expert by Experience Group – for reviewing lay summaries and ensuring research is aligned with the needs of people with eczema
Your contributions were vital in selecting the most promising and impactful projects.
Our Commitment to Patient-Informed Research
We’re proud that our research programme is built not just on scientific excellence but also on the voices of those with lived experience. The projects we fund are designed to be relevant, meaningful, and truly patient-centred.
This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for the National Eczema Society as we begin directly funding research for the first time. 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.
Andrew Proctor, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society
With these grants, we’re supporting research that tackles real-world challenges, advances scientific knowledge and provides tangible benefits to people living with eczema.
We’re proud to support both new researchers and high-impact pilot studies, addressing gaps in our knowledge and paving the way to better care. Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a particular concern for people with eczema and National Eczema Society is pleased to be leading the way to better understanding. Professor Celia Moss, Chair of the Grant Advisory Panel and Trustee
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. We’re excited to see the impact of these research projects and will be sharing updates as they progress. Stay tuned for insights into the funded projects, future grant rounds, continued collaboration with researchers and the eczema community.
Together, we’re making strides toward better treatments and a better future for everyone affected by eczema.
Learn More
For updates on our research programme and information on how to apply for future funding opportunities, please visit our Grants Page.
Thank you for your continued support of the National Eczema Society and the future of eczema research.