The National Eczema Society is pleased to announce that our next research funding call is anticipated to open in November 2025. This funding call will support high-quality research that addresses key challenges in eczema care, understanding, and treatment.
We welcome research applications that have the potential to transform eczema care and outcomes, particularly those aligned with national research priorities and the National Eczema Society’s Research Strategy. Proposals that meaningfully involve people with lived experience of eczema—especially through collaboration with our Experts by Experience (EXEC) Group—are strongly encouraged.
2026 Funding Opportunities
We will offer two funding streams in 2026:
PhD Studentship
PhD Studentship provides full funding for a doctoral student to undertake high-quality research that will contribute to improving the understanding, treatment, or management of eczema.
This prestigious studentship includes:
- Full domestic UK tuition fees
- A maintenance stipend
- Research expenses, in line with UKRI funding levels
The studentship is designed to support emerging researchers who are committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by eczema. Projects may explore a wide range of topics, from the biological mechanisms and triggers of eczema, to innovations in care delivery, digital health, and patient self-management.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Generous funding for their doctoral research
- Mentorship and support from academic supervisors and clinical collaborators
- Access to the National Eczema Society’s network of experts, patient advisors, and research partners
Pump Priming Grants
The National Eczema Society is pleased to announce the return of its Pump Priming funding call, designed to support early-stage research with the potential to make a meaningful impact in the field of eczema with funding up to £30,000.
These awards are intended to fund pilot studies, feasibility work, or preparatory research that will strengthen future applications for larger-scale funding. The scheme is open to researchers based at recognised UK institutions and welcomes applications from both early career and established investigators.
We particularly encourage proposals that:
- Explore innovative therapeutic or diagnostic approaches
- Aim to improve patient experience and care
- Address unmet needs or under-researched areas in eczema
Pump Priming grants offer financial support to help researchers generate proof-of-concept data or preliminary findings that can underpin further funding bids. In addition to funding, successful applicants gain access to the National Eczema Society’s network of experts, lived experience advisors, and wider research community.
If you have a bold, original idea with the potential to advance eczema research or care, we encourage you to apply.
To understand the scope of projects we have previously supported, please visit our Research Grant Winners page.
Key Dates
Assessment and Review
Applications will be evaluated on scientific merit, feasibility, relevance to people affected by eczema, and alignment with the NES Research Strategy. Projects that involve the EXEC Group and demonstrate meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI) will be prioritised.
How to Apply
Full guidance will be published in November 2025, alongside access to our online application portal. Grants are expected to be awarded in May 2026.
Applicants should ensure that proposals:
- Clearly outline aims, methods, timelines, and deliverables
- Demonstrate how people with eczema will be actively involved in the research
- Show clear relevance to NES’s strategic research priorities
Our Commitment
National Eczema Society is committed to supporting rigorous, relevant, and inclusive research that improves outcomes for people living with eczema. We look forward to receiving proposals that reflect these aims.
We actively welcome interdisciplinary collaborations and are committed to supporting the development of early career researchers. Applications from individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in health and academic research are strongly encouraged to apply.
For researchers interested in applying for funding, please visit our Grant Guidance webpage for detailed information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions. This page provides all the necessary resources to help you navigate the application and ensure your submission meets our requirements. Any questions please get in touch at research@eczema.org.