Applications are now open for NES research grants that back innovative, patient-centred eczema research across the UK. We’re inviting proposals that push understanding, improve care, and deliver real-world impact for people living with eczema. Full details and application materials below.

2026 Funding Opportunities

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.

We will offer two funding streams in our 2025/2026 grant round:

UK PhD Studentship

PhD Studentship provides full funding for an UK-based doctoral student to undertake high-quality research that will contribute to improving the understanding, treatment, or management of eczema.

This prestigious studentship includes:

• Domestic UK tuition fees (up to £5,000 a year)
• A maintenance stipend based on UKRI stipend rates.
• 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 (36-months)
• Mentorship and support from academic supervisors and clinical collaborators
• Access to the National Eczema Society’s network of experts, ‘Expert by Experience’ (EXEC) Group, patient advisors, and research partners

Pump Priming Grant

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 for 12-month period 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.

In NES’s first-ever grant round, competition was extremely strong. PhD Studentships had a success rate of 0.33 %, while Pump‑Priming Grants achieved a success rate of 0.40 %. These figures reflect the exceptional standard of proposals we receive and our commitment to funding the most promising research with the potential to improve the lives of people with eczema. We warmly encourage researchers to apply in future rounds and continue driving forward innovative eczema research.

How to Apply

Download and prepare your application:

Make sure it aligns with NES Research Strategy and patient relevance.

Read through our Grant Guidance:

Make sure you meet the Eligibility Criteria

Make sure you understand NES’s Grant Terms and Conditions

Submit before the deadline of 28th of February 2026.
• Upload completed application form and all required documents here:

Assessment and Review

Applications will be evaluated based upon scientific merit, feasibility, relevance to people affected by eczema, and alignment with the NES Research Strategy by our Grant Advisory Panel (GAP) and lay statements by a selection of our EXEC Group. Please note that projects that involve the EXEC Group and demonstrate meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI) will be prioritised.

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 Information webpage for additional information and support on the application process, eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions.

Any questions please get in touch at research@eczema.org.