ISID-LEO Foundation Award 2026: Applications Open for Asia-Pacific Researchers
31 August 26
ISID-LEO Foundation Award 2026: Applications Open for Asia-Pacific Researchers
USD 100,000 award for outstanding young scientists in skin research
The International Societies for Investigative Dermatology (ISID) and the LEO Foundation have partnered to expand the reach of the ISID-LEO Foundation Awards, with the inaugural Asia-Pacific application cycle now open.
One award of USD 100,000 is awarded annually in each of three global regions — Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), and Asia-Pacific — recognising outstanding young scientists whose research represents an extraordinary contribution to skin research and has the potential to pave the way for new and improved treatments for skin diseases.
2026 Asia-Pacific Region
Applications for the inaugural Asia-Pacific award open on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, with self-nominations closing on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The award is open to outstanding early-career scientists working within the Asia-Pacific region who meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be working within the Asia-Pacific region
- Be aged between 30 and 40 years at the time of the award, with provisions for career breaks, including parental leave
- Be active scientists within skin-related research
- Have at least five peer-reviewed first author, co-first author or last author publications in skin-related research
What does the award offer?
The partnership between ISID and the LEO Foundation provides applicants and award recipients with increased visibility across the global investigative dermatology community, enhanced opportunities for international networking and collaboration, and support throughout the application and evaluation process.
Award recipients will also join the growing ISID-LEO Foundation Alumni network, connecting emerging leaders in skin science from across the globe.
Applications are evaluated by an independent Global Review Panel comprising internationally recognised experts representing societies across all three regions.
Application requirements
Applicants will need to provide:
- A comprehensive CV
- A letter of recommendation from a senior colleague, collaborator or mentor
- An overview of current and previous independent funding covering up to three years
- A list of their top 10 peer-reviewed publications
- A paragraph outlining previous research achievements
- A paragraph outlining their future research vision
Key dates
| ASIA-PACIFIC REGION | |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 September 2026 |
| Applications close | 30 September 2026 |
| Winner notified | Early November 2026 |
| Award | USD 100,000 |
Learn more and apply
ASDR members working in skin-related research are encouraged to consider applying for this prestigious international award.
For full eligibility criteria, application requirements and submission information, visit the ISID-LEO Foundation Awards website.
https://isiderm.org/isid-leo-foundation-awards/
Download the 2026 Asia-Pacific Region Announcement PDF
Applications close at midnight Eastern Time on 30 September 2026.

