LEO Foundation Research Grants

The LEO Foundation Research Grants program is a globally accessible, competitive funding initiative supporting high-quality dermatology research. Administered by the LEO Foundation—one of the world’s largest private funders of independent dermatological science—the program seeks to accelerate scientific knowledge and improve treatments and outcomes related to skin diseases. With over EUR 200 million already awarded to support transformative research, the foundation focuses on funding projects that deepen the understanding of skin biology, pathology, and pharmacology, and on improving the quality of life for people affected by dermatological conditions. The grants are available for researchers worldwide who hold a PhD or equivalent and are affiliated with a university, hospital, or nonprofit research institution. The program specifically supports projects that examine the biological, chemical, or pharmacological mechanisms behind dermatological diseases, as well as clinical and epidemiological research. Projects exploring quality-of-life implications and socioeconomic costs associated with skin diseases are also welcomed. Notably, projects targeting skin cancer or involving commercial company partnerships or drug testing for commercial purposes are explicitly excluded. Each year, the LEO Foundation offers three application rounds. For the 2026 calendar year, the second call opens on January 22, 2026, with a deadline of March 19, 2026, at 16:00 CEST. Applicants will be notified in June 2026, and the earliest project start date is September 2026. Applicants are expected to submit proposals through the LEO Foundation’s online application portal, LEOonora. Only one application per applicant will be accepted per round, and compliance with all guidelines—including format and submission requirements—is mandatory for consideration. The application process involves several components, including user registration, profile completion, and submission of a detailed project proposal. Required elements of the application include a science abstract, background section, detailed project strategy and methodology, references, prior results (if any), research team overview, and justification for budget and salary requests. Applications must be submitted in English, and Danish universities are required to follow special supplement rules for project budgeting. All projects must span between one and three years, with grants typically ranging between DKK 2–4 million in total funding. A maximum of 5% of the grant may be used for administrative or overhead expenses, and salary coverage is subject to strict limitations. Submitted applications are screened for eligibility and then reviewed by the Foundation’s Scientific Evaluation Committee, an international panel of subject matter experts. Final funding decisions are made by the LEO Foundation’s Board of Trustees based on the committee’s recommendations. Evaluation criteria include scientific significance, innovation, methodology, team composition, and the overall feasibility of the research plan. Notification of funding decisions is expected approximately three months after the submission deadline. Applicants are encouraged to review the full application guide before applying, as it includes detailed requirements, project type definitions, and funding restrictions. Notably, administrative and salary costs for undergraduate students are not allowed, and previous recipients may only reapply if their prior grant cycle has ended. Contact points for scientific inquiries are available, with several dedicated officers listed for personalized support. This program does not recur on a rolling basis but offers predictable cycles three times a year.

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