British Skin Foundation / British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology Small Grant
A British Skin Foundation Small Grant
About the BSF / BSPAD Small Grant
Key dates
The 2026 Research Awards will open on 3rd March 2026 and close on 23rd April 2026 at 13:00 BST. Please check back for updates.
Grant enquiries
For all general enquiries regarding the British Skin Foundation grants please contact Sarah s.thorne@britishskinfoundation.org.uk.
For finance enquiries please contact admin@britishskinfoundation.org.uk.
Key details
A British Skin Foundation/British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology (BSF/BSPAD) Small Grant is available to anybody wishing to carry out U.K or R.O.I based research into skin disease of children and adolescents.
- Only one project to be submitted per person per grant round
- The project should be a small or pilot project
- The maximum amount of funds available for each award is £15,000
- Not more than 50% of the small grant to be used on buying equipment
- If part of another project, the small grant is to make-up at least 30% of the total funding
- Assessment of the grants will take into account requests which are of a more immediate clinical relevance
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate the value of the project to dermatology
- No ‘top-ups’ or extensions are available for any reason
- The maximum duration of the award is one year (although this may be extended by negotiation where there are issues around flexible working or career breaks/maternity leave)
- Successful awards must be activated within 12 months
- Successful applicants will provide the BSF office with a researcher ORCID iD upon activation of the grant
- Awards are claimed by authorised finance departments submitting a single invoice for the full amount
- A scientific and a simple lay report to be submitted within three months upon completion of the project
- The British Skin Foundation and British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology’s support are to be mentioned in any relevant papers or presentations and copies to be forwarded to the BSF office.
The British Skin Foundation Small Grant provided crucial pilot funding which allowed me to generate preliminary data and explore an innovative idea which otherwise would remain untested. Findings from this funding have strengthened my research fellowship applications and have positioned my research for larger, transformative funding opportunities.
Dr Conor Smith Postdoctoral Researcher, Trinity College Dublin
We are fortunate to have been awarded BSF grants to support clinical research in Oxford. These include a grant funding work into the long-term impact of severe skin reactions to children, and their families which has now led to better guidance and resources. More recently BSF has funded work into the impact of skin conditions on young people on intimate relationships - this had not previously been studied and has allowed young patients to voice their experiences and be part of developing national resources.
Professor Tess McPherson, Associate Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, University of Oxford
The British Skin Foundation gave me my first independent grant, a vital step that enabled my research career and helped me become a Professor of Dermatology. Their support drives discoveries that improve diagnosis and treatment for people with skin disease. Investing in BSF research directly transforms patient care.
Professor Michael Ardern-Jones, Professor of Dermatology, University of Southampton