Research Award

AMBI® Skin of Color Research Award Overview

The Skin of Color Society is proud to announce the establishment of the AMBI® Research Award, an annual research grant ($15,000 each) to promote dermatology research within the field of skin of color. It is the expectation that the recipients of these awards will be tomorrow's clinical leaders in dermatology, helping to shape the future of the specialty.

The grant is intended to focus mainly on issues specific to skin of color where further clinical and basic research is needed. The grant is also intended to assist a young dermatologist in furthering their academic career.

Grant Requirements:

  • M.D. degree or D.O. degree (U.S. based)
  • Dermatology resident in an accredited program or dermatologist who is board certified or board eligible and within the first 5 years after completing post-graduate training
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to skin of color research, either clinical or basic science with clinical applications.
  • For areas of research relevant to skin of color, which range from hyperpigmentation, anti-aging, scarring/stretch-marks, photo-protection, skin dryness to acne.
  • Appropriate training in biomedical research or mentor available for instruction in this area (letter of commitment from the mentor must accompany application).
  • Preference for young dermatologists with no other sources of funding
  • A summary of research results must be submitted at the end of the project for publication in the Skin of Color Society newsletter

The Board of Directors of the Skin of Color Society will assume the responsibility for reviewing grant applications, making funding recommendations, and monitoring the grants program.

Applications must be submitted by January 22nd, 2013.

To access an application, click here.

This award was made possible by a generous grant from Valeant Dermatology makers of Ambi Skincare Products.  AMBI® is dedicated to delivering scientifically proven solutions that address unique skincare needs, recognizing and celebrating the strength and beauty of women of color.

AMBI® Skin of Color Research Award Guidelines

Mission Statement

The mission of the Skin of Color Society Grant Awards Committee is to evaluate and fund meaningful clinical research projects. Applicants for the Skin of Color Research Award must have an M.D. or D.O. degree (U.S. based), be a Dermatologist who is board-certified or board-eligible and who is within the first five years after completing post-graduate training. The selection of grant recipients is meant to encourage young investigators. An annual award will be made for an amount up to $15,000. Applications must be received by the Skin of Color Society Grant Awards Committee no later than January 22nd, 2013.

Application Procedure

1. The grant application should contain:

  • The grant information sheet
  • A narrative description of no more than five pages which clearly state the title, objective, rationale, methods and significance of the proposed project. The title of the grant and the principal investigators name, affiliation, address, and telephone and fax numbers should also appear on the first page of the application.
  • Additional pages including a bibliography of the references cited in the narrative, curriculum vitae of the principal investigator and appropriate reprints if necessary to fully document the reason for the proposal.
  • An estimated budget which should be subdivided into categories such as salaries, supplies, etc.

2. All work must begin within six months of the funding of the grant. Only under special circumstances and with the approval of the Skin of Color Society can the work be delayed beyond this time period. Applications should detail the anticipated amount of time needed to complete the proposed work. Grant research should be completed within eighteen months of initial funding. Additional time requirements should be detailed and submitted in writing to the Chairman of the Committee.

3. No more than one-half of the grant can be initially sent to an investigator. Once the research is underway and a written report (including details of all expenditures) is received by the Skin of Color Society, further funding may be allowed if the previous use of funds is deemed acceptable by the Committee. More initial funding can be received earlier during the research, but this funding is at the discretion of the Skin of Color Society.

4. The budget for the research protocol must be approved by the Skin of Color Society. The Committee may accept the entire budget or portions of the budget. Funds issued by the SOC for specific investigations cannot be used for other purposes. In the event that the initial proposal cannot be undertaken, all funds must be returned promptly to the Skin of Color Society Secretary-Treasurer.

A written update detailing the progress of the research must be sent to the Chairman of the Skin of Color Society within 12 months of initiation of research.

5. Chairman/Supervisor Letter. The department or division chairman must supply a letter of support detailing that the principal investigator will be responsible for conducting the research.

6. Internal Review Board Approval. All research involving animals or human subjects must have institutional approval before being funded. A copy of the approval letter must be forwarded to 1) the Skin of Color Society, and 2) the Skin of Color Society Secretary-Treasurer. Proof of ongoing approval is necessary on a yearly basis.

7. Change of Address/Practice Type. If the funded investigator transfers locations or practice type (i.e., goes from a university to private practice, or the reverse), these changes must be sent in writing to

  • The Chairman of the Awards and Goals Committee, and The SOC Secretary-Treasurer.
  • The Skin of Color Society will determine if funding is to be ongoing after reviewing these changes. IRB approval must be maintained for the duration of the study if human subjects are involved.

8. Travel. Research funds may not be used for investigator travel expenses.

9. Departmental Costs and Indirect Costs. The Skin of Color Society will not support indirect costs or departmental costs.

10. Publications and Presentations. Publications and presentations related to the funded research should identify the support of the Skin of Color Society. A copy of any such publication should be forwarded to the Skin of Color Society Committee Chairman and to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Skin of Color Society.

Email the completed application to: drcallender@CallenderSkin.com