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How we fund research

Eczema UK funds high-quality research that aims to improve understanding of eczema and make a meaningful difference to people affected by the condition.

Our research funding priorities are guided by our Research Strategy, which sets out the areas where we believe research can have the greatest impact for people living with eczema.

We are committed to funding research through a fair, transparent and independent process. Applications are assessed through expert review, with appropriate input from people with lived experience of eczema, before funding recommendations are made.

How applications are assessed

When a funding call closes, Eczema UK staff first carry out an administrative eligibility and compliance check. This confirms that applications meet the published eligibility criteria, have been submitted correctly and align with the funding call and our Research Strategy.

This initial check does not assess the scientific quality or merit of an application. Eligible and complete applications proceed to independent review.

Applications are then considered through our expert review process. External expert reviewers are selected on the basis of their relevant scientific, clinical or methodological expertise, independence and absence of material conflicts of interest. Reviewer selection and allocation is overseen by the Chair of the Grant Advisory Panel, with administrative support from Eczema UK staff. Applicants may suggest potential reviewers, but reviewer selection is made independently by the Chair of the Grant Advisory Panel, supported by Eczema UK staff where appropriate.

Our Grant Advisory Panel

The Grant Advisory Panel brings together expertise relevant to eczema research, clinical care and lived experience.

The Panel considers the quality, feasibility and relevance of applications and makes recommendations about which projects should receive funding.

Eczema UK Trustees may participate on the Panel, but they do not form a majority. All Panel members are subject to the same conflict of interest requirements and must withdraw from discussion and decision-making where a conflict exists.

The Board of Trustees considers the Panel's funding recommendations and is responsible for formally approving research awards as part of its governance and financial oversight responsibilities. The Board does not re-score applications, alter the scientific ranking determined through expert review or substitute its scientific judgement for that of the Grant Advisory Panel.

Involving people affected by eczema

People with lived experience of eczema have an important role in helping us ensure that the research we support addresses issues that matter to the eczema community.

Where appropriate, people affected by eczema contribute to the assessment of research applications, in particular lay summaries, alongside scientific and clinical review.

Our Expert by Experience (EXEC) Group supports Eczema UK’s research programme by bringing patient and public perspectives into research development and funding.

Find out more about patient and public involvement in our research.

Managing conflicts of interest

Everyone involved in reviewing research applications must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Where a conflict exists, the individual does not take part in the assessment, discussion, scoring or funding decision for that application.

These arrangements apply to Grant Advisory Panel members and external reviewers and are set out in our Conflict of Interest Policy.

Read our Conflict of Interest Policy.

Research involving animals

Where research involves animals, applicants are required to explain how they have addressed the principles of the 3Rs- Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.

Reviewers consider whether alternatives to animal research have been explored, how animal use has been refined to minimise suffering or distress, and whether the number of animals proposed is appropriately justified.

Read our position on the use of animals in research

Transparency in research funding

We believe people affected by eczema, researchers, supporters and donors should be able to see how our research funding decisions are made and what research we support.

We publish information about our funded research and funding rounds, including details of successful projects and application success rates.