American Skin Association announces 2021 research grants

American Skin Association has announced the awarding of two coveted research grants under the ASA Milstein Research Scholar Awards program. Andrew Ji, MD of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai received the ASA Milstein Research Scholar Award for Melanoma/Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and Ester Del Duca, MD of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai received the ASA Milstein Research Scholar Award in Atopic Dermatitis.

This year of grants includes the ASA Daneen & Charles Stiefel Investigative Scientist Award in Melanoma Research awarded to Elena Piskonouva, PhD of Weill Cornell Medicine. The Stiefel Family, longtime supporters of ASA, generously contributed $300,000 to support grants for melanoma research. The purpose of this funding is to identify and support emerging leaders in dermatology focused on melanoma research. Specifically catering to mid-career investigators poised to become leaders in key areas of melanoma research.

In addition, 8 other research grants, made possible through the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations, were also announced.

For over thirty years, in advancement of its vital mission to serve the more than 100 million Americans afflicted with skin disorders, ASA and its affiliates have funded over $50 million in grants to enhance treatments and continue working towards cures for melanoma, vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other skin diseases.

“These crucial grants in support of cutting-edge dermatological research will improve the chances of finding long sought-after cures and bring hope to those suffering from these devastating illnesses,” said ASA Chairman, Howard P. Milstein.

ASA’s grant program is run by its Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), comprised of leading scientists and physicians who volunteer their time to administer the annual grant process. Through their leadership, ASA’s grant program has supported the work of over 300 investigators, ranging from talented researchers in the early phases of their careers to recognized leaders in the field of dermatology.

“ASA’s Medical Advisory Committee is excited for the potential discoveries these funded projects may bring. This year’s group of awardees provide hope for new breakthroughs”, said ASA President and Co-Chair of its MAC, Dr. David A. Norris.

ASA provides significant research awards to established investigators and medical students studying melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and skin diseases. Through these grants, ASA has promoted the early careers of many gifted young investigators and has had a profound impact both on dermatology research and clinical care of dermatologic disease. In particular, ASA-funded researchers have had a broad impact on melanoma research, improving our understanding of its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. With an exclusive focus on skin disease research, ASA has helped open new frontiers in skin science, producing results that can change how we understand and treat skin disease. PR Newswire