Following international peer review, 16 research projects have been selected for funding, representing a broad range of approaches to some of the most pressing challenges in dermatology.
"Every breakthrough in science begins with curious and ambitious researchers asking important questions. Through our Research Grants program, we are proud to support outstanding scientists whose work expands our understanding of the skin and brings us closer to better treatments for people living with skin diseases," says Anne-Marie Engel, Chief Scientific Officer at the LEO Foundation. The newly funded projects span basic, translational and clinical research, addressing inflammatory skin diseases, autoimmune disorders, rare genetic conditions, skin infections, pigmentation disorders and skin immunity.
Supporting outstanding skin researchers worldwide
The Research Grants program supports investigator-driven research across the full spectrum of skin science. By funding innovative ideas from researchers around the world, the LEO Foundation aims to strengthen independent skin research and accelerate discoveries that improve skin health for people globally.
Building the first functional map of the skin microbiome
Senior Scientist David Gómez Varela from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences will develop a new technology capable of measuring both human and microbial proteins from a simple skin swab. Rather than only identifying which microbes are present, the project seeks to reveal what they are doing, opening new possibilities for precision dermatology and personalized treatment.
"It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious grant and to be part of this outstanding group of scientists. This recognition strongly supports the vision we are developing at the Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics at the University of Vienna, aimed at advancing our understanding of how microbiomes influence human health," explains David Gómez Varela.
About David Gómez Varela
David Gómez Varela is Director of the Bruker Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Metaproteomics at the University of Vienna and senior scientist in the Systems Biology of Pain lab at the Faculty of Life Sciences. He conducted research in Spain, the USA, and Germany, where he led his research group at the former Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine in Göttingen until 2021. The CoE develops novel technologies to study the functions of microbiomes at scale and their role in human health.
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