The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has awarded funding for one new study as part of its research grants program to increase scientific knowledge about this once-poorly understood disorder. The program is now in its 26th year.
“The NRS grants program has brought into focus a clearer understanding of rosacea’s mechanisms of action as well as which individuals may be most susceptible,” said Dr. Richard Gallo, chair of dermatology at the University of California-San Diego and a member of the NRS Medical Advisory Board, which selects studies for funding. “As a result, today there are a multitude of topical and oral therapies that address rosacea’s individual signs and symptoms, enabling individuals to more easily control or eradicate its redness, bumps and pimples.”
Drs. Emnet Dejene Akayu, a year II resident in dermatovenereology, and Yared Getachew Mekonnen, assistant professor in dermatovenereology at Haramaya University, Harari Region, East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia, were awarded $14,935 for their study, “Comparative efficacy of topical metronidazole 0.75% gel and permethrin 5% cream in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea: a randomized controlled trial in resource-limited settings.” The researchers said the study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of two affordable topical treatments for rosacea in local settings where steroid misuse is common and resources are limited. They noted the results may help guide practical and cost-effective treatment strategies for rosacea and rosacea-like conditions in their communities.
Funded by donations from rosacea sufferers worldwide, the NRS research grants program has awarded more than $1.7 million to support 79 studies to date, including investigations that have identified aspects of the inflammatory process and genetics of the disorder, the role of mast cells in rosacea inflammation, changes to tear film development in ocular rosacea, and many other areas.
Researchers interested in applying for grants may obtain forms and instructions through the research grants section of the NRS website or by contacting the National Rosacea Society at 4619 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 103 Chicago, IL 60640, by telephone at 1-888-662-5874 or by email at info@rosacea.org. The deadline for submitting proposals to receive a research grant in 2026 is July 3, 2026.
Because the cause of rosacea is unknown, a high priority is given to studies relating to its pathogenesis, progression, mechanism of action, cell biology and potential genetic factors. Proposals relating to epidemiology, predisposition, quality of life and relationships with environmental and lifestyle factors may also be considered.