LEO Foundation Dr Abildgaard Fellowships: 5‑Year Grants for Emerging Skin Research Leaders

The LEO Foundation Dr Abildgaard Fellowships represent one of the most significant funding opportunities for emerging research leaders in skin science. Offered by the LEO Foundation, a major philanthropic supporter of independent skin research, these fellowships provide substantial five‑year grants to exceptional researchers aiming to establish or expand their own research groups at Danish institutions.

Launched to nurture the next generation of scientific talent, the Dr Abildgaard Fellowships are named in honour of Dr. Knud E. Abildgaard, the founder of the LEO Foundation, and reflect the Foundation’s long‑standing commitment to advancing understanding of skin biology, mechanisms of skin diseases, and innovative treatment approaches.

What the Fellowships Offer

The Dr Abildgaard Fellowships award grants of DKK 12 million per fellowship over a five‑year period, providing recipients with the stability and flexibility to build independent research programmes and make significant scientific contributions.

These funds support a wide range of research activities related to skin and skin diseases, including, but not limited to:

• Establishing or expanding an independent research group at a non‑profit Danish research institution.
• Conducting ambitious and creative research that tackles novel or critical scientific questions within dermatology and skin science.
• Covering personnel costs, equipment, publications, and other research‑related expenses necessary for long‑term project success.

The generous funding model gives fellows the freedom to pursue rigorous research while shaping their academic identities and building teams that can contribute to breakthroughs in skin disease mechanisms and treatments.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Dr Abildgaard Fellowship represents more than just financial support — it is a career‑defining opportunity that empowers researchers to:

• Lead ground‑breaking research in skin science and disease.
  
• Build and mentor multidisciplinary research teams.
• Increase Denmark’s role as a global hub for dermatological discovery and innovation.
• Expand scientific knowledge that could lead to better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of skin diseases that affect millions worldwide.

The success of previous fellows — whose work has ranged from inflammatory skin disorders to advanced therapeutic research in dermatology — demonstrates the transformative impact this funding can have on both science and society.

Who Should Apply

The programme targets talented, emerging research leaders — both Danish and international — who have demonstrated research excellence and the potential to become established group leaders in their field. Eligible applicants are those with two to eight years of research experience since earning their doctoral degree, and who are committed to conducting their main research activities at a Danish university, hospital, or nonprofit research institution.

While detailed eligibility criteria and requirements are outlined in the official application guide, the core expectation is that candidates must be ready to propose innovative, high‑impact research in skin biology or disease. The call is open to applicants whose scientific interests span basic, translational, clinical, or interdisciplinary research as long as the work ultimately contributes to a deeper understanding of skin health and disease.

Application Process and Deadline

The Dr Abildgaard Fellowships are awarded through an annual open competition, with applications submitted via the LEO Foundation’s grant portal. Prospective candidates are encouraged to carefully consult the application guide for detailed submission instructions, eligibility criteria, and evaluation procedures before applying.

📅 Application Deadline: 19 March 2026 at 16:00 CEST — applicants should prepare their proposals well in advance to ensure a complete package that clearly communicates their research vision and leadership potential.

Learn more and apply here.

Looking for more opportunities? Check out the Opportunities for Youth website.