These are the latest figures for the records and datasets you can access through our open resource research concept. The figures are updated on a regular basis.
Research Tools
VR Foundation supports vitiligo research across the biomedical spectrum, from fundamental lab-based science to clinical trials, using collaboration tools.
We are dedicated to Open Source Research Concept - this means all our research data and bio samples are freely available to academic researchers.
- 25 JuneJune 25th is World Vitiligo Day - a date where millions of people across the world come together to increase awareness of vitiligo, fight prejudice and raise funds for research, support and education.
- Master ClassesMaster Classes on Vitiligo and Pigmentary Disorders give you the opportunity to learn about the latest vitiligo treatment techniques and tap into the knowledge of leading dermatologists, researchers, international opinion leaders, and executives from the VR Foundation.
- PublicationsGet access to our latest papers, reports, sample patient records, books and a comprehensive Vitiligo Q&A brochure in seven languages.
- BiobankThe core asset of Vitiligo Biobank is a large collection of well-organized hair, blood, serum and DNA samples, integrated with comprehensive clinical records. As a researcher, we can facilitate access to the samples for you, which are stored by VRF partners across the globe.
- CloudbankIf you’re a patient, the Vitiligo CloudBank allows you to monitor your condition and treatment progression using a variety of tools – the information you supply is then collected and stored anonymously. If you’re a researcher, you can access this data to aid your work.
- GrantsOur grants support novel projects with great potential to produce breakthroughs in development of novel treatment modalities, drugs and diagnostic tools for vitiligo.
The Numbers
- Number of biosamplesavailable across the Vitiligo BioBank network870Whole blood
and serum1 062Hair follicles - Number of data setsstored or being transferred to the Vitiligo CloudBank2834Unique3 117Including repeat visits
Call for Proposals
General Call For Research Proposals 2021 is now CLOSED. However, if you believe that you have a research concept or a product that match the VRF’s focus and aims, please send us a brief Letter of Inquiry. There are NO application deadlines for inquiries, which are generally reviewed within two weeks upon receipt via email.
Your Letter of Inquiry must be short and succinct, and quickly tell us whether or not we want to know more about your proposal. If it is determined from the Letter of Inquiry that the request meets the Foundation’s priorities and interests, the applicant will be provided with the further instructions required to prepare and submit a formal Grant Application.
Eligibility
VR Foundation supports pre-competitive collaborative and independent research. Our grants support novel projects with great potential to produce breakthroughs in development of novel treatment modalities, drugs and diagnostic tools for vitiligo.
VRF supports research projects, which have one of the following goals:
to experimentally validate the perspective diagnostic methods, tools and treatments in vitiligo,
to develop technically sound realization of novel diagnostic tools, methods and treatment modalities for vitiligo which are based on firm scientific and experimental ground.
VRF will also support projects with an impact on current management of vitiligo patients.
Teams may be assembled from several institutions and should be comprised of highly experienced investigators capable of providing a solution to significant problem in vitiligo research.
Applications
Two steps are generally required in the application process. First, the applicant should prepare a brief Letter of Inquiry to the Grant Program describing the applying organization and its intended project. If the Foundation determines the project to be within the current program interests as determined by its Board of Directors, the applicant will be invited to submit a pre-application form.
If invited to submit a formal proposal, the applicant should submit a full Application Form. It should include a more-thorough, yet still concise description of the project, its objectives and significance, and the qualifications of the groups and individuals involved in it. It should also include a project budget, the specific amount being sought from VR Foundation, and a list of its other sources of support, philanthropic or otherwise.
International teams are welcome. Submissions must meet all VRF eligibility and application requirements for consideration.
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed and ranked by the VRF Scientific Advisory Board, on a highly competitive basis. Committee members avoid evaluating applications from institutions with which they are associated, or where there may be a real or perceived conflict of interest.
Global Compliance
VR Foundation is committed to complying with the anti-corruption laws in all countries in which it finances projects or otherwise participates. Learn about our Commitment to Global Compliance
Questions?
As with other non-profit organizations, the VR Foundation always received far more applications than it has funds to support. Even if a project fits within the criteria and priorities of the VRF, and a detailed assessment has been made, the Foundation may still be unable to provide a grant.
For more information, please email us at info@vrfoundation.org
FAQOther Questions
- What are risks of oral and topical corticosteroids?
Corticosteroid drugs (like hydrocortisone, and others) are often used for treating vitiligo. By mimicing the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal gla...
- What tests should be done?
A well-trained dermatologist should be able to diagnose vitiligo and distinguish it from contact leukoderma or more than twenty other conditions with similar skin appearance bas...
- Can Ginkgo Biloba help with vitiligo?
Ginkgo Biloba seems to be a simple, safe, inexpensive and fairly effective therapy for vitiligo. It is mostly effective in halting the progression of the disease. It can also sp...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
Copyright (C) Bodolóczki JúliaBy taking a little time to fill in the anonymous questionnaire, you can help researchers better understand and fight vitiligo.