North East Skin Research Fund
North Eastern Skin Research Fund (NESRF)
The North Eastern Skin Research Fund was set up in 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne to promote research into the cause, prevention and treatment of skin disorders. Appropriately for the North East’s lead in this field, it was the first charitable trust for skin disease to be set up in England. It is a charity (248634) registered as a limited company. The current directors are Prof Reynolds, Prof Rajan and Dr Hampton.
The North Eastern Skin Research Fund emerged from a shared vision within the dermatological community of Newcastle upon Tyne to foster and support locally driven research aimed at improving skin health. Recognising the need for dedicated funding to address specific dermatological challenges prevalent in the region and beyond, a group of passionate dermatologists established the fund. Initially relying on local fundraising efforts, charitable donations, and the commitment of its founding members, the fund has steadily grown its capacity to provide crucial seed funding for dermatologist-led research projects within the North East. Over the years, it has played a vital role in enabling pilot studies, proof-of-concept investigations, and the development of innovative approaches to understanding and treating skin conditions, directly benefiting patients in the region and contributing to the wider field of dermatology.
Supporting Dermatology Research Excellence in the North East
We have a strong tradition for research in dermatology in the North East.The first academic Dermatology Department in the country was founded in Newcastle and over the years we have made some major contributions to the understanding and treatment of skin disease. Today the Department of Dermatology at Newcastle University is recognised as one of the main academic departments in the UK with an international reputation. The department has focused on integrating clinical and basic science research for the benefit of patients. We are actively investigating a number of key disease areas including psoriasis, atopic eczema, wound healing, stem cells, skin cancer and melanoma. What we can do, however, is greatly limited by available funds and for this reason the North Eastern Skin Research Fund was established.
