Since 2018, Alopecia UK have been funding high quality research in our mission to provide hope and confidence to people with alopecia by working towards understanding the causes, finding ways to manage the psychological effects, effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure. This research is inspired by the priorities set by people affected by alopecia, who are experts by lived experience, together with scientific, clinical and other experts who deal with alopecia on a daily basis. Our Lay Research Panel also provide advice and support to researchers on an ongoing basis through a process called 'Patient and Public Involvement' (PPI), which strengthens studies and helps achieve relevant outcomes for people affected by alopecia.

This year, we are delighted to be able to continue funding high-quality research. Like previous years, and thanks to a generous legacy donation, we are able to invest £30,000 in two research projects investigating causes and cures for alopecia areata (AA). This year, we are delighted to additionally be able to invest £10,000 in a project on any other type of alopecia (not areata).

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2023, and once all applications have been received these will be peer reviewed by independent experts, as well as our Lay Research Panel. Finally, members of the Lay Research Panel will join the Research Committee (which this year underwent some changes, in case you missed it) to decide which projects should be recommended for funding. The Research Committee will select one AA-focused project, and one non-AA focused project to fund (Committee's Choice). In addition, they will select up to three AA-focused projects which will be nominated for the Patient's Choice award, which will see you, the community of people affected by alopecia, vote directly on which project they would like to see funded. This whole process ensures we only fund the highest quality research, which aims to achieve outcomes in line with the needs and priorities of people affected by alopecia. 

Last week, we attended the European Hair Research Society (EHRS) conference in Sheffield, and were fascinated by presentations on all the excellent research being undertaken by researchers across the continent (and beyond). We had so many great conversations with brilliant researchers who are very motivated to find answers for those affected by alopecia. By providing research funding, we hope to enable them to continue this crucial work. Our ability to fund research is only possible because of the donations we receive, so to everyone who has contributed by donating or fundraising, thank you!

Information for researchers can be found here.

The 2023 Research Pots are now closed.