Program Overview:

The Skin Science Collaboration aims to identify projects for research support with the objective of developing novel in vitro skin models, validating dermatological targets, and identifying dermato-cosmetic compounds for inclusion in Beiersdorf’s over-the-counter brands. In collaboration with Beiersdorf, CTV requests proposals for the following areas with applications across Beiersdorf’s core interests in anti-aging and skin diversity research.

Interests in the field of anti-aging include but are not limited to:

• Autophagy, including chaperon-mediated autophagy
• Circadian rhythm
• Resolution of inflammation
• Mitochondrial function

Interests in skin of color projects include but are not limited to: 

• Dry skin
• Photoprotection
• Itch
• Scarring

Pilot projects are envisioned as short-term projects spanning 6-12 months, with up to 100K USD of direct funds for academic lab research. 

The Principal Investigator of the pre-proposal application must have a full-time Columbia University faculty appointment.

Successful pilot projects may be transferred into multiple-year collaboration projects with access to larger funding and support from in-house Beiersdorf facilities including biology labs, formulation labs, safety & toxicology assessment, drug screening and modelling teams.

Please note that Beiersdorf is committed to animal-free research.

We suggest applicants provide sufficient information to allow for robust review of the project but should not disclose any information they are bound to hold confidential information that have not yet been vetted through IP Counsel. If you have any questions prior to submitting an application, please reach out to D.jones@columbia.edu; for any questions related to using the Submittable platform, please reach out to L2m@ctv.columbia.edu.  

Please note: Columbia Technology Ventures’ Lab-to-Market Accelerator Network is collaborating with Beiersdorf on the administration of the Skin Science Collaboration. Applicants may receive email communication from the L2M team on behalf of Beiersdorf.