ESC awards research grant to University of British Columbia researchers

Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Competitive Research Grant Program, awarding funding to research and educational programs that will work to advance eczema care here in Canada.

Vancouver-based researchers Wingfield Rehmus, MD, MPH and Grace Tam, BSc, are the 2024 winners for their project entitled Impact of Atopic Dermatitis Education Materials on Pharmacists’ Prescribing and Counselling Behaviour. They are endeavouring to provide educational tools to community pharmacists that will improve their ability to support eczema sufferers and their families. Their study also aims to change the negative beliefs and attitudes about the risks of topical steroids and their roles in atopic eczema management so that they are more appropriately prescribed and used. ESC congratulates Dr. Rehmus and Ms. Tam for advancing their essential work.

ESC Executive Director shared how research is an important part of the ESC mission, “ESC is proud to support research right here in Canada that not only helps to support eczema patients and caregivers but can also help to advance our understanding of the condition and how to manage this skin disease that can have significant quality of life impacts. We commend Dr. Rehmus and Ms. Tan on their grant award and thank them for their important work,” said Amanda Cresswell-Melville.

The 2025 Research Grant Program is now open, and applications will be accepted until September 1st, 2025.