Exploring the challenges facing the field and how PeDRA is helping pediatric dermatology researchers overcome these, develop at every stage of their career, and ultimately provide better care.
Building a strong and sustainable research workforce is essential to advancing our understanding and treatment of skin conditions. However, pediatric dermatology research presents its own unique challenges.
The Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), a valued society partner of touchDERMATOLOGY, brings together researchers, clinicians, patients, and families to support collaborative research into childhood skin diseases. It also provides opportunities for those already working in pediatric dermatology, as well as students, trainees, and clinicians considering a future in the specialty.
To explore the pediatric dermatology research landscape further, we asked Colleen Cotton, MD, a pediatric dermatologist and associate professor at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, USA, about the challenges facing the field and the opportunities available through PeDRA. One of PeDRA’s first research fellows, Dr Cotton has been involved with the organization since 2014, contributing through a range of leadership, mentorship, and research roles.
This interview will be particularly valuable for anyone currently working in, or interested in, pediatric dermatology research and the opportunities available through PeDRA, including funding, mentorship, training, and awards.
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Q. What are the current gaps in the pediatric dermatology research workforce, and how do they affect the field?
One of the greatest challenges facing pediatric dermatology research today is ensuring a strong and sustainable pipeline of investigators. Pediatric dermatology is a relatively small specialty, and researchers often face significant barriers, including competing clinical and teaching responsibilities, limited funding opportunities, and a lack of dedicated research infrastructure.
When fewer investigators enter and remain in the field, progress toward new treatments and our understanding of childhood skin diseases stalls. Patients and families depend on continued scientific advancement, and that requires a workforce equipped to ask important questions and pursue innovative solutions. Investing in the next generation of researchers isn’t just about strengthening the profession. It’s about improving outcomes for children and their families who are counting on future discoveries.
Q. Why is it important to focus on both recruiting and retaining researchers?
Recruiting talented new investigators is essential in such a small specialty, but recruitment alone is not enough. It doesn’t matter if you get people interested when they burn out or leave research after a few years. Building a thriving research workforce requires sustained support at every stage of a researcher’s career.
Early-career investigators need opportunities for collaboration, funding, mentorship, and encouragement as they develop their skills and establish their research interests. At the same time, mid-career and senior investigators play a critical role as mentors, collaborators, and leaders who help guide the field forward. Retaining these experienced researchers ensures that knowledge, expertise, and institutional memory are passed to the next generation. Together this creates a culture where investigators can grow, contribute, and inspire those who follow.
Q. How does PeDRA support researchers at different stages of their career?
Supporting researchers throughout their careers is central to PeDRA’s mission, since we know that future breakthroughs depend on creating opportunities for investigators at every stage of development.
For students, residents, and fellows, programs like the NextGen Research Forum provide opportunities to present research, receive mentorship, build professional networks, and explore career pathways in pediatric dermatology research.
PeDRA also offers funding opportunities for trainees pursuing mentored research projects through its year-long Research Fellowships and Emerging Investigator Research Grants(EIRGs) programs for shorter projects.
As investigators advance, PeDRA offers grants, collaborative research opportunities, educational resources, and access to a vibrant community of researchers committed to improving the lives of children with skin disease. We offer a Career Development Award in partnership with the Society for Pediatric Dermatology for early career clinician-scientists.
Perhaps most importantly, PeDRA creates connections. By bringing together investigators, clinicians, patients, families, industry partners, and advocates, we foster an environment where collaboration and mentorship can flourish. Those relationships often become the foundation for future research projects, career growth, and scientific discovery. We are also proud to have established a strong mentorship program that pairs investigators together throughout the spectrum of their careers.
Q. Why is diversity important in building a sustainable research workforce?
Diversity strengthens science. Different backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and ideas help researchers approach problems in new ways and ask questions that might otherwise go unexplored.
A diverse workforce also helps ensure that research reflects the needs of the patients and communities we serve. Skin disease can affect children from every background, and our research community must be equipped to understand and address the unique challenges faced by diverse populations.
Creating a sustainable workforce means building an inclusive environment where individuals feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute. When people with different experiences come together for a shared purpose, that’s when innovation really blossoms and the entire field benefits.
Q. What changes are needed to ensure the next generation of researchers thrive?
The future of pediatric dermatology research will depend on continued investment in people. We must increase access to funding, support protected research time, and create pathways that allow investigators to balance research with other professional responsibilities.
Equally important is maintaining a culture of collaboration. The most meaningful advances often occur when researchers from different institutions, disciplines, and backgrounds work together to solve complex challenges.
Structured mentorship with support for both mentors and mentees is also critical. Organizations like PeDRA play a critical role in creating those connections and lowering barriers to participation.
The next generation of researchers is incredibly talented, motivated, and innovative. Our responsibility is to provide the support, opportunities, and community they need to succeed. When we invest in researchers, we invest in better treatments, better outcomes, and a brighter future for children with skin diseases and their families.
For those interested in getting involved or advancing their research careers, PeDRA offers a wide range of resources to support investigators at every stage. I encourage readers to explore PeDRA’s Early Investigator (EI) support resources, medical student opportunities, researcher resources, membership information, and funding programs, all designed to advance meaningful pediatric dermatology research.
Don’t miss the 14th PeDRA Annual Conference, taking place October 15–17, 2026, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, VA, USA. Registration is now open.
→ Discover what the 2026 PeDRA Annual Conference has to offer
More about Colleen Cotton
Colleen Cotton, MD, is a pediatric dermatologist and associate professor at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, USA. One of PeDRA’s first research fellows, she joined the organization in 2014 and helped build its early infrastructure, membership framework, and fellowship program. Since then, Dr Cotton has remained deeply involved in PeDRA through leadership roles on the Early Investigator and Meetings Committees, participation in Focused Study Groups and research projects, and service as both a mentor and mentee.
This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchDERMATOLOGY in collaboration with the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA). Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media. No funding or publication fees were involved in the publication of this article. Image © 2026. Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA).
Cite: Opportunities to advance in pediatric dermatology research. touchDERMATOLOGY. July XX, 2026.
Editor: Gina Furnival
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