Research Programs

DEBRA Australia supports research activities aimed at improving the health and well being of children and adults with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), in any of DEBRA’s priority research areas, which are aligned with the priorities of DEBRA International. Between 2012 and 2020 DEBRA Australia has provided $458,000 in research grants to support key Australian laboratories involved in EB research.

DEBRA’s Research Priorities are:

  • Improve our understanding of the biology and genetics of all forms of EB, as better understanding can lead to new approaches to diagnose and treat EB.
  • Work towards the development of therapies (including possible gene-therapies, cell-therapies, drug therapies or protein therapies).
  • Understand the nature of wound healing and the development of skin cancer in EB, and seek to develop better treatments and prevention strategies.
  • Support clinical-care research to improve the management of EB through symptom relief.

Research Grants

DEBRA Australia is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2023 round of research grants. The structure of the grants has changed this year and we are now offering the following;

One grant of $50,000 to a senior researcher

One grant of $30,000 to an early career researcher

One three year PhD scholarship to be jointly funded by DEBRA Australia and the research institution

Applications will close by Wednesday, 15th November at 5pm (EDST). Please read the attached research grant guidelines and PHD grant guidelines before completing your application.

Travel and Education Grants

Our program also supports young researchers travelling to EB conferences where they can present their research, gather latest research knowledge and form collaborations with national and international experts in EB. Calls for applications are usually issued about February/March each year.

International Research Network

DEBRA Australia is a member of the international EB Research Network, linked with DEBRA International, which has been established to fund and manage global EB research. More information and a list of funded projects can be found on the EB-ResNet website: More information can be found on the website.