Young ESDR (Y-ESDR) unites “scientifically young” scientists within the European Society for Dermatological Research, embracing a diverse community of dermatology researchers and clinicians from a variety of career paths. Founded in 2024, Y-ESDR recognizes the unique journeys of its members, including those who have taken career breaks, pursued unconventional paths, or started families—factors that go beyond a simple metric of years post-PhD. This initiative is led by an inaugural board of four dedicated researchers, representing Y-ESDR at the ESDR board, currently including Tiago Matos, Beatrice Dyring-Andersen, Clarisse Ganier and Chris Callewaert.
Y-ESDR is committed to amplifying the voice of young dermatologists and skin scientists across Europe. Through flagship events like the Future Leaders Symposium and the annual ESDR Congress, Y-ESDR is building a vibrant, collaborative community where young scientists can connect, exchange ideas, and advance their careers. The European Society for Dermatological Research has long supported the development of early-career researchers, beginning with the Future Leaders Academy (FLA) in 2011. Thirtheen years later, the FLA has cultivated a thriving network of over 250 alumni, creating a robust foundation for Y-ESDR and an invaluable resource for emerging scientists.
The ESDR Annual Meeting offers an international platform for early-career researchers to showcase their work, engage in scientific debate, and expand their professional networks. Alongside providing career mentorship and networking, Y-ESDR members actively contribute to shaping the strategic direction of skin research, with a strong foundation in immunology, cancer, genetics, and cell biology, while embracing emerging areas such as the microbiome, big data, and artificial intelligence. By bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas, Y-ESDR encourages innovation and challenges existing models of skin disease to advance new translational approaches for patient care.
Aiming to bridge the gap between research and public understanding, Y-ESDR is passionate about making dermatological science accessible and engaging. Through active social media outreach and initiatives like SkinChronicles – a monthly digest of groundbreaking research written by early-career scientists – Y-ESDR strives to bring the latest in skin science to a global audience, enhancing public engagement, patient impact, and the visibility of dermatology research.
Y-ESDR envisions a future where young leaders in dermatological science thrive, working together to elevate and transform the field. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Y-ESDR promotes international collaboration, training opportunities, and a positive influence within the scientific community, ensuring dermatology continues to evolve for generations to come.
From left to right: Chris Callewaert, Clarisse Ganier, Tiago R. Matos, and Beatrice Dyring-Andersen at the Future Leaders Symposium during the 54th Annual ESDR Meeting 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the launch of YESDR.
Is a scientist born or made?
This fundamental question opens the lecture of the first article published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on behalf of the Young ESDR: Engaging and Nurturing the Next-Generation Skin Research Community by Clarisse GANIER, Chris Callewaert, Tiago R. Matos, Enikö Sonkoly, Beatrice Dyring-Andersen, and Neil Rajan.
The Young ESDR aims at representing the new generation of skin researchers and was officially announced at the ESDR Annual Meeting 4-7 September 2024 in Lisbon.
