Introduction
The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (HSF), also known as the HS Foundation, is a U.S. nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by hidradenitis suppurativa through research, education and advocacy.
Its activities include research funding, professional training, patient resources and efforts to improve access to care. The foundation brings together patients, clinicians and researchers around the needs of the HS community.
History and Background
The HS Foundation was established in 2005 by two patients and two dermatologists. Its early purpose was to encourage interdisciplinary research and improve understanding of the condition.
Over time, it expanded its educational meetings and funding opportunities. Its history identifies 2016 as a period that included the first Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances and establishment of the Danby Research Grant programme. The published grant-recipient archive begins in 2017, documenting subsequent research and mentoring awards.
Mission and Purpose
HSF’s mission is to improve the lives of people affected by HS through research, education and advocacy. Its vision is a world where nobody suffers from the condition.
Research priorities include understanding disease mechanisms, improving treatment and addressing patients’ unmet needs. The foundation supports basic research funding alongside translational and treatment-focused investigation. It also provides mentoring opportunities to help develop clinicians and investigators interested in HS.
Its advocacy goals include better treatment options, improved access to care and insurance coverage, and greater attention to patient-reported outcomes in research and drug development.
Governance and Structure
HSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation with volunteer leadership, an Executive Board and a broader Board of Directors.
Its published Executive Board identifies Dr Haley Naik as President, Dr Christopher Sayed as Vice President, Dr Vivian Shi as Treasurer, and Dr Amit Garg as Secretary. Dr Hadar Lev-Tov serves as Immediate Past-President.
Research applications undergo assessment against programme-specific criteria. These include relevance to HS, innovation, methodological quality and the potential contribution to patient care or future research funding.
Funding and Grants
Funding Mechanisms
The foundation accepts charitable donations and acknowledges support from industry partners. Its published partners include AbbVie, Incyte, Novartis and UCB, among others. The partnership page does not specify each company’s contribution or its allocation across programmes.
Danby Research Grants
The Danby Research Grant offers up to US$30,000 for one year, covering direct costs. It supports new clinical and translational investigations intended to advance HS care.
Only investigators working in the United States are eligible, with priority given to early-stage investigators. The foundation may award four grants, depending on available funds and application quality.
Applications close on 7 December 2026 at midnight. The project period is 1 June 2027–31 May 2028.
Translational Research Grants
The Translational Research Grant offers up to US$100,000 for one year, covering direct costs. It aims to help promising HS research develop towards larger, longer-term funding.
Investigators must work in the United States and meet the programme’s institutional requirements. Up to two awards may be made, subject to funding and sufficiently strong applications.
The deadline is 7 December 2026 at midnight, with the same June 2027–May 2028 project period. Applicants should use the official portal and consult the complete programme instructions.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Mentored Experience Grants
The Mentored Experience programme offers up to US$4,000 for direct expenses associated with spending up to four weeks learning in person with an HSF expert. It supports clinical and procedural skills, mentoring relationships and opportunities to discuss research.
The published application deadline is 31 January 2027.
Education and Patient Resources
HSF organises the Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances and offers HS Academy for dermatology residents. Its website also provides patient education, research summaries and a provider directory.
Research Development
Its investigator resources bring together grant opportunities and a Research Roadmap intended to guide priorities and support investigators at different career stages.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
HSF reports providing more than US$325,000 in research funding during 2025.
Its 2026 recipients demonstrate the range of supported investigation. Dr Alexandra Charrow, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, received a Translational Grant to examine neuroinflammation and associated psychiatric conditions. Dr Yalda Moayedi, at New York University, received support to study mechanisms of HS pain.
A Danby award to Dr Molly Hales, at the University of Chicago, supports investigation of readiness for an emergency-department screening programme.
These awards document investment in research questions and investigator development. The recipient listings do not establish that the projects have produced completed findings or proven improvements in treatment.
Conclusion
The HS Foundation connects disease-focused philanthropy with research, professional education and patient advocacy. Its grant programmes support early investigation and researcher development, while its educational resources help share knowledge across the HS community.
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