Previous Research Awards

Since Alopecia UK started funding research, we have awarded over £585,000 to research projects aiming to address the priorities for alopecia research: alopecia areata (AA), and hair loss (excluding AA). On this page, you can find information on previous funding rounds and the priorities these projects aim to address. More information on individual projects can be found here.

PhD Bursaries 2025

Application success rate 28.6%

Project title	PSP priorities
Identifying the cellular interactions of immune cells that cause alopecia areata	AA: 1, 3, 7, 8
Developing a framework to facilitate effective, psychologically safe, equitable and inclusive peer support for individuals affected by alopecia areata	AA: 4

Research Pots 2024

Application success rate 50%.

Project title	PSP priorities
Systematic development of a complex psychosocial intervention to improve wellbeing and quality of life in Alopecia Areata	AA: 4
Platelet hyperactivity in alopecia areata	AA: 1, 3, 7, 8

Research Pots 2023

Application success rate 50%.

Project title	PSP priorities
A clinical-pathological digital imaging approach to improve diagnosis of alopecia	-

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PhD Bursary 2022

Application success rate 100%.

Project title	PSP priorities
The Alopecia Areata Rapid Access Clinic: Can early access improve outcomes in patients with recent-onset alopecia areata?	AA: 1, 4, 5, 8

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Research Pots 2022

Application success rate 43%.

Project title	PSP priorities
Determining the key components of psychological support to facilitate adjustment in individuals with alopecia areata	AA: 4
Global Registry of Alopecia areata disease Severity and treatment Safety (GRASS) UK	AA: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9
Immunometabolism of Alopecia Areata	AA: 1, 7, 8

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Research Pots 2021

Application success rate 25%.

Project title	PSP priorities
Identification of key immunogenic post-translational modifications in Trichohyalin: a potential major autoantigen in Alopecia Areata	AA: 1, 7, 8
Award cancelled	n/a

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Research Pots 2020

Application success rate 50%.

Project title	PSP priorities
Microbiota Signature of Alopecias	AA: 1; Hair loss: 1, 2, 3, 8
Genome-wide meta-analysis and comprehensive functional annotation of susceptibility loci in female frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA)	Hair loss: 1, 2

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Small Grants 2020

Application success rate 40%.

Project title	PSP priorities
Molecular exploration of male frontal fibrosing alopecia	Hair loss: 1, 2
The impact of media representation on women with alopecia	-

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Research Pots 2018

Application success rate 29%.

Project title	PSP priorities
Characterising the role of antigen presenting cells in alopecia areata	AA: 1, 7
Coeliac Disease and Micronutrient Deficiency in Alopecia Areata: Association or Coincidence?	AA: 1, 6, 7, 8

Small Grants 2018

Project title	PSP priorities
Uncovering microRNA targets in scarring alopecia	Hair loss: 1, 2

Latest

We're all the same inside
Matt Warder

Trustee
Anne Maton

Senior Fundraising Manager
The Medical Dismissal Study

Invitation to take part in a research study from King's College London on dismissal by healthcare services. Help improve services for long-term conditions like alopecia.

AUK Research Pots 2026

Funding available for research on alopecia areata. Application deadline: 16 March 2026
James Lind Priority Setting Partnership (PSP): Hair Loss

This project in 2013-14 asked people affected by hair loss and people involved in treating hair loss to think about what's wrong with existing treatments and what future research they would like to see.
Information for Applicants

Information on our policies and terms and conditions, and useful resources for help with your application.

Common Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Information about common treatments for Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds and can vary in severity from small round patches to complete hair loss across the scalp and body.
Alopecia and Covid-19 (New Coronavirus)

A statement from Alopecia UK regarding COVID-19 and vaccines.
Pattern Hair Loss

Pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It occurs in both men and women and becomes more common with increasing age. Around 50% of men over 50 and 50% of women over 65 are affected, though it can also start in younger adults and occasionally in early teen years.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a type of scarring alopecia that primarily affects the scalp, most commonly in middle-aged women, although it also occurs in men, young adults, and, rarely, in children.
Can I dye my hair when I have alopecia?
Telogen Effluvium

In telogen effluvium (TE), more hairs than usual enter the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Instead of losing up to 100 hairs daily, some people may lose up to 300 hairs a day, resulting in noticeable thinning of hair volume.
Why does hair sometimes grow back white after alopecia areata?
A Guide to Wigs

Links to our downloaded PDF wig guide, and information on the NHS England wig report.
Responding to the events from the 2022 Oscars

We respond to the events from the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony and the actions of Will Smith