Dear GlobalSkin Members,
It is hard to believe we’re already in September, and what a busy and productive year it’s been for GlobalSkin and our growing global community. As we look toward the final months of 2026 and begin planning for 2027, I want to share highlights of the important work happening across our three strategic areas: Elevate, Champion, and Unite.
ELEVATE
GlobalSkin continues to build the capacity, knowledge, and connections of our members. For updates, I encourage you to read our June, July, and August Newsletters and Bulletins, which highlight activities across our strategic areas of focus.
I’m also pleased to welcome new leadership to the GlobalSkin Board. Congratulations to Tina Mesarič on her re-election. We’re delighted to welcome new Directors Kelly Barta of the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN) in the United States, Melanie Funk of Eczema Support Australia, and Julio Garcia of Fundación Nacional de Albinismo Simplemente Amigos in Argentina. I look forward to the perspectives and contributions they will bring during their three-year terms.
I’m particularly excited about our new GlobalSkin Research Readiness Program, designed to build members’ confidence and knowledge in patient-led research and provide tools to transform patient experience into evidence for change. The four-part webinar series will be followed by a Research Readiness Grant Program planned for 2027.
CHAMPION
GlobalSkin and our members continue to champion the needs and priorities of people living with skin diseases worldwide. In July, we had a strong presence at the World Congress on Rare Skin Diseases in Versailles, including a co-organized scientific session, member event, and reception.
We’re now preparing for the EADV Congress in Vienna, where GlobalSkin will co-host a session on “Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Dermatology,” host our Skin Matters Reception and GlobalSkin-Europe Member event, participate in the Patient Organization Area, and showcase PRIDD.
UNITE
Our commitment to uniting the global skin health community continues through the World Skin Health Coalition, where GlobalSkin serves as Secretariat. Together, we’ve developed an Advocacy Toolkit to help members translate the WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases into action at the national level. The Coalition will also host the September 8 webinar, “Skin Diseases Resolution: From Adoption to Action.”
PRIDD continues to gain international recognition. In June, it received a Systematic Meaningful Patient Engagement Award at the Made with Patients Awards in Seville. We’re also thrilled that PRIDD has been nominated for the Galien Prize in the first-ever Patient First Award, in honor of Michael J. Fox, recognizing groundbreaking achievements in the life sciences. This recognition reinforces the importance of placing patient voice and lived experience at the center of research and healthcare decision-making.
Our team continues to promote PRIDD internationally through conferences, presentations, posters, and research collaborations, including upcoming activities at EADV, ESDR, ISPOR, and other international meetings.
There’s still much to accomplish, but our progress demonstrates the power of our global community. Thanks for your continued commitment, partnership, and leadership. Together, we’re Elevating the patient voice, Championing our communities, and Uniting stakeholders to create meaningful change.
Gratefully,
Marc Yale
GlobalSkin Board President
