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GDEF seminar series

A doctor is talking to a child who has a skin condition.

The Global Dermato-Epidemiology Forum (GDEF) Seminar Series is an online programme of expert talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions exploring key topics in dermato-epidemiology, innovative research methods, and emerging findings.

The series brings together people working in dermatology, epidemiology, public health, clinicians, and trainees from around the world to share ideas, discuss work in progress, and foster collaboration across the skin health research community.

Through open scientific discussion and knowledge exchange, the seminar series aims to support the development of the next generation of skin health researchers while strengthening global research capacity.

Seminars take place online on Zoom every two months.

Learn more about GDEF and why it was created.

What the GDEF seminar series covers

The GDEF seminar series explores key topics in dermatology epidemiology, including methods for measuring the burden of skin diseases, advances in population-based research, data gaps and research priorities, and the use of epidemiological evidence to inform policy and improve skin health globally.

Seminars also showcase ongoing projects, foster international collaboration, and provide a platform for sharing expertise and best practice.

By taking part in the seminars, you will:
  • Learn about current developments and challenges in dermato-epidemiology.
  • Gain insights into research methods, data sources, and analytical approaches.
  • Hear from international experts working across a range of skin diseases and settings.
  • Discover opportunities for collaboration and networking with researchers, clinicians, patients, and policymakers.
  • Contribute to discussions on strengthening the global evidence base for skin diseases and supporting implementation of the WHO Global Action Plan on Skin Diseases.
Who the seminars are for:

The seminar series is open to anyone with an interest in improving the evidence base for skin diseases, including researchers, clinicians, trainees, public health professionals, policymakers, patient representatives, and members of dermatology organisations worldwide.

No specialist expertise in epidemiology is required, and participants from all countries and career stages are welcome.

The GDEF seminars

Next seminar

**Information coming soon**

Past Seminars

30 April 2026 - Setting the scene for global dermato-epidemiology

Speakers:

  • Prof Hywel Williams, Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology (CEBD), University of Nottingham, UK
  • Dr Dieudonné Sankara, Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization (WHO), Switzerland

Our first seminar set the direction for the series. It explored priorities following the World Health Assembly resolution and how dermato-epidemiology can support global health policy and implementation. More than 300 researchers, clinicians, public health experts and policymakers took part.

29 June 2026 - Measuring disease burden

Part one

The session explored the opportunities and challenges in generating reliable skin health data across different populations and settings, and discussed how stronger evidence can support advocacy, public health priorities, and implementation of the World Health Assembly Resolution on Skin Diseases.

Part two

Speakers:

  • Dr Katrina Abuabara, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA
  • Dr Liane Ong, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, USA

About GDEF

Why was GDEF set up

The World Health Assembly has passed a resolution recognising skin diseases as a global public health priority. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) is developing a Global Action Plan on Skin Diseases to support countries in improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Delivering this agenda requires reliable information on the burden of skin diseases, who they affect, and where the gaps in current knowledge lie.

Who set up GDEF?

GDEF was set up by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project, the European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (EDEN), the American Dermato-Epidemiology Network (ADEN), and the ILDS global skin disease atlases, GLODERM, and the Lancet Commission on Skin Health.

What are GDEF's aims?

GDEF gives people around the world a shared place to exchange ideas, work together, and take coordinated action to fill the gaps in data on the burden of skin diseases. Its aims are to:

  • Strengthen the evidence on skin diseases around the world.
  • Build research capacity, especially where data is scarce.
  • Help turn data into action on health policy and care.
  • Encourage equitable, data-driven approaches to skin disease research and care.

Find out more about ILDS' work

Educational resources

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Visit the ILDS Educational Resources, a comprehensive collection of insights, materials, research, and best practices in global dermatology.

Educational Resources

Global Skin Health

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The Grand Challenges in Global Skin Health initiative is a concerted effort by the ILDS to address the significant burden of skin diseases worldwide. It focuses on research, education, clinical application, and support at local, national and international levels.

Find out more

Partnerships

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The ILDS connects dermatology organisations, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and global health partners to share expertise, strengthen networks and drive progress towards Skin Health for the World.

View our partnership work