The St John’s Institute of Dermatology seeks to improve the diagnosis and management of severe skin diseases through a better understanding of the basic pathogenetic mechanisms that cause and sustain these conditions. It targets four key areas: cutaneous oncology, genetic skin disorders, inflammatory and autoimmune skin disorders, and photomedicine.

Our research methods extend from molecular genetic analysis to therapeutic intervention studies. Work in progress embraces both collaborations within King's College London and external collaborations world-wide. The close relationship between scientists, clinicians and clinical resources allows for shared knowledge, flow of patient material (eg skin biopsies, blood samples) to the laboratories and dissemination of scientific knowledge to clinicians, fostering an atmosphere of science-based clinical practice and translational research.

The members of our Division belong to an MRC cooperative group (FRET/FLIM microscopy in cell migration). Research facilities within St John's are designed to enable translational human skin biological research and include cell biology (including cell transfection), immuno-labelling and photomicroscopic facilities, molecular genetic facilities and in vivo sampling techniques (phototesting, skin biopsy, DNA sampling), with appropriate storage techniques.

St John’s occupies 1,200 square metres of state-of-the-art laboratory space and is fully integrated into the School of Medicine's Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine. Research is supported by grants from a range of sources including MRC, Wellcome Trust, EU, British Skin Foundation and commercial sources. An active programme of graduate education is pursued including research training (PhD and MD) and a world renowned taught course (MSc) in Clinical Dermatology. In addition, St John's Institute of Dermatology plays a leading role in the training of dermatologists, both in the UK and around the world.