Dermal
The open-science hub for longitudinal dermatology imaging

The Skin Change Initiative is the world’s first open science hub for longitudinal skin and hair imaging Instead of isolated snapshots, we collect standardized images over time — creating a dataset that reflects real journeys of change. Each milestone unlocks AI tools for participants, supporting open science and innovation.

🚀 Project Phases

• Phase 1 (Now): Create the first high-quality open science scalp imaging dataset. Once we reach 100 participants, contributors will unlock access to a computer vision tool to visualize their own hair changes. This work is being developed as part of the CSCI E-25 Computer Vision course at Harvard Extension School taught by Stephen Elston
• Phase 2: Expand the dataset and launch the first AI-powered analysis tools, giving participants meaningful feedback while supporting open research in hair science.
• Phase 3 (Future): Build a secure platform where users can track changes, hair clinics and researchers can collaborate, and the models continuously improve as the dataset grows. User will gain access to tailored AI-powered Automated newsletters, literature reviews and treatment option explainers, as well as research opportunity matching. This work will be developed as part of the CSCI E-115 Advanced Practical Data Science course at Harvard Extension School, taught by Pavlos Protopapas.

By contributing, you are helping to build the first open science dataset of its kind — and gaining early access to the tools that will grow from it.