The Vitiligo Research Foundation was founded in 2010 by Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Aksenov, whose daughter suffers from vitiligo, after he concluded that there was a lack of research into the disease.[1] It is managed by a small team of permanent staff,[citation needed] and led by a Board of Directors (Torello Lotti, Professor, Dermatology Division, Marconi University, chair).[2] A Scientific Advisory Board advises on scientific issues.[citation needed] The VRF's Public Advisory Board advises the Foundation on aspects of living with vitiligo and how best to support those affected by the condition;[citation needed] it includes members such as reporter and author Lee Thomas.[citation needed] The VRF is entirely reliant on public donations, and receives no funding from governments or the pharmaceutical industry.[citation needed]