AIFA - Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia
A total of 27 expressions of interest for the 2019 AIFA research grants round were reecieved by the deadline of 15 April 2019. Due to the generous support of individuals, families and organisations over the past few years, more than $100,000 in AIFA grants will be awarded in 2019. The AIFA grants to be awarded at the closing function of the ASCIA 2019 Conference will include:
- $40,000 - Food Allergy research grant
- $30,000 - ASCIA 30th Anniversary research grant
- $25,000 - Primary Immunodeficiencies clinical research grant supported by CSL Behring
- $10,000 - Food Allergy research grant supported by DBV Technologies
In 2020 more than $100,000 will again be awarded in AIFA research grants, due to the generous support of AIFA in 2019-2020. To find out how to apply for an AIFA grant in 2020 go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/grants
The first AIFA grants were awarded in 2015 and by September 2019 a total of $265,000 in grants will have been awarded. For information about the projects awarded AIFA grants go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/projects
AIFA research grants are selected each year through a robust selection process, involving an independent, voluntary panel of leading experts. Their track record in selecting projects is outstanding, with two projects funded by AIFA having since been recognised with further funding by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
- 100% of all donations to AIFA go directly to fund AIFA research grants
- Make a tax deductible donation online at www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate
- ASCIA members can also donate their honoraria to AIFA.
- All donations of $100 or more are perpetually acknowledged on the AIFA website www.allergyimmunology.org.au/our-supporters/donors
- Significant donors (of $10,000 or more) may request targeted research project funding in particular areas.
- If you wish to fundraise or provide in-kind support for AIFA, go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/support-aifa/fundraising for more information.
- To find out how you can participate in World Allergy Week in May each year, go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/support-aifa/worldallergyweek
- You are also encouraged to share your story of living with allergy and other immune diseases www.allergyimmunology.org.au/support-aifa/share-your-story
AIFA research grants encourage:
- Early career researchers who may not yet receive grants from the NHMRC or other organisations
- Research that requires seed funding
- Collaborative research projects conducted throughout Australia and New Zealand
- Projects that will translate to better treatment and care for patients with allergy and other immune diseases
About AIFA
AIFA was established in 2013 by ASCIA, the peak professional body for allergy and clinical immunology in Australasia. The aim of AIFA is to improve the health and care of people with allergy and other immune diseases by funding medical research and raising awareness of these disorders in Australia and New Zealand.
Allergy and other immune system disorders (primary immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases) are amongst the most important chronic diseases and public health issues in Australia and New Zealand, affecting around 25% of the population. However, one of the greatest challenges for ASCIA and AIFA is the recognition by governments, authorities and funders of the importance of allergy and other immune diseases as top health priorities, in terms of patient care, training, education and research.
Funding of research into allergy and other immune diseases is vital for the prevention and treatment of these diseases, and to ultimately find cures. This research can also impact other diseases, including immunotherapy based treatment options for other diseases.
As there are currently no cures for allergy and other immune diseases, training and education of health professionals, patients, carers and community is also extremely important. Increased recognition by governments, authorities and funders of the importance of training and education has the potential to eliminate preventable deaths, disabilities and poor health outcomes due to allergy and other immune diseases. For example:
- Effective training and education programs about severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and allergies to foods, drugs and insects can prevent life threatening anaphylaxis and therefore save lives and prevent disabilities.
- Effective training and education programs on self administration of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiencies can help to minimise hospitalisations due to life threatening infections and complications.
Content updated July 2019
