Research
Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia (AIFA)
AIFA was established by ASCIA to fund allergy and immunology research grants that encourage new and early career researchers to progress projects that do not yet have major funding. A total of 34 research projects have received AIFA grants since 2015. Donate to AIFA at www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate and be assured that 100% of your donation or sponsorship goes directly to AIFA grants
National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE)
VITESSE and Aravax peanut allergy multi-centre treatment trials are now recruiting patients in Australia - for information go to the NACE website https://www.nace.org.au/allergy-studies-directory/
Centre for Food Allergy Research (CFAR)
CIRCA
CIRCA is an Australasian Garvan-led collaboration of medical and scientific professionals that investigates the genetic causes of rare immune diseases.. The mission of CIRCA is to understand the genetic causes of immunological diseases in individual patients. These findings are used to help improve outcomes for patients, their families and other individuals with similar immune diseases. https://www.garvan.org.au/research/collaboration/circa
Nutrition in Children with a Primary Immunodeficiency
Are you the parent or carer of a child diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency?
We are interested in exploring food and eating in babies and children with a primary immunodeficiency. To be eligible, you need to have had experience as a parent or carer of a child aged 0 10 years who has been affected by a primary immunodeficiency in Australia, and have access to the internet.
For more information or to complete the survey, please click on the following link https://redcap.link/v74mimqf .
If you would like further information, please contact Dr Kirrilly Pursey via email
This project has been approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee [approval number H 2023 0264
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Rapeseed Survey
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved the sale of rapeseed protein isolate as a novel food but it has not yet in the food supply. Rapeseed protein isolate can be used as a replacement for animal and plant proteins and may be used in a wide range of foods. It can contain brown mustard or proteins related to mustard, and therefore may be a risk to mustard-allergic individuals. FSANZ is currently undertaking a short baseline survey to determine the prevalence of mustard allergy in the Australian and New Zealand populations and would like your input. Please complete the survey here
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) Study
Griffith University are examining the effect of a new treatment in helping to reduce symptoms of eosinophilic oesophagitis. The trial is looking for adults across Australia and involves taking a new gel-based supplement for 12 weeks and monitoring participant symptoms. By taking part participants will have the opportunity to be involved in the latest research for eosinophilic oesophagitis. Read more here.
Please contact Rebecca at
People with dry eyes and autoimmune conditions needed for study
People aged 18 years or older who have dry eyes and an autoimmune condition are needed for a research study that is investigating a new dry eye treatment. Eligible participants will undergo eye test procedures at 7 study visits on 7 separate days, over about 16 weeks. Participants will receive one of three eye drop products to be used twice a day for up to 85 days, to evaluate their safety and efficacy. Each visit will take up to 2 hours at the University of Melbourne. Participants will receive a $100 Coles Myer gift voucher for each visit attended (maximum total reimbursement: $700).
This study has been approved by The University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (ID #27779).
Enquiries: Senuri Karunaratne (
Babyscreen+: genomic newborn screening in Victoria
Share your knowledge and expertise through 30-minute interviews to help shape the future of genomic newborn screening in Victoria.
The BabyScreen+ study is investigating the best way to deliver a genomic newborn screening program to all babies in Victoria. We want to understand the acceptability of models of genomic newborn screening amongst health professionals whose clinical practice may be impacted by the results of this screening.
We would like to invite paediatricians, specialists, and general practitioners to take part in a 30-minute interview by phone or videoconference. To participate in an interview, please email Nathasha at:
This study has received ethical approval from the Royal Children’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC Project Number: 91500).
APDS1, APDS2 and APDS-Like (PTEN variants) Case Series
An Australian case series is being developed by Dr Lucinda Berglund and Dr Alisa Kane on patients with genetically proven Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS) type 1 or 2, or a PTEN variant with immunodeficiency (APDS-Like),
The plan for the case series is to publish it in collaboration with all the participants (i.e. everyone who recruits their patients) and in doing so to help provide supportive evidence for the application for a new treatment to be approved by the TGA in Australia, and therefore accessible for these patients if needed. Participation in the case series involves completion of a survey about clinical manifestations, and an option for further blood tests including detailed immunophenotyping.
For more information, please contact
Sanofi Australia atopic dermatitis (eczema) research
Sanofi Austraia clinical trials in atopic dermatitis are listed here.
GA²LEN ADCARE HCP questionnaire about treating pregnant patients with Atopic Dermatitis
The treatment of atopic dermatitis during pregnancy remains a challenge for clinicians, especially when systemic agents are required. In order to better understand real world practices in regard to systemic treatment of choice for atopic dermatitis during pregnancy, GA²LEN ADCARE invites you to participate in a short questionnaire study directed at physicians. If you agree to participate, we would like you and other physicians at your centre to complete a short survey (5 minutes) regarding your experience treating pregnant women with atopic dermatitis, your systemic treatment of choice during pregnancy and the side-effects your patients experienced using the chosen medication. All replies are anonymous.
All physicians treating patients with atopic dermatitis, including pregnant patients, are eligible to participate in this study. This study was approved by the International Steering Committee of GA²LEN ADCARE.. Please use this link to complete this quick questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PREG-AD
VALUE-Ig
A team of researchers at Monash University has received MRFF funding to undertake an economic evaluation of the use of immunoglobulin (Ig) in a range of patient cohorts including blood cancer, solid organ transplant, myasthenia gravis, and primary immunodeficiencies. For the primary immunodeficiency (PID) cohort the team aims to use routine collected administrative data to determine the reduction in the risk of infection for patients receiving Ig compared to no Ig. The researchers are looking for clinicians with relevant experience in treating PID patients with Ig to contribute expert clinical advice to the research team.
Contact
CHOICE Allergen Immunotherapy Study
The CHOICE study coordinators are looking for clinicians to join them in an international multi-center academic project (CHOICE) that looks at factors that drives the prescription of allergen immunotherapy in real-life clinical settings.
To be a part of this project, they require clinicians to complete a quick 10-minute web-based survey about current practice when prescribing allergen immunotherapy and also a short questionnaire for each patient that you are prospectively planning to commence on allergen immunotherapy.
For further information go to: https://www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/info-updates/choice-allergen-immunotherapy-study
Ocular Allergy Interviews
A research team at Deakin University are currently conducting a research project that is part of a PhD which aims to interview health practitioners on their attitudes, perspectives, experiences, and influences regarding Ocular Allergy (OA). This study has received Deakin University Ethics Approval (reference number: SEBE-2022-73).
You are eligible to take part in this study if you are an Allergist, who is AHPRA registered, practicing in Australia and fluent in English. However, if you are in this health field but are not fully qualified (i.e. students, interns, residents, registrars, and/or in training), then you are ineligible.
If you agree to be involved, the researchers will organise a day and time with you personally to be interviewed via Zoom. This will be a maximum of 60 minutes. This will be audio recorded – video is not required.
Participation is confidential and voluntary. You are under no obligation to take part.
If you are interested and would like to receive a copy of the Plain Language Statement, or further information, please contact [
Seasonal Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) Study
There is a clinical study for an investigational nasal spray which is being investigated for the reduction of symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The nasal spray is drug-free, and all ingredients of the formulation are well-established and generally recognized as safe.
If the study is of interest to you, please register your details at:
VIC (Camberwell) - https://emeritusresearch.com/allergicrhinitis/#AllergicRhinitis
NSW (Darlinghurst) - https://www.holdsworthhouse.com.au/study/allergic-rhinitis/
QLD (Fortitude Valley) - https://www.holdsworthhouse.com.au/study/allergic-rhinitis/
Peanut Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Trial for People Over 16 Years
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney is recruiting to an Australia-first research trial to help people over 16 years of age, who are living with peanut allergy. We are investigating the effectiveness of combining omalizumab with peanut oral immunotherapy in improving safety and tolerability of peanut immunotherapy in adults. This will not cure peanut allergy, but aims to improve safety and quality of life for those living with peanut allergy into adulthood.
We are seeking participants who are:
- over the age of 16 and have peanut allergy
- have not been admitted to ICU for a peanut reaction in the last 5 years
- not lactating, pregnant or planning pregnancy
- and able to commit to 18 study visits over 12 months (7 of the visits take between 4 to 6 hours)
Prospective participants and their referrers can contact us by email at
Content updated April 2024