Hamburg, Germany June, 8^th 2023 – The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is proud to highlight the remarkable accomplishments of its Research and Outreach Committee (ROC) in advancing the field of allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. Established in 2019, ROC has become a pivotal tool for coordinating and supporting research efforts within the community.

One of the primary objectives of EAACI’s ROC is to enhance allergy and asthma management across Europe by promoting excellent health research and facilitating the translation of the interdisciplinary nature of allergic diseases into the political and organizational framework of the EU. “With a diverse range of backgrounds, approaches, and concepts, Europe provides an environment rich in excellence and ideas, which is reflected in the increasing international recognition of European allergy and asthma science.” says ROC Chair Professor Ioana Agache, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania.

Recent advances in managing allergy and asthma, such as targeted immunotherapy with disease modification potential (AIT, biologicals, and small molecules), have demonstrated their potential to reduce disability, healthcare costs, and create job opportunities. Additionally, Planetary Health has emerged as a key feature of EAACI’s research agenda, recognizing the impact of environmental factors on allergy and asthma. Both of these directions require multidisciplinary approaches to patient care, translational research, quality assessment, and the prioritization of precision medicine, omics, big data, and AI.

“EAACI’s Research Network aims to identify and document allergy and asthma research throughout Europe, including the organization, funding, and responsible parties involved. This comprehensive online database serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scientific organizations, and funding agencies, guiding the future of allergy and asthma research in Europe by promoting collaboration, reducing duplication of efforts, and identifying gaps and priorities that require attention,” says Professor Agache.

To further evaluate the impact of allergic diseases and asthma management, EAACI has established the Health Economics Registry (HEAD). Chronic allergic diseases impose a significant global health burden, but their true impact is challenging to estimate due to limited representativeness and incomplete data. HEAD aims to harmonize management practices across Europe and evaluate the use of resources, costs, disability, and personal costs associated with allergic diseases and asthma.

ROC has been actively engaged in various initiatives and events, demonstrating its commitment to research, outreach, and raising awareness. Notably, ROC organized a highly successful side event on Asthma and Allergy at the UN Conference COP27, highlighting the intersection between climate change and health outcomes. Additionally, a series of webinars dedicated to biodiversity, climate change, and the environmental impact of allergy and asthma healthcare practices and research have been conducted. ROC is currently working on a Global Atlas on Planetary Health, which will contribute to the global understanding of the impact of environmental factors on health.

At the upcoming EAACI Annual Congress, ROC will host three special sessions called the World Leaders Dialogue, focusing on innovative approaches to allergy and asthma. Join us in discussions on novel tools for prevention, advantages and challenges of novel trial designs, and emerging vaccine technologies for the 21st century.

For more information and updates on EAACI’s ROC and its initiatives, please visit the official website at https://eaaci.org/committees/research-outreach-committee/. Follow EAACI on social media and join the conversation using the hashtag #EAACI2023.