Immune diseases affect a quarter of the population however they currently represent a relatively small proportion of research funding. Only around $1 in every $100 of research funding in Australia is spent on immune disease research.
There is a significant need for more research funding into the causes and prevention of immune diseases, as well as how best to manipulate the immune system to prevent, treat or cure them.
AIFA was established in 2013 by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) to address the shortage of research funding for immune diseases. ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australasia.
To ensure that all donations are directed to funding research, ASCIA supports the running costs of AIFA. Donations are held in separate bank accounts and are independently audited. Financial reporting is compliant with Australian accounting standards. All donations are tax deductible.
Funds donated to AIFA can be directed to targeted areas of research, with objectives that are patient focused.
Applications for AIFA funding of research projects are advertised to the medical research community in Australia and New Zealand, which includes world leading researchers.
AIFA grant applications are reviewed by a grant selection panel, which comprises 8 experts with extensive and world leading clinical and research experience, to ensure a rigorous selection process.
Research projects funded by AIFA will be selected on the basis of specific criteria: originality and scientific quality; significance of outcomes with potential to help patients; methodology, team quality and capability.
AIFA is committed to ongoing follow up of all research projects funded by its grant program, to ensure transparency, appropriate use of funds and optimal clinical outcomes.
Medical research into immune diseases often requires a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach between Immunologists, other medical disciplines (e.g. Neuroimmunology) and other health professionals (e.g. Dietitians and Nurses). AIFA’s founding organisation, ASCIA, has a strong track record in promoting collaborations.
Each year ASCIA (a WAO member) and AIFA support World Allergy Week through a range of awareness activities such as the Spot of Red Campaign which was launched in 2019.
You can raise awareness of allergy through the annual AIFA World Allergy Week 'wear a spot of red' campaign during the month of April. We encourage anyone who is affected by allergy to help raise awareness and funds to support research into allergy, by wearing a spot of red or holding an event in your home, school or workplace.
Content updated Jan 2022
