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Critical shortage of research funding

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.

Research needed into prevention

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 established by experts

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.

Donations spent on research

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.

Patient focused research objectives

Funds donated to AIFA can be directed to targeted areas of research, with objectives that are patient focused.

World leading Australasian research

Applications for AIFA funding of research projects are advertised to the medical research community in Australia and New Zealand, which includes world leading researchers.

Expert grant selection panel

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.

Grant selection criteria

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.

Ongoing grant follow up

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.

Collaborative Research

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.

World Allergy Week

 
World Allergy Week is an annual global campaign of the World Allergy Organisation (WAO), usually around April, which aims to raise awareness of the impact of allergy in our communities. 

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. 

AIFA Research Grants  

AIFA is 100% dedicated to fund research that will improve the health and wellbeing of people with allergy and other immune system disorders. By donating to AIFA during World Allergy Week, you can be reassured that:
 
• 100% of donations to AIFA directly fund allergy/immunology research grants.
• 100% of AIFA grants are selected by allergy/immunology experts.
• 100% of donations to AIFA are tax deductible.

Wear a Spot of Red 

Wear a Spot of Red during World Allergy Week 2019You 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.
 
 
 

AIFAASCIA

Content updated Jan 2022