European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation
ECARF - European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation is a non-profit foundation located at the Clinic for Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin in Berlin. The inter-disciplinary centre for treatment, academics, research and distribution of knowledge in the area of allergology was created there in collaboration with the Allergie-Centrum-Charité.
Foundation structure
The foundation ECARF is administered by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. It was founded by Jørgen Philip-Sørensen in 2003 and later became a foundation with legal capacity. A board with four members manages the foundation. The board members are Torsten Zuberbier (Chairperson), Louisa Mann (vice-chairperson), Marcus Maurer and Markus Heuel as representative of the Stifterverbands für die Deutsche Wissenschaft.
Purpose
The foundation’s self-described goals are to increase knowledge about allergies, to carry out allergy research and to increase awareness of allergies in Europe. As a result, the physical and psychological strain on patients as well as the financial strain on society as a whole should be reduced.
Activities and fields of work
ECARF
- Supports structured research in allergology, i.e. through the creation of a multi-area research platform
- Promotes high standards of quality in the teaching and training of medical personnel and offers international training courses for doctors
- Carries out active public relations work to increase awareness and knowledge of allergies among the general population. In patient training sessions, those affected by allergies learn how to deal with their illness and improve their quality of life
- offers interdisciplinary and interregional care of patients at the Allergie-Centrum-Charité
- Awards the ECARF Quality Seal to allergy-friendly products and services
- Offers an allergology curriculum for international guest doctors
- Promotes and integrates a European network in the area of allergology
Network
ECARF works in close collaboration with the following organisations:
- ARIA, Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma
- DHA, Deutsche Haut und Allergiehilfe (German Skin and Allergy Support)
- GA²LEN, Global Allergy and Asthma European Network
- GARD, Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseases
- ifp, Institut für Produktqualität GmbH (Competence Centre for Modern Food Analysis)
- Stiftung PID, Deutscher Polleninformationsdienst German Pollen Information Service
- UNEV, Urticaria Network e. V.
- ANEV, Autoinflammation Network e.V.
- ARC², Autoinflammation Reference Center Charité