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.
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. Chairperson is Torsten Zuberbier.
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 platformpromotes high standards of quality in the teaching and training of medical personnel and offers international training courses for doctorscarries 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 lifepromotes the Allergie-Centrum-Charité; enables research and specific consultation-hours for patients there.awards the ECARF Quality Seal to allergy-friendly products and servicesoffers an allergology curriculum for international guest doctorspromotes and integrates a European network in the area of allergologyECARF works in close collaboration with the following organisations:
ARIA, Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on AsthmaDHA, Deutsche Haut und Allergiehilfe (German Skin and Allergy Support)GA²LEN, Global Allergy and Asthma European NetworkGARD, Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseasesifp, Institut für Produktqualität GmbH (Competence Centre for Modern Food Analysis)Stiftung PID, Deutscher Polleninformationsdienst German Pollen Information ServiceUNEV, Urticaria Network e. V.ANEV, Autoinflammation Network e.V.ARC², Autoinflammation Reference Center Charité