Annual Thermo Fisher Scientific / EAACI PhARF award rewards young scientists advancing research in the field of allergic conditions – at a ceremony with Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden

Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, hosted an award ceremony for the recipient of the Thermo Fisher Scientific and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) PhARF award on December 5, 2023, celebrating outstanding contributions to the science of allergic conditions by young researchers. Her Majesty, Queen Silvia of Sweden presented the award at the event, held at the Thermo Fisher site in Uppsala, Sweden. 

With 150 million people across Europe affected by allergic conditions,1 the PhARF award recognizes scientific excellence in this important field of medicine and encourages new research through the provision of a grant of up to $50,000 paid to the winner’s research institution. More than 50 of the world’s leading allergy researchers have received the award since it was established in 1987.  

The 2023 recipient of the award, Dr. Milena Sokolowska, is Head of the Immune Metabolism Department at the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Switzerland. She was selected in recognition of her ongoing research project to investigate the molecular and immunological mechanisms of severe asthma, immune tolerance, and COVID-19.   

The ceremony also included a presentation of the award by HM Queen Silvia of Sweden to the 2022 recipient Dr. María Escribese, Vice Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, University San Pablo CEU, Spain. She was recognized for her planned research in allergic inflammation and identification of novel biomarkers useful for stratification of allergic patients. The research of both award winners is anticipated to have an impact on helping improve quality of life for those suffering from allergies. 

Santhosh Nair, President of ImmunoDiagnostics at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said of the awards, “The PhARF award is a prestigious accolade that Thermo Fisher supports in its mission to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. In collaboration with EAACI, we are proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of individual researchers to advancing understanding of allergic conditions. Innovative research can lead to improved diagnostic procedures and treatment, and aid in optimized patient management, a key focus area for our company.” 

Dr. Milena Sokolowska said, “Modern research is a collaborative effort requiring the contributions of various groups worldwide, which amplifies the need for funding. Prestigious awards and grants, like PhARF, which support specific research projects, will lead to new discoveries in allergy and clinical immunology. It will also contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of other chronic inflammatory conditions, potentially reducing the long-term disease burden for patients and their families.”