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About Us
In 1991 some prominent Southampton businessmen urged a group of scientists working for the University of Southampton to launch a charity to support some of the excellent work in the field of asthma and allergy that was being produced by the research group who were located at the University Hospital Southampton.
a world-leading
Centre of Excellence
This group led by Professor Stephen Holgate CBE has arguably become one of the world’s leading centres of excellence in the field of asthma, allergy and respiratory diseases. This has resulted in recognition as a World Allergy Organization Centre of Excellence in Allergic Disease.
The current chairperson of the Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Research (AAIR) Charity is Professor Donna Davies who co-ordinates the decision making of a group of eight Trustees. This group is made up of scientists, clinicians and external professional lay persons with a mix of gender and ethnicity.
Major funding for research comes from a range of sources including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (UK).
The AAIR Charity helps local scientists to leverage such funding by funding pilot projects and pump-priming grants, which help researchers to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of their proposed research work. The Charity also helps to purchase vital pieces equipment and supports the next generation of asthma, allergy and inflammation researchers by funding studentships and bursaries. Since 1991, AAIR has contributed over £6M to these causes.