Scotland to host EAACI Congress 2025 spotlighting climate change’s impact on allergy and immunology
The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is poised to welcome over 7,500 delegates from around the globe for the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress 2025, a pivotal event in the allergy and immunology landscape. Taking place from 13 to 16 June, this congress is not just a platform for displaying scientific achievement; it represents a critical opportunity to forge connections among renowned scientists, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals from over 100 countries.
Central to this year's congress is the theme, "Breaking Boundaries in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future." This theme underscores the urgent connection between climate change and its exacerbating effects on allergic diseases. As the congress unfolds, experts will delve into the scientific underpinnings of rising conditions such as asthma and the extension of pollen seasons, examining how environmental changes are driving increases in allergic issues globally.
Prominent sessions will focus specifically on the effects of climate change on allergic patients. For instance, a symposium titled 'Climate Change Effects on Allergic Patients: Emerging Environmental Threats' will take place on the opening day, where discussions will centre on allergen exposure and advanced methodologies in assessing atopic sensitisation. Another session, 'Environmental Allergy and Climate Change + One Health,' is set for the following days, emphasising the need for an integrated approach to address the multifaceted impacts of climate on health.
Speaking on the significance of this congress, María Torres, EAACI President, described it as “a vital convergence point for the global allergy and immunology community.” She emphasized that it serves as a space where scientific boundaries are challenged and collaboration fosters innovation. The focus on climate change and health not only enhances the knowledge shared but also helps reshape practices to create a sustainable future in healthcare.
Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales at the SEC, noted the campus's track record of hosting impactful scientific meetings and expressed pride in bringing the EAACI Congress to Glasgow for the first time. She reiterated the collaborative efforts between the SEC, EAACI, Glasgow Convention Bureau, and local stakeholders to ensure lasting benefits, including heightened awareness about climate change’s health impacts.
In addition to its scientific contributions, the congress is expected to generate an estimated £27 million for Glasgow's economy, with broader implications amounting to £54 million for the UK. This economic boost is significant, particularly as the SEC has already hosted several major international conferences throughout the year, solidifying Glasgow’s reputation as a destination for high-profile events.
Overall, EAACI 2025 presents a unique chance to highlight crucial issues of public health while fostering global collaborations that can inform future practices in allergy management. The intersection of environmental science and immunology serves as a pertinent reminder of the ongoing responsibility healthcare professionals have to adapt to evolving global challenges.
As Glasgow steps into the spotlight, EAACI 2025 not only champions scientific advancement but also calls upon the healthcare community to lead the discourse on the interplay between climate change and allergic diseases—paving the way for future breakthroughs that prioritise patient care amid our changing world.