ES0603 EUPOL Overview

Diseases due to aeroallergens are among major causes of a growing rate of morbidity and demand for healthcare. The overall prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis in Europe is about 15% and increasing. Adequate protective and pre-emptive measures require both the reliable assessment of production and release of various pollen species, and the forecasting of their atmospheric dispersion. The World Health Organization has therefore recommended new studies in the area. The pollen-related research is currently conducted within several scientific disciplines, countries and targeted activities; however, their coordination could be substantially improved. Several poorly understood complex biological, meteorological and climatic factors can significantly affect the timing and strength of pollen seasons. Their proper investigation requires an integrated approach. The proposed concerted Action will establish a multi-disciplinary forum for:

1. the critical review of existing information and its use in current assessment systems, and finding out the gaps of knowledge;

2. the improved co-ordination of on-going research;

3. the development of a strategy and an action plan that aim to bridge the gaps of knowledge;

4. strengthening the dialogue with end users. Specific research directions will be: Pollen Production and Release; Pollen Transport, Transformation and Interaction; Applications and collaboration with End Users.

 

The main objective of the Action is to set up a multi-disciplinary forum for critical review of existing information on allergenic pollen in Europe and its representation in assessment and forecasting systems.
The Action will concentrate on:

• identification of the critical gaps in the current knowledge;
• better co-ordination of on-going research;
• development of a comprehensive strategy and specific action plan for improving the scientific knowledge and converting the findings into integrated assessment systems;
• strengthening the dialogue with end users.

CONTACT

Chair of Action
Adj. Prof. Mikhail Sofiev
Air Quality Research
Finnish Meteorological Institute
Erik Palmenin aukio1
00560 Helsinki
Finland
Tel. + 358-9-1929 5433
Fax. +358-9-1929 5403
Email: mikhail.sofievfmi.fi

Vice-Chair of Action
Dr. Karl-Christian Bergmann
Allergie - Centrum - Charite
Klinik fur Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie
Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin
Chariteplatz 1
10117 Berlin
Germany
Tel. +30-450 518 046
Email: kcbergmannhotmail.com

Webmaster of Action
Dr. Tommaso Torrigiani Malaspina
LaMMA Consortium
Consorzio LaMMa
Via Madonna del Piano, 10
50019 Sesto Fiorentino
tel: +39-0554483073
Tel. +39-3299622243
Email: tommaso.torrigianiunifi.it

COST Office
Dr. Stefan Stueckrad
Science Officer
ESSEM domain
COST Office
149 Louise Ave, 1050 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: + 32 2 5333829
Fax: + 32 2 5333890
Email: stefan.stueckradcost.eu