Over the last few decades, allergy has increased in prevalence to become the most common chronic disease in modern societies. The causes for this change remain unclear, although they seem to be linked to “modern lifestyle”. If left untreated, allergic rhinitis can progress with the development of new sensitisations and co-morbidities e.g., asthma. Furthermore, respiratory allergy has a significant impact on people’s lives and quality of life. For many years doctors have advised patients to avoid allergen exposure as a means of reducing symptoms, and symptom-relieving medication is used all over the world to treat respiratory allergic disease. However, recent research indicates that there is no simple dose-response relationship between exposure and symptoms and although effective in controlling symptoms, symptom-relieving medication does not prevent increases in prevalence of the disease or the course of it. Allergy immunotherapy is the only treatment to treat the cause, induce immunological tolerance and to prompt disease modification. Disease modification implies long term effect, prevention of asthma in children with allergic rhinitis, and prevention of new allergies.

• Applicants must be concise, max. 2 pages including essential references, and should describe previous and current research activities 
• The applicant’s precise role in these activities must be clearly stated 
• The applicant’s curriculum vitae must also be enclosed, max. 2 pages 
• Applicants should be early in their academic career, within 10 years of their PhD (or equivalent degree), and should not be considered an established scientist, i.e., head of department, professor, etc.

Previous award ceremonies and winners

2024: Kelly Bruton, Stanford University, United States of America 

2021: Julia Esser-von Bieren, Technical University, Munich, Germany

2015: Stefanie Eyerich, Technical University and Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany 

2013: Bianca Schaub, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany 

2011: Zoulfia Allakhverdi, University of Montreal, Canada, and Natalija Novak, University of Bonn, Germany 

2009: Stephen J Till, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom 

2007: Barbara Bohle, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

* If the winner is from a country where local legislation or medicolegal regulation prevents the transfer of monetary awards from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare professionals, and in the case that the selected winner is a healthcare professional, the award is substituted by a travel grant or an educational grant of corresponding value. The grant is managed by ALK A/S and specified payment can only be given in the form of tickets or refund of tickets for a scientific or educational purpose, which is in agreement with the medicolegal regulation in that country. Accepted purposes could be transportation to a scientific congress or educational event, registration fees, educational charges or accommodation. ALK will ensure that each purpose is in agreement with the regulation in that particular country.