In order to allow EAACI to influence and keep updated information on matters related to allergy and clinical immunology, it has been decided to create “Interest Groups”. An Interest Group represents an area of general interest within allergology that is not well covered by any one of the EAACI Sections.

The Interest Group on Occupational Allergy (IGOA) was approved by the ExCom after the 2001 Berlin Congress. It aims to closely observe the relevant areas of occupational allergy within the EAACI, provide members with opportunities to actively participate in EAACI activities, and keep them updated on the initiatives related to occupational allergy.

This IG is open to all members: If you are interested, ask to be included in the IGOA mailing list when renewing your subscription. More than 1000 EAACI members from the majority of European countries have joined to date and half of them are Junior Members. Many are specialists in occupational medicine and/or allergologists and/or pneumologists.

The IG is responsible for making proposals to the Scientific Programme Committee, for major symposia and developing workshops and minor symposia, as well as post-graduate courses on occupational allergy during annual EAACI Congresses. The purpose of the IG is also to support the exchange of information between members working in occupational allergy.

During the annual EAACI Congress in Istanbul, the newly elected board (2011-2013) of the Interest Group on Occupational Allergy of the EAACI was presented during the IGOA business meeting: Monika Raulf-Heimsoth (Chair), Andrea Siracusa (Secretary), Santiago Quirce, Gianni Pala (JMA representative and Webmaster). Gianna Moscato was warmly acknowledged for all her hard work for the IGOA as chair during the last four years.