With food allergies affecting approximately 33 million Americans and causing a life-threatening reaction every three minutes, the Food Allergy Fund (FAF) is taking a bold step to advance scientific research and public awareness. To accelerate breakthroughs in prevention and treatment, FAF is launching its inaugural Food Allergy Research Week, set to take place from April 28-30, 2025, in New York City. This landmark event is strategically scheduled ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Month, which begins on May 1, to maximize its impact and mobilize resources for urgent research needs.
The Growing Public Health Crisis of Food Allergies
Food allergies represent one of the most pressing and rapidly escalating public health challenges in the United States and worldwide. The condition is not just an inconvenience—it is a chronic disease with potentially fatal consequences. Millions of children and adults navigate daily life with the constant risk of exposure to allergens that could trigger severe anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate medical intervention.
“Scientific research is the key to transforming lives and preventing future cases,” said Ilana Golant, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy Fund. “Significant progress has been made over the past decade, and we’re on the brink of breakthrough discoveries into the underlying causes, prevention, and improved treatments. Food Allergy Fund Research Week is essential for building public support and partnerships to accelerate progress.”
Despite the staggering prevalence of food allergies, funding for research has remained limited compared to other chronic diseases. The Food Allergy Fund (FAF) is dedicated to bridging this gap by investing in pioneering research and uniting key stakeholders across industries, including medicine, biotechnology, public health, government, and philanthropy.
What to Expect During Food Allergy Fund Research Week
FAF’s Food Allergy Research Week will feature a series of exclusive events designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among scientists, medical experts, industry leaders, investors, and advocates. The week will include:
1. FAF Annual Summit – April 30, 2025
One of the most anticipated events of the week, the Food Allergy Fund Summit, will take place at the Paley Center for Media in New York City. The summit will bring together a diverse group of global stakeholders, including:
- Leading doctors and scientists specializing in food allergies, immunology, and microbiome research.
- CEOs of early-stage therapeutics and technology companies developing next-generation allergy treatments.
- Government officials and policymakers committed to improving public health initiatives related to food allergies.
- Industry leaders from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors exploring innovative solutions.
- Investors focused on funding groundbreaking allergy research and treatments.
- Patient advocates and nonprofit leaders dedicated to supporting individuals affected by food allergies.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from world-class experts on a range of cutting-edge topics, including advancements in research, diet diversity, the microbiome’s role in food allergies, and emerging technologies like AI and CRISPR that are revolutionizing treatment approaches. The event aims to spark meaningful discussions and collaborations that will drive the next phase of allergy research and therapeutics.
2. FAF Research Retreat – April 28-29, 2025
The FAF Research Retreat is a private, invitation-only event designed to facilitate collaboration among top scientists and business leaders in the field of food allergies. Over the course of two days, participants will engage in closed-door sessions, sharing the latest research findings and discussing innovative ideas for potential partnerships.
This retreat is a vital component of the week’s activities, as it provides a unique space for researchers and industry leaders to develop collaborative research projects that could lead to breakthrough discoveries. Attendees will also have the chance to engage in high-level strategic discussions on the future of allergy research, regulatory pathways for new treatments, and potential funding opportunities.
3. FAF Signature Research Evening – April 29, 2025
On the evening of April 29, 2025, the FAF Signature Research Evening will convene leading experts, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists for a night of meaningful dialogue. This exclusive event is designed to highlight key takeaways from the Research Retreat, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest advancements and promising developments in food allergy research.
The evening will also serve as a platform for fostering new connections among stakeholders who are passionate about advancing allergy science. Attendees will hear from renowned scientists, biotech pioneers, and visionary investors who are committed to making life-saving solutions a reality.
Why Food Allergy Research Matters More Than Ever
Despite the increasing prevalence of food allergies, treatment options remain limited. Currently, the most common approach is strict allergen avoidance and emergency response using epinephrine, which does not address the underlying causes of allergies. Recent research has pointed to multiple potential pathways for long-term solutions, including:
- Immune system modulation – Strategies aimed at training the immune system to tolerate allergens over time.
- Microbiome-based therapies – Exploring how gut bacteria influence allergic responses and how modifying the microbiome could prevent or treat food allergies.
- Gene-editing technologies – Leveraging CRISPR and other genetic tools to address the root causes of allergic conditions.
- Oral immunotherapy and biologics – Developing new treatments that help desensitize individuals to allergens in a controlled and safe manner.
With increasing awareness and advancements in technology, researchers believe that major breakthroughs are within reach—but accelerating progress requires sustained funding and collaboration across multiple sectors.
Join the Movement: How to Get Involved
Food Allergy Fund Research Week is more than just a series of events—it’s a movement aimed at transforming the future of food allergy treatment and prevention. Whether you are a scientist, investor, industry leader, healthcare professional, or someone personally affected by food allergies, your participation can help drive change.
To learn more about FAF’s Research Week, register for events, and stay updated on the latest advancements, visit
By supporting this initiative, you can be part of a groundbreaking effort to create life-saving solutions for millions of people worldwide. Together, we can turn scientific innovation into real-world impact, ensuring that individuals with food allergies can lead safer and healthier lives.
