In Memoriam

The CIA is honored to remember the following distinguished members who have passed away since the 2018 Biennial Symposium.

Marcus Maurer
2024

It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news that our fellow member and CIA Council representative, Marcus Maurer has passed. Marcus was an exceptionally intelligent and open-minded colleague, a cherished friend and a remarkable person who made significant contributions to our field and to the CIA. His absence leaves an indescribable void in our community, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Prof. Maurer was a brilliant mind in clinical allergy, whose pioneering research on mast cells, urticaria, and related conditions transformed our understanding and treatment of these diseases. His work spanned over 100 funded projects and 800 publications, with an H-index of 100, and he authored more than 50 books and chapters. His collaborations with patients, healthcare providers, and industry have greatly advanced the treatment of urticaria and angioedema, leaving a lasting impact on the global allergy and immunology community. Thanks to his dedication, life has improved for countless patients.

His positions as Executive Director of the Institute of Allergology at Charité University Medicine Berlin, Co-Director of the Institute of Immunology and Allergology at the Fraunhofer ITMP, and Professor of Dermatology and Allergy reflect his deep commitment to both the scientific community and patient care.

The global allergy and immunology community will forever be indebted to his unparalleled contributions.

Masaru Taniguchi
1940 – 2024

Jordan Fink

Distinguished immunologist Dr. Masaru Taniguchi made groundbreaking contributions to immunology, including the discovery of natural killer T cells (NKT cells), which revolutionized cancer immunology and immunotherapy. His leadership in establishing the immunology centers at Chiba University and RIKEN, and his pioneering work in integrating immunology with other scientific fields, greatly advanced both research and organizational practices. Dr. Taniguchi's innovations and reforms in Japan’s medical research systems, his dedication to nurturing young researchers, and his relentless pursuit of scientific goals left a lasting impact on the field and will continue to influence future generations.

Full Obituary

Jordan N. Fink
1935 – 2024

Jordan Fink

Jordan N. Fink, MD, FAAAAI, an iconic figure in the A/I field worked tirelessly during his long career at the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette University’s School of Medicine), where he trained over 50 fellows and developed the careers of numerous medical faculty members. He was a dedicated researcher and clinician. His observation in the late 1960’s led to the clinical description, science and treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonia. Over the course of his career, he authored 368 papers. He was well-known for his contributions to information about allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), ABPA in patients with cystic fibrosis and latex allergy.

Full Obituary

Toshinori Nakayama
1958 – 2023

Dr. Toshinori Nakayama, a renowned immunologist and esteemed professor at Chiba University, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 64. Dr. Nakayama’s research significantly advanced our understanding of immunological memory, allergy, and cancer immunotherapy. His pioneering work focused on epigenetic mechanisms of memory cell formation, chronic airway inflammation, and the development of immune cell therapies. Educated at Yamaguchi University and the University of Tokyo, he held prominent positions including Director of several research centers at Chiba University and Vice-President overseeing Future Medicine. His impactful publications and numerous awards, such as the Japanese Society for Immunology Award and the Abbott Japan Allergy Research Award, reflect his profound contributions to the field. Dr. Nakayama’s legacy will endure through the continued progress of the research and researchers he inspired.

Full Obituary

K. Frank Austen
1928 – 2023

Frank Austen

Prof. K. Frank Austen, a pioneering figure in allergy and immunology, passed away on June 23, 2022, at 95, leaving a profound legacy in medicine spanning six decades. His rigorous research, mentorship, and leadership, notably at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, advanced the understanding of asthma and allergy, shaping the careers of numerous leaders in the field.

Full Obituary

John Bienenstock
1936 – 2022

John Bienenstock

Dr. Bienenstock, considered a father of mucosal immunology, began his illustrious career at McMaster University in 1968, remaining there until his retirement in 1998, after which he continued as director of the McMaster Brain Body Institute until his passing. With over 500 peer-reviewed articles, 10 books, and numerous accolades including membership in prestigious societies, his impact on the field and mentorship of over 60 post-doctoral fellows and 10 doctoral students is profound and enduring.

Tribute from McMaster University

Lawrence Mark Lichtenstein
1934 - 2022

Lawrence Mark Lichtenstein

Dr. Lichtenstein, a renowned immunologist at Johns Hopkins University for over 40 years, conducted pioneering research on asthma and allergies to ragweed and bee venom, mentoring over 150 doctors from 30 countries through the Division of Clinical Immunology and later the Asthma and Immunology Center. His profound impact extended to publishing over 700 scholarly works and receiving prestigious recognition, including the Cavaliere di Gran Croce from the Italian government in 1998, a rare honor for his collaboration in training young Italian doctors.

Full Obituary

Hans Bisgaard
1955 – 2022

Hans Bisgaard

Hans Bisgaard, a leading figure in childhood asthma research, passed away on September 8, 2022, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking work in pediatric medicine. His research, which led to the development of montelukast and advocated for inhaled corticosteroids in young children, alongside his establishment of the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), revolutionized our understanding of asthma development and prevention, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Full Obituary

Tak Lee
1951 – 2022

Tak Hong Lee

Prof. Tak Hong Lee passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022, surrounded by family at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. His remarkable career spanned three continents, including Boston, London, and Hong Kong, where he dedicated himself to advancing medicine and pioneering research in asthma and allergy. His groundbreaking contributions earned him a CBE appointment by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, reflecting his significant impact on his field.

Full Obituary

Susan MacDonald
2020

Susan M. MacDonald

Susan M. MacDonald, M.D., a pioneering advocate for women in medicine, passed away on September 9, 2020, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and advancement in academia. Her impactful research in immunology and allergy, combined with her leadership in faculty development and dedication to mentorship, continues to inspire generations of faculty members.

Full Obituary

Barry Kay
2020

Barry Kay

Barry Kay, an eminent figure in allergy and immunology, passed away at 81, leaving a legacy of pioneering research and leadership in asthma and allergy mechanisms. Serving as emeritus professor at Imperial College London and co-founding Circassia, he mentored numerous PhD students, co-edited Clinical & Experimental Allergy, and played pivotal advisory roles in allergy-related committees, shaping the field globally.

Full Obituary

The Collegium Internationale Allergologicum gratefully acknowledges the following companies for their support and membership on the CIA Corporate Advisory Council.

Platinum Member

Sanofi Regeneron logo

Gold Member

Blueprint Medicines logo

Silver Member

Om Pharma logo

Bronze Members

Atanis Biotech logoInbio logo

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