In an interview at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) 2026 Congress, Aspasia Karavelia, Chair of the Junior Members Assembly (JMA), outlined initiatives to integrate early-career clinicians and researchers into the academy's leadership. The JMA, representing members under 35 or in training, aims to foster mentorship and networking opportunities.
Karavelia emphasized the importance of involving junior members in decision-making processes, such as contributing to scientific programs and policy development. She noted that the JMA organizes workshops, webinars, and travel grants to support career progression in allergy and clinical immunology.
According to EAACI's official website, the JMA has over 2,000 members across Europe. Karavelia highlighted a new mentorship program pairing junior members with senior experts, launched at the 2026 congress. She also stressed the need for diversity and inclusion in research, encouraging junior members to present their work at the annual meeting.
The interview, conducted on July 20, 2026, reflects EAACI's commitment to nurturing the next generation of specialists. Karavelia called for increased funding for early-career research and urged institutions to recognize the value of junior contributions to the field.
