At the 5th Congress of Allergologists and Clinical Immunologists of Serbia, two leading Imptox scientists and a member of the advisory board shared cutting-edge insights on AI in allergy diagnosis, the microbiome, and the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on health.

The congress, held from October 31st to November 2^nd, 2024 at the Sava Centar in Belgrade, served as a hub for experts in allergology and clinical immunology from across Europe. Organized by the Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists of Serbia (UAKIS) and led by Prof. Dr. Marina Atanasković Marković, the congress brought together doctors, allergists, pediatricians, and interdisciplinary specialists to share advances in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in both children and adults. This international gathering provided a platform to advance knowledge, enhance medical practices, and reinforce the shared mission of improving patient well-being and quality of life.

The conference welcomed two distinguished scientists and an advisory board member from Imptox - Prof. Tanja Ćirković Veličković , Imptox Project Coordinator from the University of Belgrade; Prof. Mirjana Turkalj, Imptox Scientist from the Srebrnjak Children’s Hospital; and Prof. Adnan Čustović, a member of the Imptox Advisory Board from Imperial College London. On October 31st, Prof. Čustović and Prof. Turkalj took to the stage with plenary lectures that captured the attention of fellow scientists and clinicians. Prof. Čustović opened with an insightful lecture on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in allergy diagnosis, highlighting how AI technology can help doctors identify allergies more accurately and efficiently - a leap forward for allergy sufferers. Following him, Prof. Turkalj presented her work on the role of the microbiome, the community of microorganisms in our bodies, in atopic diseases, conditions marked by heightened immune responses to common allergens.

Later that afternoon, Prof. Ćirković Veličković (on the left) co-chaired a symposium on Basic Immunology, where she shared her expertise on the topic of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in food and the environment. Her lecture focused on the potential health impacts of MNPs, exploring how tiny plastic particles found in the air we breathe and the food we consume might have unforeseen effects on our health. As the coordinator of Imptox, Prof. Ćirković Veličković connected her findings with the project’s broader goal: to investigate whether exposure to MNPs could cause or worsen allergic diseases. Amid these discussions, Imptox’s research is particularly relevant, as it aims to determine if MNPs might trigger immune responses in ways we are only beginning to understand.

This congress was a powerful moment of exchange and collaboration among experts dedicated to tackling allergic diseases and improving diagnostic and therapeutic methods. For Imptox scientists, it was also a chance to emphasize the importance of environmental factors - such as MNP exposure - in allergy research, contributing to a deeper understanding of potential triggers. With presentations on pioneering topics and active participation in key discussions, Imptox’s presence in Belgrade added valuable insights to the field of allergy research.

For more details on the congress, you can visit the official conference page and view the complete agenda.