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The CIA is honored to remember the following distinguished members who have passed away since the 2018 Biennial Symposium.
Samuel Lehrer
1943 - 2025
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Dr. Samuel Bruce Lehrer was a pioneering immunologist whose research advanced understanding of food and environmental allergens. He made seminal contributions to IgE-mediated responses, particularly to seafood and other environmental triggers, improving diagnosis and risk assessment for allergic patients. Over a four-decade career, he authored more than 190 publications, including influential work on genetic modification of allergens and the use of animal models to predict human allergenicity. His scholarship and mentorship at Tulane School of Medicine shaped generations of allergy and immunology researchers.
Full Obituary
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Ann Marie Dvorak
1938 - 2025
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Dr. Ann Marie Dvorak was a trailblazer in allergy and inflammatory cell research. Her groundbreaking work revealed that basophils and mast cells can release their contents gradually via a unique "piece-meal" process, distinct from the explosive release in anaphylaxis. She also identified the vesiculo-vacuolar organelle (VVO) in endothelial cells, uncovering its critical role in protein extravasation and angiogenesis. With over 400 publications and several influential books, her research advanced our understanding of cellular mechanisms in allergy and inflammation.
Full Obituary
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Marcus Maurer
1966 - 2024
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Prof. Marcus Maurer, a pioneering clinical allergist and CIA Council Member at the time of his passing, was a world-renowned researcher in mast cells, urticaria, and angioedema. He authored over 800 publications, 50 books and chapters, and led more than 100 funded projects. Prof. Maurer served as Executive Director of the Institute of Allergology at Charité University Medicine Berlin, Co-Director of the Institute of Immunology and Allergology at Fraunhofer ITMP, and Professor of Dermatology and Allergy. His work transformed patient care worldwide, and he will be deeply missed by colleagues, collaborators, and patients alike.
The global allergy and immunology community will forever be indebted to his unparalleled contributions.
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Masaru Taniguchi
1940 – 2024
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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
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Jordan N. Fink
1935 – 2024
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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
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Toshinori Nakayama
1958 – 2023
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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
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K. Frank Austen
1928 – 2023
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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
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John Bienenstock
1936 – 2022
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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
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Lawrence Mark Lichtenstein
1934 - 2022
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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
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Hans Bisgaard
1955 – 2022
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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
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Tak Lee
1951 – 2022
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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
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Susan MacDonald
2020
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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
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Barry Kay
2020
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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
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