The EAACI Declaration of Salamanca: A European Roadmap for Strengthening Undergraduate Medical Education in Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Allergic diseases are among the most prevalent chronic conditions in Europe, yet undergraduate medical curricula lack structured Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ACI) teaching. Moreover, desite advances in specialist education, postgraduate university training varies due to differences in specialty recognition, regulatory frameworks, and the implementation of the European Training Requirements. These disparities contribute to inconsistent physician competencies, limited academic visibility of the specialty, and unequal access to high‐quality allergy care. This Position Paper, developed within the framework of the Declaration of Salamanca, analyses the current educational landscape, identifies the main barriers to integrating ACI into medical education, and proposes a strategic roadmap for future development. Evidence from an EAACI‐led European survey, published studies, and expert consensus demonstrates substantial variability in undergraduate curricula, limited academic representation of allergists, fragmented integration of basic immunology and clinical allergy, and challenges in educational innovation, including digital learning and artificial intelligence. The Declaration of Salamanca advocates a coordinated European strategy focused on strengthening undergraduate curricula, increasing ACI's academic presence, promoting closer integration between basic immunology and clinical practice, fostering educational innovation, and enhancing collaboration among universities, scientific societies, accreditation bodies, policymakers, and patient organizations. While responsibility for university curricula and specialty recognition remains with national authorities, the EAACI and National Allergy and Immunology Societies, in partnership with patient organizations, can provide scientific leadership, develop educational standards, and advocate for harmonised approaches. The Declaration of Salamanca offers a practical framework to improve the quality, consistency, and sustainability of ACI education across Europe.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Allergy, 2026 · DOI ↗