We were founded in 1968 by Dr Harry Morrow Brown to undertake and fund research into the causes of asthma and allergy.

• Dr Morrow Brown pioneered the first modern treatments for asthma using inhaled steroids
• As a result of research and clinical trials at MAARA headed by Dr Morrow Brown, Becotide was first successfully marketed in 1972 and has since revolutionised the treatment of asthma
• MAARA developed the first standardised prick test needle which is now marketed as the Allersharp needle
• Data collected by the Aerobiology department is used to forecast pollen levels for hayfever sufferers and is used by the media and press. The MAARA data has also been used in collaborations with research institutions on an international scale
• In 1989 MAARA tested a spray, Flixonase for the nose which proved to be extremely effective in the treatment of a runny nose, a blocked nose, nasal itching and sneezing.  The success of this spray is now well proven and GPs continue to prescribe it to this day

MAARA’s work now is as important as it has ever been. In addition to funding research, it is are committed to raising the profile of asthma and allergy conditions, which have seen a significant increase in recent years, as we are aware that the field of allergy receives neither the level of importance nor recognition it so richly deserves. We are also only too aware that many, including health professionals, have a limited knowledge of this branch of medicine.

As a charity, MAARA needs to be run in accordance with rules from the Charity Commission, who recommend that a committee be used to regulate a Charity’s operations.

The MAARA Executive Committee is responsible for decisions regarding our day to day running and for ratifying major financial decisions. Without their input the charity could not function. We are fortunate to have committee members from all backgrounds, medical specialists, business-people, technical experts and those who have experience of asthma and allergy either personally or from a family member.

The photographs below allow names to be put to the faces of our committee!

The Harry Morrow-Brown travel fellowship (HMBTF) was launched in memory of the founder of MAARA. This fellowship  offers researchers an opportunity to travel to a national or international allergy or asthma conference to present their original work. The fellowship will be awarded annually, and successful applicants can apply for support for travel, accommodation and conference registration fees to a maximum of £5000.00. Applications for the fellowship are now open.

Who is eligible?

The HMBTF is open for application to clinical and research professionals working in or undertaking research in the fields of allergy or asthma.  Applications will be considered from:

1.    Clinical or research professionals based in either Derby or Leicester who are:

2.    Medical doctors below consultant grade;

3.    Nurses and PAMS of all grades; or

4.    Research fellows (below consultant grade).

How to apply?

Applicants must apply to Eva Day at enquiries@maara.org by email with a:

1.    Personal statement (maximum 250 words) supporting your application,

2.    Brief current curriculum vitae (maximum one A4 page),

3.    Covering letter from yourself with details of the conference, travel and accommodation plans,

4.    Copy of proposed abstract, and

5.    Covering letter from Head of Department (or line manager).

Submissions will only be considered where all documents are included with the application.