Founded in Bolzano in 2023, on a warm September day, the Anton Schär Foundation aims to contribute to scientific culture by initiating projects and initiatives to support research in the field of special nutrition, helping to improve the lives of people with special nutritional needs. At the same time, it supports cultural and social initiatives that reflect its values, contributing to the collective wellbeing, seeing this commitment not only as a duty but also as a key opportunity for growth.

The founding members are Gudrun Ladurner, Esther Ausserhofer and the company Dr. Schär, represented by President Ulrich Ladurner. The board of directors is represented by Ulrich Ladurner, Veronika Wieser and Jacqueline Pante.

The Foundation is active in translating its goals into concrete actions that enrich both the scientific sphere and the community at large.
Gastrointestinal diseases

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Medizinische Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie

 

Through the donation of a flow cytometer, the Foundation supports the clinical practice of the Gastroenterology Center. This sophisticated device enables the rapid and reliable diagnosis of refractory celiac disease and enteropathies, debilitating gastrointestinal diseases that are often misdiagnosed and therefore not adequately treated, resulting in a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

 

The collaboration started in 2023.

 

Project leader: PD Dr. med. Michael Schumann.

Ketogenic diet

Westfälischen Wilhelmsuniversität Münster

 

Thanks to the support of a grant for a research assistant, a multi-year project dedicated to the improvement of the ketogenic medium-chain oil (MCT)-based diet was launched in 2023.

 

The research areas are:

  • Improving the tolerability of MCTs;
  • Analyzing the ketogenic potential of medium-chain fatty acids;
  • Constant monitoring of ketosis;
  • Physiology of MCT absorption and transport.

 

Project Leader: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Thorsten Marquardt

 

Ketogenic diet

Kompetenzzentrum für Ernährung & Therapie (NuT) FH Münster

 

Multi-year research project to establish a center of excellence for the development and application of the ketogenic diet.

The research strands aim to investigate potential critical nutritional states of the ketogenic diet in children, adolescents and adults, as well as the efficacy and adherence of a long-term ketogenic diet regime.

 

The collaboration, which began in 2023, also involves scientific and public outreach activities, as well as the development of informational materials for counsellors and patients.

 

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Tobias Fischer

Gluten related disorder

Royal Hallamshire Hospital - NHS England National Centre for Refractory Celiac Disease. Sheffield and the The University of Sheffield with The Academic Unit of Gastroenterology

 

A research project, launched in 2024, is investigating the potential inflammatory role of gliadins in celiac individuals. The study aims to explore the hypothesis that gluten consumption may contribute to the development of other autoimmune diseases.

 

Project leader: Professor of Gastroenterology David Sander

Valorization of samh seeds

Freie Universität Berlin

 

The project aims to promote and revitalize the cultivation of samh seeds among Bedouin communities in Jordan.

 

The steps include:

  • Assessing the potential to revive the limited local Bedouin skills related to the development and initial processing of wild samh
  • Mapping wild samh populations in South Jordan
  • Strengthening the cultural identity of local Bedouin communities
  • Setting up interest groups to promote sustainable samh cultivation

 

Project leader Prof. Dr. Hans Georg Gebel

Gluten-free diet and pregnancy

Centro di riferimento per la Prevenzione e la Diagnosi della malattia celiaca, Clinica Mangiagalli, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano

 

Available guidelines do not provide an evidence-based approach for determining the appropriate intake and nutrient requirements for pregnant women with Celiac Disease.

 

The Celiac Disease Center leads a multi-centre, international working group with the aim of identifying a scientifically validated pathway to ensure the correct nutritional requirements are met, from the pre-conception period, through pregnancy, to post-partum and breastfeeding, in order to maintain the health of the woman and the fetus.

 

The collaboration with the Foundation, which began in November 2024, aims to develop an international position paper by the end of 2025.

 

Project Leader: Dr. Luca Elli Medico Gastroenterologo

 

South Tyrol is the place where German and Italian culture meet and inspire one another. An identity that is based on solid roots, which must be protected and promoted.

The Anton Schär Foundation, aligned with Dr. Schär’s corporate mission, is committed to supporting local communities as well as art and sports associations in the region to uphold this heritage.
Schär The Art

In partnership with Mairania 857 and 00A association - Merano

A series of exhibitions and related talks with authors’ to promote local artists and strengthen employees’ connections with South Tyrolean culture.

 

Eduard Habicher, an internationally-renowned artist from Malles (Val Venosta- South Tyrol)

 

May 2024: Inauguration of the ‘Arkitektur rot’ and ‘Movi-mento’ sculptures, installed on the perimeter of the Dr. Schär headquarters, and organization of ‘Schär the Art - Doppia l(i)evitazione’, a dialogue between the artist and art critic Marco Tonelli

Schär The Art

In partnership with Mairania 857 and 00A association - Merano

 

Karin Schmuck, an artist born in Bolzano and internationally known

 

September 2024: Inauguration of the Dreamers photo exhibition at the Dr. Schär Headquarters and meeting with the author, Nicola Morandini - vice-president of the 00A association - and the psychiatrist Giorgio Vallazza to explore the world of sleep and dreams