The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress is one of the largest and most important lung health research conferences where tomorrow’s breakthroughs come into view and fresh ideas emerge. It brings together researchers, clinicians, charities and people living with lung conditions from across the world.
This year in Barcelona, our Research + Innovation team came away inspired by both the science being presented and the ambition driving it. Here are the moments that stood out.
Looking beyond slowing disease progression
For many years, respiratory research has focused on helping people manage symptoms and slowing the progression of lung conditions. While these goals remain essential, one of the most exciting themes at ERS 2026 focused on how progress is increasingly measured not only by clinical outcomes, but by how people feel and live with their condition every day.
A real-step change in pulmonary fibrosis research
In pulmonary fibrosis, researchers showcased how new approaches to treatment could improve quality of life and reduce symptoms for people living with lung scarring. Research presented at the congress explored questions like:
- Could treatment begin earlier?
- Can treatments be combined to make them more effective?
- Can existing medicines be redesigned to make them better and kinder for people taking them?
- How can challenging symptoms, like chronic cough, be approached differently?
People living with lung conditions involved in developing the Lung Research Grand Challenges were unrelenting in their call for new treatments that can actually reverse the progression of conditions like pulmonary fibrosis. The research presented and discussions taking place at this year's ERS Congress on pulmonary fibrosis were a real step-change in how far research in this field has come. There's real hope that disease-modifying drugs and curative therapies are on the horizon.
A growing focus on people’s experience with lung conditions
One presentation that particularly resonated with Gemma Dasent, Senior Research Involvement Officer, wasn't focused on a new drug or technology, it was focused on how people experienced their care.
Researchers highlighted evidence suggesting that people with lung conditions and healthcare professionals can sometimes leave appointments with very different understandings of the same conversation. The findings reinforced the importance of clear communication, shared decision-making and ensuring that people living with lung conditions feel informed and empowered in their care.
“This conference highlighted that while scientific advances are critical, improving healthcare experiences can be just as important and transformative for how people live and live well with their lung condition”.
A bold ambition to cure, not just treat
Perhaps the most striking message from this year's congress was a change in the language being used across respiratory research.
Krisnah Poinasamy, Head of Research & Innovation Advocacy, noted the increasing conversation around achieving ‘remission’.
"It's a phrase that is naturally associated with cancer. It’s very different to stability or helping people manage their condition. The long-term goal is curing someone’s lung condition."
There is still a long journey ahead, but the shift in mindset is significant.
"I've never seen the research community so boldly state, this is the goal. And if they're all working towards this ambitious goal, there is hope."
Breakthroughs happen beyond silos
The ERS Congress continues to play a vital role in accelerating progress in respiratory health. It creates space for researchers to come together, find ways of collaborating, and break down the silos that can keep research from making the progress it works so hard to achieve for people living with lung conditions.
The optimism at this year’s congress was infectious. My biggest highlight was watching the future of lung research developing in real time. The ERS Congress provides the oxygen that fuels lung research progress. It's where new breakthroughs are recognised and shared, key collaborations are formed and the next big ideas in lung health are born.
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