Prof. Nicolas Roche - ERS Science Council Chair

As ERS Science Council Chair, what are you most looking forward to about this year’s ERS Congress?

The ERS Congress will again represent a unique networking opportunity for researchers from all over the world involved in the respiratory field. A major effort is made to develop aspects related to translational research, which aims to convert results from basic research into practical applications that directly benefit humans.

How important is the theme of this year’s Congress – ‘Respiratory health around the globe’?

‘Respiratory health around the globe’ is a topic of huge relevance: the diversity of environments, healthcare organisations, culture, and a country’s financial situation all have a great impact on respiratory health, which is heavily dependent on many social determinants of health.

These also condition access to healthcare resources and innovations. Making every effort to facilitate equitable access to care is one of our missions.

This year’s theme will provide opportunities to include insights and address issues from all regions of the world, address all ages across the lifespan, and to look beyond individual disciplines to develop global solutions.

What will be the hot topics to look out for at this year’s Congress? 

Many hot topics will be addressed in Amsterdam, covering a wide variety of domains. For me, among the hot topics to stand out will be:

  • The organisation of care (digital health and integrated care, pulmonary embolism response teams, transition care)
  • Global threats to adult and paediatric respiratory health
  • Respiratory infections (inequities, prevention)
  • The 9th TNM edition in thoracic oncology
  • Novel tobacco products

Plus, many others!

What will be the top picks for COPD specialists at this year’s Congress?

As usual, at this year’s Congress there will be a number of great sessions for COPD specialists. However, my top picks will be:

  1. Symposium on type 2 inflammation as a treatable trait (10:15–11:45 CEST, Monday 29 September)
  2. The Highlights from JAMA session (13:45–15:15 CEST, Monday 29 September) which will feature presentations of PPV and HFNOT for severe acute exacerbations
  3. Mini-symposium on cohort studies to understand structural and immunological determinants of early disease (10:15–11:45 CEST, Sunday 28 September)

Of course, there will also be many other outstanding sessions updating participants on innovations and progress, including presentations of original research results in the field.

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