Q. As Head of Assembly 8, what are you most looking forward to about this year’s Congress?
I am thrilled about this outstanding opportunity for engagement and knowledge exchange with leading experts in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation. Interactivity and networking are particularly relevant in these fields, and the ERS meeting provides an ideal platform to foster both to the fullest extent.
Q. What in your opinion will be the hot topics for thoracic surgery and transplantation?
In the field of thoracic surgery, the focus is on the early diagnosis of lung cancer and innovative surgical techniques for its eradication. In the area of lung transplantation, attention this year is centred on the potential use of novel diagnostic approaches for the early detection of CLAD (chronic lung allograft dysfunction), as well as on the diagnosis and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection.
Q. Tell us your top three picks from the congress programme.
Lung transplantation in 2025: what’s new and on the horizon? because: It is a unique opportunity for updating on clinical topics and on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying post-transplant complications, as well as on novel methodologies to implement a personalized follow-up of transplant recipients.
The night watch: monitoring, surveillance and outcome in post-transplant patients because: It focuses on the clinical and functional management of lung transplant recipients and on the tools available to predict the most common long-term complications.
State of the art session – Lung cancer screening updates: switch gears to move forward because: Aligned with the current focus on the prevention of chronic respiratory diseases, this symposium reviews the most recent evidence on lung cancer screening.
Q. As Secretary of Assembly 8, what are you most looking forward to about this year’s Congress?
I am particularly looking forward to seeing more colleagues coming from different continents and countries such as North Africa, Middle East, South America, Japan involved in our society bringing new research and ideas. I am also looking forward to the networking assembly meeting with the main goal of exchanging ideas and experiences between members from around the world in a relaxing atmosphere. This year we will discuss again with the “working groups” what has been done during the first year, and what are the future projects held by junior and senior members.
Q. What in your opinion will be the hot topics for thoracic surgery and transplantation?
As usual there are excellent abstracts in thoracic surgery and transplantation making it difficult to decide the hot topics. Nevertheless, at least from my point of view the most exciting hot topics are the recent advancement in uniportal and robotic surgery, and changes and evolution of treatment strategies in non-small cell lung cancer including immunotherapy. Furthermore, what is new in lung transplantation and mesothelioma are also very exciting sessions. Overall, all thoracic and transplantation sessions will have many outstanding contributions.
Q. Tell us your top three picks from the congress programme.
29/9/2025 8.30-10.00
State of the art session – Lung cancer screening updates: switch gears to move forward
This session aims to analyse best practices and pitfalls in lung cancer screening programmes worldwide; to assess existing experience and troubleshooting for the pragmatic implementation of lung cancer screening programmes in a real clinical setting.
30/9/2025 15.30-17.00
Hot topic – 9th TNM edition in thoracic oncology staging: moving beyond boundaries
The TNM system is a universal classification system for the anatomic extent of lung cancer which is fundamental for individual patient care and research. This symposium will help the attendee to familiarise with the 9th TNM Edition in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, mesothelioma and thymic epithelial tumours.
28/9/2025 8.30-10.00
Symposium – Lung transplantation in 2025: what’s new and on the horizon?
Aims: to provide updates in the field of lung transplantation with a focus on recipient selection, donor management, new diagnostic tools and novel therapies.
29/9/2025 10.15-11.45
Aims: real-life clinical difficult cases will be presented and may require differential diagnosis. Clinical cases will be presented by professionals to a panel of experts. A step-by-step approach will be used and discussion encouraged. Interestingly, the panel have no prior knowledge of these cases.
Q. As Early Career Representative of ERS Assembly 8, what are you most looking forward to about this year’s ERS Congress?
As the Early Career Member (ECM) Representative of ERS Assembly 8, I am eagerly looking forward to this year’s ERS Congress as it offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the leading experts and emerging leaders in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation. The Congress serves as a vibrant platform to share cutting-edge research, clinical advancements, and innovative surgical techniques that can directly impact patient outcomes.
For me personally, one of the most exciting aspects is the chance to network with international peers, fostering collaborations that can support my professional growth and contribute to the advancement of our field.
Q. In your opinion, what will be the highlights for ECMs in Assembly 8 during the ERS Congress?
The Congress features a wide range of sessions, including postgraduate courses, symposia, and diverse oral and poster presentations from researchers around the world. These educational programmes provide comprehensive updates covering all aspects of lung transplantation — from patient selection and listing to donor management.
Attendees will also learn about new diagnostic tools and innovative therapies for acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection, as well as advances in managing chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Additionally, there will be the latest developments and discussions on challenging cases in thoracic surgery, offering valuable insights for both clinical practice and research.
ECMs of Assembly 8 will have the opportunity to network with their peers by participating in the Networking Excellence Training (NEXT) programme, where they will develop skills to present their data effectively, either as a poster or an oral presentation. Additionally, the programme features a session called the ‘Science Slam,’ showcasing the best presentations from NEXT.
ECMs from all assemblies are also invited to join the Early Career Member session, which focuses on discussing key aspects of career development in respiratory medicine.
Q. With this in mind, please tell us your top three session or abstract picks from the congress programme and why?
My top 3 sessions:
This session is essential because it highlights the latest advances and emerging technologies in lung transplantation. Staying updated on innovations can help me understand future directions in treatment options and improve patient outcomes. It’s a great way to gain insights into cutting-edge research and clinical practices that will shape the field in the coming years.
Post-transplant care is critical to ensuring long-term success, and this oral presentations’ session focuses on the ongoing monitoring and management of lung transplant recipients in different centres of the world. Understanding new surveillance strategies and how they impact patient outcomes will enhance my ability to support post-transplant patients more effectively and improve their quality of life.
Thoracic surgery remains a complex and rapidly evolving area. This session addresses the current challenges surgeons face, including perioperative management, innovative surgical techniques, and complication prevention. It’s an invaluable opportunity to deepen my knowledge of surgical hurdles and solutions, which is crucial for multidisciplinary collaboration in respiratory care