13 May, 2025
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) clinical research collaboration (CRC) programme currently supports 28 initiatives covering a variety of respiratory disease and research areas. The aim is to bring together multiple stakeholders, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to advance science and clinical research and improve respiratory health and medicine.
2025 marks 10 years of the EMBARC (European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration) Registry, a resource open to all investigators around Europe caring for patients with bronchiectasis.
EMBARC was one of the first ERS CRCs and is a network which aims to promote clinical research and education in bronchiectasis, through sharing of data, protocols, research ideas and expertise.
The EMBARC Registry currently includes more than 20,000 patients in 31 countries – a unique and invaluable dataset which has led to high impact publications which have changed guidelines and clinical practice.
Prof. James Chalmers co-chair of the EMBARC CRC notes: “10 years in, the EMBARC Registry is an example of the power of collaboration where coordinated networks can bring more attention to a neglected disease and build capacity to improve patient outcomes. The registry has had a major impact on bronchiectasis care and research globally.” Prof. Stefano Aliberti, co-chair of the EMBARC CRC notes “Bronchiectasis is a different disease in 2025 compared to 2015 – with more research, new treatments and better awareness. We are very grateful for all of the partners who have supported us”
Developing the next generation of treatments requires multinational co-operation and co-ordination. Inclusion in the ERS CRC programme has supported the growth of EMBARC’s international disease registry which has enabled the reporting of vital information for the development of precision medicine in bronchiectasis.
Prof. Nicolas Roche, the ERS Science Council Chair, highlights the value of ERS CRCs: “Through the ERS clinical research collaborations programme, networks like EMBARC are able to work with a dynamic scientific community to promote co-operation, data sharing and clinical research in disease areas like bronchiectasis. ERS is proud to support these projects.”
EMBARC has successfully built partnership and raised significant funding from the European Union, industry partners, not-for-profit organisations and national grant funders. All approved CRCs are allocated funding by ERS and are also encouraged to apply for financial support from other funding agencies, including industry, with the aim to secure funding for CRC activities such as research or clinical trials.
Read the latest European Respiratory Journal editorial on the success of the ERS CRC programme.