2 March, 2026
Registration and abstract submission are now open for the first ERS Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Conference, which will take place from 23–24 October, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain (and online).
The event is designed to bring together clinicians, scientists, and patient representatives to review current knowledge, update on the latest scientific findings, and explore future opportunities to improve research and care for individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
The ERS Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Conference, held in partnership with the ERS Clinical Research Collaboration (CRC) EARCO, will explore a number of key topics, such as:
- Relevance of circulating polymers of AAT
- Pathogenicity of rare AAT variants
- AATD-associated liver disease for pulmonologists
- New research advances from the ERS CRC EARCO
- Strategies for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with AATD
- Clinical phenotypes and heterogeneity in Alpha-1
- New modalities of treatment for AATD
Medical professionals encouraged to submit abstracts
In particular, ERS encourages abstract submissions from respiratory professionals who have an interest in AATD. However, the care of AATD patients often intersects with other specialist areas, so ERS also encourages professionals working in other medical disciplines to submit their work for presentation in order to cover broader insights.
The abstract submission deadline is 23:59 CET on 20 April, 2026.
If selected to be part of the conference’s scientific and educational programme, clinicians and researchers will have the opportunity to present their work in the form of posters that will be discussed during the event’s plenary sessions. A small number of abstracts will also be chosen for oral presentation.
Dr Marc Miravitlles, ERS President Elect and #ERSAlpha1 2026 Co-Chair said:
“We are delighted to be launching the first ERS Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Conference, which will update healthcare professionals on the latest advances in AATD biology and clinical care, while also promoting collaboration between clinicians and scientists.
“The conference will strengthen understanding of AATD-related liver disease in respiratory practice, and in line with the renewed ERS strategy, it will also emphasise the importance of patient experience and engagement in research.
“The event will be of interest to healthcare professionals and researchers of all career stages, particularly early-career professionals. I look forward to the fascinating insights and enlightening discussion that this new ERS event will provide.”
Learn more about the ERS Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Conference 2026.