25 March, 2026
Building on the success of the London International Cough Symposium, the first ERS Cough Conference will take place later this year from 15–17 July in London, United Kingdom (and online).
The conference will gather clinicians and scientists for a review of the latest clinical and research advances, evolving ideas and new approaches to the management of chronic cough. But what do event organisers hope it will achieve?
Organising committee members Dr Stuart Mazzone, Dr Imran Satia, Dr Marta Dabrowska and Prof. Didier Cataldo share their thoughts ahead of the early-bird registration deadline on 31 March.
‘A profound sense of momentum’ – Dr Stuart Mazzone Ph.D – Professor in Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Australia
I’m very excited for the forthcoming ERS Cough Conference 2026 in London and I’m struck by the profound sense of momentum within our discipline.
Chronic cough has long been relegated to the status of a secondary symptom of an underlying disease, but we are approaching a new era where cough is increasingly recognised as a complex, primary clinical entity in its own right.
My personal hope for this meeting is that we move beyond simply sharing data to truly synthesising new ideas and directions forward. I’m confident that the meeting will deliver a ‘bench to clinic to community’ programme, bringing together discovery science, clinical management, and the daily lived reality of those suffering from cough hypersensitivity.
‘Creating a space that fosters deeper knowledge, idea exchange, and understanding of various perspectives’ – Dr Marta Dąbrowska – Clinical Researcher, Medical University of Warsaw
The London International Cough Symposium has a long and meaningful history. I have participated in it three times, and each time I was impressed by both the scientific quality and the friendly, open atmosphere.
I believe that the new format of the ERS Cough Conference 2026 will draw on these valuable experiences and at the same time create a space that fosters deeper knowledge, exchange of ideas, and understanding of perspectives from researchers across different countries.
I am convinced that the atmosphere will encourage scientific collaboration, prompt important questions to experts, and identify areas that require further research in the field of chronic cough.
I would like to encourage early‑career researchers to attend this conference and experience this unique scientific atmosphere, which can undoubtedly help them advance their careers.
I also believe that the presence of patients at the ERS Cough Conference will allow healthcare professionals to better understand patients’ perspectives and the burden of living with chronic cough, while giving patients an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and receive answers to their questions.
‘An important milestone for the field’ – Prof. Imran Satia – Canada Research Chair in Chronic Cough, Associate Professor at McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
The inaugural ERS Cough Conference marks an important milestone for the field, reflecting the growing scientific and clinical interest in cough as a distinct area of respiratory medicine.
We have seen a record number of abstract submissions, highlighting both the momentum and depth of ongoing research, and have selected ten outstanding studies for oral presentation.
My hope is that this meeting will provide a focused platform to showcase high-quality science, foster collaboration across disciplines, and accelerate progress in understanding disease mechanisms, refining clinical trials, and developing effective therapies for patients with chronic cough.
‘Help to shape the future of cough research and care’ – Prof. Didier Cataldo – Pulmonary Physician, University of Liège, Belgium; ERS Conferences and Seminars Director
Chronic cough is no longer just a symptom—it is a disease in its own right.
I encourage respiratory professionals of all seniorities – particularly early-career professionals – to join leading experts in London for the ERS Cough Conference 2026. The event will explore cutting-edge science, from mechanisms and assessment to innovative therapies.
Be part of the conversations that shape the future of cough research and patient care.