24 February, 2026
The 24th ERS Lung Science Conference (LSC) is less than a month away (19–22 March, 2026 in Estoril, Portugal and online). Though the conference is suitable for respiratory professionals of all career stages, it is particularly suited to early-career professionals.
What makes it the perfect event for those in the early stages of their career in respiratory science? Have a read of our guide, with advice from LSC 2026 Programme Coordinator Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee.
Present and discuss your work with peers and experts
The ERS Lung Science Conference provides you with direct contact with experts in the field of respiratory research – giving you a great opportunity for face-to-face interaction and to receive feedback on your findings. The event’s networking opportunities also provide you with a chance to make crucial connections that could benefit your future career.
“The Lung Science Conference gives early-career researchers real access to established scientists. It’s not just about presenting your data, it’s about meaningful discussions that move your research forward. Multi-omics research offers powerful insights, but collaboration between basic and clinical scientists is what turns those insights into better patient care.”
– Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee
Networking and social events
As mentioned previously, the LSC encourages respiratory professionals of all career stages to make new connections and grow their network of contacts in the respiratory field. The conference format helps to facilitate this – networking opportunities take place after each of the event’s sessions, and three poster sessions help to provide opportunities for discussion and knowledge exchange.
In addition, the LSC is known for its informal social opportunities – which can be just as valuable for early-career professionals as the designated times for networking within the programme itself.
“Collaborations often start with an informal conversation. The LSC creates the space where those conversations happen naturally.”
– Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee
Activities dedicated to early-career professionals
Each year, the LSC programme includes activities that are designed for early-career delegates – particularly the early-career delegates session, which is among the highlights of the conference programme.
This year’s session – entitled ‘Early-career delegates session: How to make yourself visible in the field of respiratory medicine’ will take place at 16:00 WET on Saturday 21 March. It will feature a number of insightful oral presentations covering topics such as:
- why it’s important to be noticed;
- session chairing and moderating;
- how to improve your publications/funding loop;
- the different paths to set yourself up for success;
- how to engage with ERS to boost your visibility.
The session will end with a panel discussion, and will be followed by a pre-dinner talk from programme coordinator Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee, the LSC’s annual awards ceremony, and a dinner for all delegates.
“Building visibility in respiratory medicine takes strategy. Our early-career session offers practical guidance you can immediately apply.”
Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee
The size of the LSC
The size of the LSC (around 200 onsite participants) makes it far less imposing for those in the early stages of their careers than other, much larger events such as the ERS Congress. This in itself provides a great platform for you to build your confidence in presenting and discussing your findings in front of a global audience. Also, the smaller capacity means that by the end of the conference, you’ll feel as though you have met and spoken to all of your fellow delegates!
“With around 200 participants, the LSC is large enough to inspire you and small enough to make you feel part of the community.”
Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee
The conference format
At the LSC, all sessions happen one after the other – as opposed to in parallel – meaning you won’t miss anything. You can attend as many sessions as you would like to – and as replays of all sessions aside from the poster sessions will be available after the event, you can also recap on anything you’d like to revisit later on.
“Because we don’t run parallel sessions, everyone shares the same discussions and no one feels they’re missing out.”
– Prof. Anke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee
Book your place at the ERS Lung Science Conference 2026.
View the conference programme.
Got a question? Contact the ERS Programme Team.