The ERS Translational Science Initiative

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Translational Science Initiative aims to integrate scientific findings from the bench side into the clinic – and vice versa – through a number of ERS-led activities. Here you can find out more about this initiative and related activities.

Why is this initiative important?

Translational science is about ensuring communication between clinicians and basic scientists to benefit both sides. Research from the bench side needs to be translated to the clinic, and vice versa. Interactions between basic and clinical scientists are essential for this; it is important to learn and understand each other’s language.

ERS is perfectly placed to enable this communication; the ERS membership includes many basic, translational and clinical scientists working in lung research, and practitioners taking care of patients with lung diseases.

Background to the ERS Translational Science Initiative

What do we mean by translational science?

Translational science can be defined as the process that integrates fundamental respiratory research with clinical science to achieve impact on the quality of life of patients by disease prevention and (personalised) medicine. It is also about then being able to translate results from clinical practice back to the bench side.

How does it work? 

A cross-assembly Translational Science Initiative Working Group is facilitating the initiative and integrating it into ERS activity. Each ERS assembly has the chance to contribute.

This initiative prioritises resources to better support translational science, as well as provide a much-needed space for those groups to meet and discuss their issues, address any gaps and get new ideas, ultimately to develop new activities and initiatives.

Can ERS members who are not assigned to the Translational Science Initiative Working Group get involved?

Anybody with an interest in translational science who would like to play a role in this initiative can do so. The Translational Science Initiative Working Group welcomes contributions from all members who have an interest in basic science, so that they can play a part in the group’s conversations and to see how clinical scientists can be more involved in ERS basic science and research activity.

ERS members should contact their assembly representative, reach out directly to the project lead Prof. Didier Cataldo (ERS Conference and Research Seminars Director) or email the ERS Scientific Team to discuss ideas in more detail.

Early career members can contribute by contacting the Early Career Members Committee.

The ERS Translational Science Initiative - an overview

Hear from past officers originally involved in the ERS Translational Science Initiative

Project leaders

The core working group and project leaders for the ERS Translational Science Initiative.

Didier Cataldo - profile image
Didier Cataldo
Conference and Seminars Director

Associated ERS activities and events