Aspergillosis PAG activities


PAGs are set up to contribute to ELF and ERS priority-setting, and input into projects such as Task Forces and Clinical Research Collaborations (CRCs). PAGs may also contribute to other initiatives such as EU projects and ERS assemblies. Some PAGs may initiate their own patient-driven projects.

The Aspergillosis PAG was set up in 2020 when ELF got involved in a new research collaboration. Learn more about their activities here:

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress

The annual ERS Congress can provide a number of opportunities for ELF PAGs. Aspergillosis PAG members have played an important role in ensuring that patients have a platform and a voice at the event and some have represented their organisations at our annual Patient Organisation Networking Day.


Contributing to ELF resources on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Contributing to ELF resources on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Contributing to ELF resources on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) happens when people overuse medications used to fight the bugs that cause many common diseases.

 

Members of the Aspergillosis PAG helped to produce a new resource on AMR in 2023, which discusses who it affects, how it occurs and what can be done to prevent it.

 

Learn more.


CPAnet
CPAnet

CPAnet

The Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Network (CPAnet) is a multinational research collaboration which aims to promote research around the condition.

 

Members of the Aspergillosis PAG work alongside scientists and healthcare professionals within this group to improve diagnosis and care for aspergillosis. The PAG are involved in setting research priorities and in identifying information and education gaps for patients and healthcare professionals.

 

Learn more.


Meet the Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group


The Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group (PAG) brings together people from across Europe who are living with aspergillosis and related lung conditions. Using their lived experience, members help shape research, educational resources and awareness activities, ensuring the patient perspective is represented in projects that aim to improve care and quality of life.

Lisa McNeil - profile image
Lisa McNeil

Lisa lives with bronchiectasis and Aspergillus bronchitis and is Co-Founder and Chair of the Aspergillosis Trust. Since retiring from a career in project management, she has dedicated her time to advocating for people affected by fungal lung disease, helping to ensure patient perspectives are represented in research, awareness and healthcare initiatives.


Martijn Oversteegen - profile image
Martijn Oversteegen

Martijn lives in the Netherlands and was diagnosed with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) after many years of living with asthma. Drawing on his experiences as a patient and his background in project management and STEM education, he joined the ELF Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group to raise awareness of aspergillosis and support others affected by fungal lung disease.


Pierre de Villiers - profile image
Pierre de Villiers

Pierre lives in the United Kingdom and was diagnosed with COPD in 2014 and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) in 2022. He joined the ELF Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group in 2025 and is passionate about increasing awareness of CPA and ensuring the experiences of people living with aspergillosis are heard and represented.


Marcela Candeias - profile image
Marcela Candeias

Marcela lives in Portugal and was diagnosed with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in 2022 following a long journey to diagnosis. Through her involvement in patient support networks and the ELF Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group, she is committed to raising awareness of aspergillosis and improving understanding of the challenges faced by people living with rare fungal lung diseases.


Tom Bermingham - profile image
Tom Bermingham

Tom lives in southeast Ireland and was diagnosed with aspergillosis, bronchiectasis and severe adult-onset asthma after a lengthy diagnostic process. He joined the ELF Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group in 2025 and is dedicated to raising awareness of fungal lung diseases, supporting fellow patients and helping improve understanding among healthcare professionals and the wider public.


Pamela Smith - profile image
Pamela Smith

Pamela lives in Scotland and has lived with asthma and allergies since infancy. She was diagnosed with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in 2014 after experiencing recurring chest infections and worsening symptoms. Through sharing her experiences, she hopes to raise awareness of aspergillosis and the impact it can have on daily life.