The search begins for the next ELF Chair 2026–2029

The European Lung Foundation (ELF) is inviting applications for the role of Chair for the 2026 to 2029 term. This position offers the opportunity to shape patient involvement, advocate for lung health across Europe and guide ELF’s educational and awareness initiatives.

The ELF Chair plays an important role in defining the vision for respiratory patients in Europe. The Chair leads the organisation and its partners, strengthens ELF’s relationship with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and represents the needs of patients and patient organisations to the public and policymakers.

We look forward to welcoming another Chair who is prepared to make a positive impact on respiratory health in Europe for the next 3 years.

• Are you, or do you know someone who is, passionate about public and patient involvement, interested in patient education, able to engage in advocacy at the European level and motivated to raise awareness about lung health?
• Have you been involved in ELF activities and would like to take on a leadership role?

All candidates for the ELF Chair 2026–2029 should be a patient or someone with lived experience of a lung condition. They should be a team player, prepared for some travel and ready to be part of the ERS leadership representing the patient community.

For more information about the role, responsibilities and application process, please contact Dimitris Kontopidis, current ELF Chair, or Pippa Powell, ELF Director, at info@europeanlung.org

Applications are open until 1 November 2025. All applications will be reviewed, a shortlist will be made and one-to-one interviews will be held in December 2025. The new Chair will enter a transition period in January 2026 before officially assuming the role in September 2026.

We are excited to meet our next Chair – could it be you?