The RESPIRE-EXCEL project receives award for training future lung health scientists

A project aimed at transforming the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been awarded funding from the European Union’s programme for research and innovation. The funding will allow the project to create a PhD training programme for scientists working in the field of long-term lung conditions. 

RESPIRE-EXCEL, where ELF is a partner alongside ERS and Lungs Europe, aims to transform the care of people with asthma and COPD. By involving patients and professionals, RESPIRE-EXCEL aims to bring in personalised forms of care for these conditions. Traditionally, their treatment has been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach but it is hoped that a new PhD training programme will improve patient outcomes. 

The Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network funding gives €608.6 million to over 160 projects in all scientific fields and the training and skills development of 2,400 doctoral candidates.  

The RESPIRE-EXCEL project will use the funding to: 

• Look at how asthma and COPD begin in the body  

• Find ways to better identify the conditions  

• Support new treatments 

Project Coordinator, Prof. Martijn Nawijn, said “The contributions of ERS, ELF and Lungs Europe are critical for the patient-centered training program of RESPIRE-EXCEL, for securing patient involvement in research projects and for embedding their input in the clinical and professional respiratory community in Europe.” 

Read the press release in full: https://umcgresearch.org/w/major-eu-award-for-training-new-asthma-and-copd-scientists