ELF’s 11th Patient Organisation Networking Day brought together more than 220 patients, carers, healthcare professionals, researchers and patient representatives from across Europe to share experiences, build connections and explore how partnership can improve healthcare, research and advocacy.
Held on 5 September 2026 in Barcelona and online, the event focused on the theme “Dismantling the divide: patients and professionals as one team“.
The discussions reflected a growing emphasis on patient involvement at the ERS Congress 2026, where patients contributed to more sessions than ever before. It also set the tone for a day centred on collaboration, shared learning and practical discussions about how patients and professionals can work more effectively together.
Held at the Fira Gran Via conference centre, the event welcomed 117 participants from 21 countries in person, while a further 103 people from 36 countries joined online, highlighting widespread interest in strengthening collaboration between patient organisations, healthcare professionals and researchers.
The day began with networking sessions, allowing attendees to meet one another and learn more about the work taking place across Europe. Outgoing ELF Chair Dimitris Kontopidis officially opened the event, welcoming both in-person and online participants.
The morning session was chaired by Stefano Pavanello, President of the Union of Lung Transplant Patients of Padua, Italy, and Eleonora Volpato, Associate Research Fellow at KU Leuven and the University of Graz.
Attendees heard contributions from the outgoing and incoming ERS Presidents, alongside videos celebrating the 2026 ELF Award winner and showcasing examples of successful partnership between patients and professionals.
A keynote discussion featuring Eliza Kompatsiari and Professor James Chalmers, co-chair of the EMBARC CRC, focused on collaboration in bronchiectasis research, clinical guidelines and patient care. Drawing on their experience of working together on projects and initiatives, they explored how long-term partnerships can strengthen research, improve guidance and help ensure that work remains focused on issues that matter to people living with lung conditions.
The discussion continued through a panel session and audience Q&A, where participants explored both the opportunities and challenges of building effective partnerships. They were joined by Jean-Michel Fourrier from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association France, Éric Salone of Association Josiane Salone, Everyone United Against COPD, and Michael Kreuter from Mainz University Center and Marienhaus Clinic Mainz.
The afternoon session, chaired by Carlos Pons from the Respiralia Foundation and Hilary Pinnock, Chair of the ERS Education Council, focused on practical examples of how patient organisations are helping shape research, influence policy and support their communities.
Participants also heard updates from across the respiratory community, including a report from Debra Montague of Lung Cancer Europe on discussions taking place during Primary Care Day at the ERS Congress.
A second panel discussion brought together perspectives from across Europe, highlighting common challenges as well as opportunities to strengthen collaboration between patients and professionals.
One of the most interactive parts of the programme saw participants work together in small groups to identify barriers to partnership and develop practical solutions. Discussions explored communication, shared decision-making, patient involvement in research and how patients can contribute throughout the design and delivery of healthcare. Key ideas and recommendations were captured on an interactive online map to help continue the conversation beyond the event.
The key messages from the breakout groups were brought together during the final plenary session, giving participants the opportunity to reflect on the discussions and identify common themes.
The event concluded with an important moment for ELF as Dimitris Kontopidis formally handed over the role of ELF Chair to Phil Taverner, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation.
Throughout the day, one message remained clear: meaningful partnership works best when patients and professionals learn from one another, share expertise and shape solutions together. By bringing together people from across Europe with different experiences and perspectives, the ELF Patient Organisation Networking Day turned the theme of “one team” into a practical reality.
Watch the full recording to hear the conversations, ideas and experiences shared by participants from across Europe.
