European Lung Foundation
Close
Close
European Lung Foundation
European Lung Foundation

Home » Patient priorities for the ERS Congress 2026 revealed

News

Patient priorities for the ERS Congress 2026 revealed

Insights from patients, carers, and organisations highlight the topics they want explored at the ERS Congress 2026. 

28/11/2025

Earlier this year, ELF ran a survey to find out which topics matter most to people living with lung conditions. Most responses came from our network of patients, carers and patient organisations. The findings have now been compiled into a report, outlining the key priorities for the ERS Congress 2026 which will take place in Barcelona with the theme “United for Better Breathing: Partnership Between Patients, Clinicians and Researchers.”

What patients told us 

The survey highlighted several clear themes. The most frequently mentioned priorities for general lung health included: 

  • strengthening patient partnership 
  • addressing environmental factors 
  • supporting rehabilitation and self-management, and  
  • improving access and equity in respiratory care.  

For specific lung conditions, respondents emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, personalised and multidisciplinary care, access to new therapies and improved clinician awareness across conditions such as COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and others. 

Read the full report
 

What happens next?

Thank you to all participants who took the time to share their feedback with us.  These insights will inform the development of the scientific programme for ERS Congress 2026. ELF will work closely with session developers, ERS assemblies and professional networks to reflect the priorities highlighted by the survey.

How to get involved 

If you did not take part in the survey, there are still opportunities to contribute. 

ELF is developing patient-centred sessions for the Congress and will soon begin looking for patient chairs, speakers and testimonials. If you are interested in sharing your experience, email info@europeanlung.org. 

The European Respiratory Society will be accepting proposals for ‘Hot Topic’ sessions from 15 December until 11 March 2026. Both professionals and patient organisations are invited to submit their ideas. Learn more.  

To keep up to date with regular opportunities and events, subscribe to the ELF newsletters: https://europeanlung.org/en/news/newsletters/ 

ELF is a non-profit organisation registered as a UK company (VAT no. GB 115 0027 74) and charity (no. 1118930).
Our Brussels office enterprise number is 0738.383.695
European Lung Foundation's TR ID number in the Transparency Register is: 094039644810-79