11 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS), the leading organization for respiratory medicine in Europe, has officially launched its search for a new Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee. This pivotal leadership role, which oversees the society’s strategic approach to nicotine addiction, smoking cessation, and legislative advocacy, is now open for applications for the 2026–2029 term.
As the continent continues to grapple with the multifaceted health crises posed by combustible tobacco and the rapid emergence of novel nicotine delivery systems, the ERS is seeking a visionary leader to steer its policy-making influence. The position, while voluntary, serves as a cornerstone of the society’s commitment to lung health and disease prevention.
Main Facts: The Scope of the Role
The ERS Tobacco Control Committee operates as the primary engine for the society’s advocacy efforts. Its mandate is both broad and deeply specialized, requiring the incoming Chair to bridge the gap between clinical respiratory research and high-level EU policy.
Core Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be tasked with:
- Strategic Oversight: Coordinating the ERS’s comprehensive activities regarding tobacco control across all national and European levels.
- Policy Advocacy: Representing the ERS in discussions with European Commission officials, members of the European Parliament, and various health stakeholders.
- Knowledge Synthesis: Leading the development of influential ERS position papers that define the scientific consensus on tobacco-related health issues.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working across the various branches of the ERS to ensure that tobacco control remains a central pillar of respiratory health policy.
The role is a three-year commitment. While it is an unpaid, voluntary position, it offers unparalleled access to the corridors of power in Brussels and the global respiratory research community.
Chronology: A Transition of Leadership
The call for applications arrives at a critical juncture in the European public health landscape. As Prof. Filippos Filippidis concludes his tenure, the transition marks a moment of reflection and strategic realignment for the ERS.
- May 11, 2026: Official opening of the application window for the 2026–2029 term.
- May 31, 2026: Deadline for the submission of applications, including CVs and motivation letters.
- June 2026: Selection and review process by the ERS leadership.
- Autumn 2026: Formal inauguration of the new Chair, aligning with the society’s broader organizational transition.
This timeline ensures a seamless handover, allowing the incoming Chair to hit the ground running as new legislative cycles begin within the European Parliament.
Supporting Data: The Ongoing Battle Against Tobacco
To understand the necessity of this role, one must examine the state of respiratory health in Europe. Despite decades of regulation, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the European Union.
The Burden of Disease
- Mortality: Tobacco use is responsible for approximately 700,000 deaths in the EU every year.
- Chronic Respiratory Disease: It is the primary driver of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and a major risk factor for lung cancer, the deadliest cancer type in Europe.
- The Shift to Novel Products: The rise of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches has introduced a new layer of complexity. The incoming Chair will be required to navigate the scientific ambiguity surrounding these products while maintaining a rigorous focus on the "Tobacco Endgame"—the goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation.
The ERS has consistently argued that relying solely on clinical interventions is insufficient; systemic, legislative, and societal changes are required to lower prevalence rates, which remain stubbornly high in several Member States.
Official Responses: The Legacy of Prof. Filippos Filippidis
Reflecting on his three-year tenure, the outgoing Chair, Prof. Filippos Filippidis, highlighted the profound impact that a dedicated leader can have on the trajectory of public health policy.
"The Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee has amazing opportunities to interact with policy makers," Prof. Filippidis stated. "It is not merely an academic role; it is an active, influential position that shapes how Europe breathes. We are not just writing papers; we are leading the development of influential ERS position papers that serve as the scientific bedrock for future directives."
He emphasized that the role requires a unique blend of clinical expertise and diplomatic skill. "Working closely with the various branches of ERS to prevent nicotine addiction and promote cessation is an exciting and meaningful challenge. The next Chair will find themselves at the center of a dynamic, multidisciplinary network dedicated to the most significant public health challenge of our time."
Implications: Why This Role Matters
The selection of a new Chair is not merely an administrative appointment; it is a strategic decision that will define the ERS’s public stance for the next three years.
Shaping European Health Policy
The ERS is a recognized stakeholder in the European legislative process. The Chair’s input on upcoming revisions to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and the broader "Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan" will be instrumental. As the EU pushes toward its goal of a "Tobacco-Free Generation" by 2040, the Committee Chair acts as the scientific voice that keeps political aspirations grounded in medical reality.
Strengthening Global Clinical Standards
Beyond legislation, the role influences clinical practice. By coordinating with ERS branches, the Chair helps standardize cessation protocols across European hospitals and clinics. This ensures that a patient in one corner of Europe receives the same high standard of evidence-based support for nicotine cessation as one in another.
Addressing Emerging Trends
The incoming Chair will face the challenge of regulating the "gray market" of vaping and heated products. With industry lobbying at an all-time high, the ERS requires a leader who is both scientifically rigorous and politically resilient. The implications of this appointment will be felt in every hospital ward where smoking-related illnesses are treated.
How to Apply
The ERS is encouraging a diverse pool of applicants to come forward. The society seeks individuals with a strong background in respiratory medicine, public health, or health policy, combined with a demonstrated commitment to tobacco control.
Application Requirements
- Submission Materials: Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive CV and a motivation letter outlining their vision for the Tobacco Control Committee.
- Membership Status: While applicants need not be current members to apply, the successful candidate must become an official member of the ERS upon appointment.
- Contact Information: Applications should be directed to the ERS secretariat via email at [email protected].
- Further Details: A full job description, which outlines the specific time commitments, travel expectations, and governance requirements, is available on the ERS official website.
Final Call
The window for applications closes on 31 May 2026. For those with the passion to advocate for a smoke-free future and the leadership skills to navigate the complex European policy landscape, this position represents one of the most significant opportunities to impact global respiratory health in the coming years.
The ERS remains committed to its mission: to alleviate suffering from respiratory disease and promote lung health through research, sharing of knowledge, and medical and public education. The next Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee will be the standard-bearer for this vital work.
