6 May, 2026 – The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially announced a pivotal recruitment drive, seeking four visionary Chief Editors to steer its most prestigious publications into the next decade. As the global landscape of respiratory medicine faces unprecedented challenges—from the evolving aftermath of post-pandemic respiratory health to the urgent need for sustainable clinical practices—the ERS is looking for leaders capable of maintaining the scientific integrity and global influence of its flagship journals.
The incoming editors, whose mandates are set to commence in October 2027, will take the helm of the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ), ERJ Open Research, European Respiratory Review, and Breathe. This transition represents more than a routine administrative change; it is a strategic opportunity to redefine how cutting-edge research and clinical education are disseminated to the international medical community.
Main Facts: The Call for Editorial Excellence
The ERS publishing portfolio is widely regarded as the cornerstone of respiratory medicine, providing a bridge between fundamental molecular research and bedside clinical practice. The search for new leadership is comprehensive, covering the entire spectrum of scientific communication.
The Four Pillars of ERS Publishing
The Society is accepting applications for the following positions:
- Chief Editor, European Respiratory Journal (ERJ): As the flagship publication, the ERJ is the premier destination for high-impact clinical and experimental research. The successful candidate will oversee the rigorous selection of groundbreaking studies, international task force reports, and evidence-based clinical guidelines.
- Chief Editor, ERJ Open Research: This role focuses on the Society’s commitment to accessibility. As a fully open-access platform, this journal spans the breadth of respiratory science, from basic molecular discovery to complex translational clinical medicine.
- Chief Editor, European Respiratory Review: This position requires a curator of knowledge. The review journal serves as the pulse of the field, publishing state-of-the-art syntheses, authoritative editorials, and critical correspondence on emerging topics in medicine, science, and surgery.
- Chief Editor, Breathe: Designed for the practitioner, Breathe is the ERS’s educational beacon. The Chief Editor will lead the charge in delivering high-quality, practice-focused reviews and case studies that directly impact the daily workflow of clinicians worldwide.
Chronology: A Roadmap for the Future
The recruitment process has been meticulously structured to ensure a seamless transition of power by late 2027. The following timeline outlines the critical milestones for interested candidates:
- 6 May 2026: Official launch of the recruitment call. Publication of detailed job descriptions and eligibility criteria.
- May–June 2026: A six-week open application window. During this period, prospective candidates are encouraged to engage with current editorial boards to understand the specific mandates and long-term goals for each publication.
- 26 June 2026: The hard deadline for all submissions. Interested parties must submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a motivation letter outlining their strategic vision for their journal of choice.
- July–September 2026: The review and interview phase. A selection committee, composed of senior ERS leadership and publishing experts, will evaluate candidates based on their scientific standing, editorial experience, and long-term vision.
- October 2026 – September 2027: A one-year "handover and strategy development" period. The incoming editors will work closely with outgoing predecessors to ensure a smooth transition of editorial policies and operational workflows.
- October 2027: Formal commencement of the new editorial mandates.
Supporting Data: The Impact of ERS Journals
To understand the weight of these roles, one must look at the reach and influence of the ERS publications. The journals are not merely repositories of data; they are the standard-setters for clinical practice in hospitals and laboratories across the globe.
Impact Metrics and Global Reach
- The ERJ Factor: The European Respiratory Journal consistently ranks in the top tier of respiratory research journals, with an Impact Factor that reflects its role in shaping international clinical guidelines for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease.
- Open Access Dynamics: With the rise of the Open Science movement, ERJ Open Research has seen a 25% year-on-year increase in submissions from low- and middle-income countries, highlighting its success in democratizing scientific knowledge.
- Clinical Utility: Breathe serves over 50,000 active clinicians, providing them with essential tools for continuing medical education (CME). Its integration into European medical certification programs makes it a vital asset for the respiratory workforce.
The decision to initiate this search now—over 18 months before the official start date—speaks to the importance the ERS places on continuity. "The editorial strategy of a major medical journal is a long-term investment," notes a representative from the ERS Publishing Board. "We are not just looking for researchers; we are looking for administrators who can navigate the complexities of modern digital publishing, open access mandates, and the rising demand for transparent peer review."
Official Responses: Defining the Role of the Editor
The role of a Chief Editor in 2026 has evolved significantly from the traditional "gatekeeper" model of the past. Today, editors are expected to be digital-first, community-oriented, and ethically rigorous.
The ERS Perspective
In an official statement, the ERS emphasized that the ideal candidates must possess a blend of scientific acumen and diplomatic grace. "We are looking for individuals who can champion the integrity of scientific data while navigating the rapid changes in the publishing ecosystem," said an ERS spokesperson. "The future of respiratory medicine depends on our ability to communicate complex findings with clarity, speed, and accuracy."
Expectations for Prospective Candidates
The Society has made it clear that the selection process will be meritocratic and inclusive. The evaluation criteria include:
- Scientific Standing: A track record of high-impact research and recognized expertise in a specific respiratory sub-specialty.
- Editorial Experience: Prior involvement in peer review or editorial boards is highly preferred.
- Strategic Vision: Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of how to grow their journal’s audience in a crowded digital landscape, including strategies for social media engagement, podcast integration, and international collaboration.
Implications: The Future of Respiratory Publishing
The appointment of four new Chief Editors will have far-reaching implications for the medical community. As the ERS shifts its leadership, the scientific direction of the field may see subtle but significant adjustments.
Shifts in Research Priorities
Incoming editors often bring with them a new "editorial gaze." With global health priorities shifting toward climate-related respiratory issues, the impact of air pollution on lung health, and the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, the new leadership will likely prioritize these topics. We can expect a renewed emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, bridging the gap between immunology, environmental science, and clinical pulmonology.
The Open Access Landscape
The ERS has been a vocal proponent of open access. The new Chief Editors will be tasked with navigating the financial and operational challenges of this model. As funding bodies increasingly demand immediate open access, the editors will need to devise sustainable business models that protect the journals’ financial health without placing undue burdens on researchers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Mentorship and Diversity
A recurring theme in the ERS recruitment strategy is the commitment to diversity. The Society has explicitly encouraged applications from a wide range of geographical and professional backgrounds. The expectation is that the new leadership will prioritize mentorship, fostering the next generation of reviewers and researchers, particularly those from underrepresented regions.
Conclusion: How to Apply
The path to leading one of the world’s most influential respiratory journals is rigorous, but the potential to leave a lasting legacy on the field is immense. Qualified members of the ERS who are prepared to steer the course of respiratory science are invited to review the full job descriptions available on the ERS website.
Applications, consisting of a comprehensive CV and a motivation letter outlining how the candidate plans to elevate the specific journal in question, must be submitted to the designated email address by 26 June, 2026.
For those who view their contribution to science as a lifelong commitment, this is more than a job advertisement—it is an invitation to define the future of pulmonary health. As the ERS prepares for its next chapter, the world’s respiratory community watches with anticipation, eager to see who will step forward to lead the conversation in the years to come.
