27 August, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress is poised to transform the clinical rigor of respiratory medicine into a vibrant spectacle of communication. On Monday, 7 September, the 2026 Science Slam will return to the heart of Barcelona, Spain, offering a unique intersection where complex scientific inquiry meets the art of public storytelling.
This session is not merely a conference event; it is a high-stakes showcase of the next generation of respiratory leaders. Five early-career researchers have been hand-selected to distill years of meticulous academic research into accessible, entertaining presentations designed for a non-specialist audience. With the audience holding the power of the vote, the Science Slam serves as a litmus test for the future of scientific dissemination: can researchers make their work matter beyond the walls of the laboratory?
The Evolution of the Science Slam: Bridging the Gap
The Science Slam has become a cornerstone of the ERS Congress, reflecting a broader movement within the global scientific community to improve "science literacy." In an era where medical misinformation often travels faster than peer-reviewed data, the ability for researchers to translate complex physiological mechanisms into relatable narratives is more critical than ever.
The session is inextricably linked to the Networking Excellence Training (NEXT) Programme. The five finalists were chosen from an elite pool of top-ten submissions, having already proven their mettle through the rigorous training modules provided by the NEXT initiative. The Slam acts as the "final exam" of sorts—a high-pressure environment where the ability to synthesize, engage, and persuade is put to the ultimate test.
A Chronology of the 2026 Finalists
The journey to the Barcelona stage began months ago. Following a call for abstracts that saw record-breaking interest from young researchers across the globe, a scientific committee evaluated submissions based on both the technical merit of the research and the potential for creative presentation.
The Contenders and Their Narratives
The 2026 lineup represents a diverse array of medical disciplines, from pediatric physiotherapy to cardiovascular epidemiology.
1. Nazire Yıldız: Decoding the Exercise Barrier
Nazire Yıldız, a lecturer in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Turkey, tackles a pervasive issue in respiratory care. Her presentation, "Why do patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) stop exercising?", aims to dismantle the psychological and physical barriers that prevent patients from maintaining active lifestyles. Her research, which emphasizes evidence-based rehabilitation, seeks to shift the paradigm from simply monitoring decline to actively fostering functional outcomes and quality of life.
2. Artur Zanelatto Santos: The Hidden Clues of the Lungs
Artur Zanelatto Santos, an MD-PhD student from Brazil, brings a sense of mystery to the stage. His talk, "Keep walking… your lungs may be hiding a secret", focuses on the nuanced intersection of ILD, pulmonary function testing, and PRISm. As a researcher at the Hospital de ClÃnicas de Porto Alegre, Santos has already established himself as a rising star, and his presentation promises to translate complex diagnostic data into a compelling argument for early, proactive intervention.
3. Fatima Merchán Molero: The Impossible Match
Representing the clinical frontlines, Fatima Merchán Molero, a final-year respiratory medicine resident at the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid, offers a look at the human side of transplantation and respiratory failure. Titled "The impossible match," her work focuses on the intersection of advanced respiratory medicine and patient-centred care, highlighting the ethical and clinical hurdles faced by those navigating the most difficult stages of lung disease.
4. Edoardo Pirera: Redefining Cardiovascular Risk
Edoardo Pirera, a PhD student at the University of Palermo, Italy, addresses the "syndemic" nature of modern medicine. His presentation, "Cardiovascular Diseases and Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors in individuals with Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm): Time to prevention?", poses a critical question to the medical community. By leveraging his background in biostatistics, Pirera seeks to demonstrate that the interplay between lung and heart health is often overlooked, and that by catching PRISm early, we can prevent catastrophic cardiovascular events.
5. Manon Kinaupenne: Innovation in Pediatrics
Closing the lineup is Manon Kinaupenne, a pediatric physiotherapist from Ghent University, Belgium. Her talk, "Do magical mushrooms make Mario move? Physical activity in the era of CFTR modulators," uses a playful metaphor to address a serious scientific advancement. Her research explores how new pharmacological therapies for cystic fibrosis change the way patients interact with physical activity, providing a fresh perspective on how medical breakthroughs influence daily life for young patients.
Supporting Data and the ERS Commitment
The ERS Congress continues to be the premier global platform for respiratory research, and the Science Slam is a strategic investment in the "soft skills" of its members. According to internal ERS reports, the session consistently receives the highest engagement scores of any plenary or educational event during the congress.
The importance of this training cannot be overstated. With the rise of digital health communication, researchers are increasingly expected to act as public advocates. By integrating the NEXT Programme with the Science Slam, the ERS ensures that the next generation of respiratory experts is not only technically proficient but also articulate, empathetic, and capable of leading the public conversation on lung health.
Official Responses and Strategic Implications
When asked about the significance of the 2026 Slam, ERS leadership noted that the competition is emblematic of the society’s broader mandate. "We are moving away from the ivory tower model of science," says an ERS representative. "The 2026 Science Slam is an intentional move to ensure our researchers are heard, understood, and—above all—influential."
The implications of this event extend far beyond the hour-long session in Barcelona:
- Patient Empowerment: By simplifying complex topics, these researchers are providing patients with the tools to better understand their own conditions.
- Policy Influence: Researchers who can communicate effectively are more likely to secure funding and influence health policy.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: By presenting in front of a broad audience, these researchers attract collaborators from outside their specific silos, fostering the kind of interdisciplinary innovation that solves the most complex medical problems.
Conclusion: A Call to the Community
As the date approaches, the atmosphere in Barcelona is electric. The Science Slam is more than a contest; it is a celebration of intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of human health.
For those attending the 2026 ERS Congress, the session is a mandatory bookmark. It is an opportunity to see how the future of respiratory medicine is being shaped not just in the clinic, but in the lecture hall.
To join the audience and cast your vote for the 2026 Science Slam winner, ensure you have registered for the ERS Congress and added the session to your personal schedule. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a student, or a patient advocate, the stories told on the stage this September will define the narrative of respiratory health for years to come.
For further details on the session, attendees are encouraged to visit the official ERS Congress platform to review the full programme and prepare for an afternoon of inspiration, education, and, most importantly, the future of science.
