27 August, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress, widely regarded as the premier global gathering for respiratory science, is preparing to return to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. Among the high-level clinical symposia, groundbreaking research presentations, and intense networking sessions, one event continues to capture the imagination of attendees more than any other: the Science Slam. Scheduled for Monday, 7 September, the 2026 Science Slam promises to once again blur the lines between rigorous academic inquiry and engaging public performance.
As the congress approaches, the spotlight turns to five early-career investigators who have been selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants to take the stage. Tasked with distilling years of complex laboratory and clinical data into accessible, entertaining, and punchy narratives, these young scientists are not just presenting data—they are competing for the hearts and minds of the ERS community.
The Evolution of the Science Slam: Merging Education and Entertainment
The Science Slam is not a typical academic session. Unlike traditional poster presentations or research lectures where technical jargon and dense statistical tables dominate, the Science Slam mandates a shift in strategy. Participants are tasked with presenting their research to a non-specialist audience, requiring them to utilize storytelling, metaphors, and stage presence.
This initiative is intrinsically linked to the ERS’s prestigious Networking Excellence Training (NEXT) Programme. The NEXT Programme was designed to bridge the gap between scientific competence and leadership efficacy, providing early-career members with the soft skills necessary to thrive in a global medical landscape. By the time these five finalists step into the spotlight in Barcelona, they will have undergone rigorous training in communication and audience engagement, putting those very skills to the ultimate test in front of a live, voting audience.
The format is straightforward but high-pressure: five presenters, five distinct research narratives, and one winner. Following the conclusion of all presentations, the audience—comprised of peers, mentors, and industry leaders—will cast their votes to determine who best mastered the art of "science communication."
Meet the 2026 Finalists: The Voices of Tomorrow
The path to the Barcelona stage is paved with academic excellence. The five finalists were chosen from the top ten submissions across a range of respiratory sub-disciplines, reflecting the diversity and depth of modern pulmonology.
Nazire Yıldız: Decoding the Oxygen Paradox
Representing Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University in Turkey, Nazire Yıldız brings a focus on cardiopulmonary physiotherapy to the stage. Her presentation, "The oxygen paradox: Why exercise becomes harder in interstitial lung disease," tackles the physiological barriers faced by patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions. Yıldız’s research is driven by a desire to translate evidence-based rehabilitation into tangible improvements in the daily lives of patients, specifically looking at how exercise capacity can be optimized in the face of debilitating lung disease.
Artur Zanelatto Santos: The Secret Language of Lungs
From Brazil, Artur Zanelatto Santos offers a provocative look at pulmonary diagnostics with his session, "Keep walking… your lungs may be hiding a secret." An MD-PhD student at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Santos has already made a mark on the international stage with his work on pulmonary function testing and COPD. His presentation is expected to delve into the subtle, often overlooked markers of lung decline that remain hidden during routine clinical assessments.
Fatima Merchán Molero: The Impossible Match
A resident in Respiratory Medicine at Madrid’s Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Fatima Merchán Molero brings a clinical, patient-centric perspective to the slam. Her presentation, titled "The impossible match," promises to explore the complexities of modern respiratory care. Merchán Molero’s career trajectory highlights the essential balance between high-level research and the human element of medicine, a theme that resonates deeply with the ERS mission.
Edoardo Pirera: Unmasking PRISm
Edoardo Pirera, a PhD student at the University of Palermo, Italy, is tackling the diagnostic ambiguity of PRISm (Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry). In his presentation, “‘Preserved’ lungs, nervous heart: What PRISm isn’t telling you,” Pirera aims to illuminate the dangerous intersection of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. With a background in biostatistics, Pirera is uniquely positioned to discuss how the "syndemic" nature of these diseases necessitates a more integrated, holistic approach to patient management.
Manon Kinaupenne: Mario, Mushrooms, and Modern Therapy
Adding a layer of pop-culture flair to the scientific discourse, Manon Kinaupenne, a paediatric physiotherapist from Ghent University, asks: "Do magical mushrooms make Mario move? Physical activity in the era of CFTR modulators." Her research explores the shifting landscape of cystic fibrosis treatment, focusing on how new, highly effective modulator therapies are changing the way young patients approach physical activity and quality of life.
Chronology of the 2026 Event
The lead-up to the Science Slam has been a year-long process, reflecting the ERS’s commitment to sustained professional development.
- Q1 2026: Call for submissions opened to all ERS early-career members, specifically targeting participants of the NEXT Programme.
- Q2 2026: A panel of senior ERS experts reviewed submissions based on scientific merit, originality, and potential for public engagement.
- Summer 2026: Finalists were selected and paired with mentors to refine their stage presentations.
- 7 September 2026 (The Big Day): The session will take place at the ERS Congress in Barcelona. The event will be recorded and live-streamed, allowing global access to these innovative summaries.
- Post-Congress: The winner will be featured in ERS digital publications, serving as an ambassador for science communication within the organization.
Implications: Why Science Communication Matters
The ERS Science Slam is not merely an entertaining diversion; it is a vital pedagogical tool. In an era of rapid information dissemination and public health challenges, the ability for scientists to speak clearly to the public is more critical than ever.
Bridging the Gap Between Bench and Bedside
The "bench to bedside" transition is often hindered by a lack of clarity. When clinicians and researchers can articulate the "why" and "how" of their research, it fosters greater trust among patients and policymakers. By incentivizing young researchers to master storytelling, the ERS is ensuring that the next generation of respiratory leaders can advocate for their patients and their field with conviction.
Improving Patient Outcomes
The research presented—ranging from cystic fibrosis in the era of modulators to the complexities of PRISm—has direct implications for clinical practice. As these young investigators refine their ability to communicate, they are also refining their ability to think clearly about their research, which in turn leads to better hypothesis formulation and more effective clinical interventions.
Elevating the ERS Brand
By hosting the Science Slam at the annual congress, the ERS distinguishes itself as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative medical society. It signals to the global community that while the ERS values the technical rigor of traditional science, it also values the human spirit and the power of effective communication.
How to Participate and Support
The ERS encourages all delegates attending the 2026 Congress in Barcelona to prioritize the Science Slam on their schedules. Attendees can bookmark the session via the official congress platform to ensure they are present for the live voting process.
For those who are unable to travel to Barcelona, the ERS provides extensive digital coverage of the congress, including post-session highlights and interviews with the Science Slam participants. Registration for the ERS Congress 2026 is currently open, and early booking is highly encouraged to secure access to the full range of sessions, including the NEXT Programme workshops and the Science Slam finals.
As we look toward 7 September, the scientific community waits with anticipation. Whether it is the physiological secrets of the lungs or the impact of game-changing therapies, the Science Slam serves as a reminder that behind every data point is a human story waiting to be told. The 2026 finalists are ready to tell theirs. Are you ready to listen?
