8 September, 2026 | Vienna, Austria
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially entered a new chapter in its storied history. Following the conclusion of the ERS General Assembly—the cornerstone event of the annual ERS Congress—a wave of new leadership has assumed the mantle of responsibility, signaling a strategic shift in the organization’s approach to global respiratory health, research, and advocacy.
The transition, marked by the formal handover of the Presidency, represents more than a routine administrative change; it reflects the Society’s commitment to evolving in response to the complex, post-pandemic landscape of lung health, chronic disease management, and the urgent environmental challenges impacting respiratory patients worldwide.
Main Facts: The Changing of the Guard
The most significant development at the ERS Congress 2026 was the formal inauguration of Dr. Marc Miravitlles as the new ERS President. Dr. Miravitlles succeeds Prof. Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, who concluded her tenure to transition into the role of ERS Past President.
This handover serves as the focal point of a wider leadership refresh that touches every facet of the organization, from academic publishing to patient advocacy. The ERS leadership structure is designed to ensure that the Society remains at the forefront of clinical excellence and policy influence. The following key appointments have officially commenced:
- ERS Vice President: Prof. Silke Meiners
- ERS Advocacy Council Chair: Prof. Zorana J. Andersen
- ERS Educational Council Chair: Associate Prof. Mariëlle Pijnenburg
- ERS Publications Committee Chair: Prof. John Hurst
In addition to these core leadership positions, the European Lung Foundation (ELF)—the patient-facing arm of the ERS—has undergone a leadership transition. Phil Taverner has officially taken the helm as the new ELF Chair, following the successful three-year term of Dimitris Kontopidis. Notably, the organization has also established the role of ELF Vice Chair, with Helen Parks becoming the first individual to hold this position, reflecting the growing importance of structured, high-level patient representation.
Chronology: The Road to the 2026 General Assembly
The transition of leadership is the culmination of a rigorous, year-long electoral process that ensures democratic accountability within the Society.
Pre-Congress Preparations
The electoral cycle began in early 2026, with the call for nominations for various committee and council roles. ERS members were invited to participate in a transparent voting process that prioritized scientific expertise, regional diversity, and a proven track record of service to the respiratory community.
The General Assembly
Held during the ERS Congress, the General Assembly stands as the Society’s highest governing body. Its function is to review the health of the organization, debate policy, and ratify the appointment of new officers. This year’s assembly was characterized by high engagement levels, with members actively questioning the direction of the Society’s finances, membership engagement strategies, and its stance on emerging public health threats.
Formal Induction
On 8 September, the results were finalized. The official turnover of the Presidential chain and the swearing-in of the new committee chairs took place before the assembled delegates, marking the official start of the 2026–2027 mandate. This moment serves as the catalyst for the new administration to begin implementing its vision for the upcoming year.
Supporting Data and Organizational Structure
The ERS operates under a complex governance structure that requires seamless coordination between clinical, academic, and advocacy groups. Understanding the weight of these new roles requires a look at the functions they oversee:
The Governance Engine
The General Assembly is the heart of the Society’s democracy. Its powers include:
- Statutory Evolution: Adapting the statutes to keep pace with modern digital and scientific environments.
- Financial Oversight: Determining annual membership fees and approving the annual budget.
- Strategic Planning: Reviewing proposals from the Executive Committee to ensure they align with the needs of the global membership.
The Academic and Clinical Pipeline
The new appointments reflect a shift toward strengthening the "four pillars" of ERS: Science, Education, Advocacy, and Publishing. With Prof. John Hurst leading the Publications Committee and Dr. Swapna Mandel taking over as Chief Editor of the ERS Monograph, the Society is clearly prioritizing the dissemination of high-quality, evidence-based research to a global audience. The ERS Monograph serves as a critical educational tool for trainees and established practitioners alike, and this leadership transition ensures that the content remains at the cutting edge of clinical practice.
Official Responses and Perspectives
The atmosphere at the Congress was one of gratitude for the outgoing leadership and anticipation for the incoming team.
Reflecting on a Legacy
Prof. Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko leaves behind a legacy of resilience. Under her leadership, the ERS successfully navigated the complexities of international scientific exchange in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. In a statement released to the membership, the Society expressed its "extreme gratitude for Prof. Chorostowska-Wynimko’s immense contributions," noting that her dedication to the field of respiratory medicine has left the organization in a stronger position than it was three years ago.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Marc Miravitlles, the incoming President, is widely respected for his contributions to the study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and his commitment to patient-centered research. In his inaugural remarks, he emphasized the importance of continuing the momentum of previous years while addressing new challenges, such as the impact of air quality on lung health and the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostic processes.
"The Society is more than its leadership; it is the collective voice of thousands of experts across the globe," Dr. Miravitlles noted. "My goal is to ensure that our advocacy for better respiratory health is heard by policymakers, and that our educational resources are accessible to every member, regardless of their location."
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Medicine
The new appointments carry significant implications for the direction of the ERS over the next several years.
Intensified Advocacy
With Prof. Zorana J. Andersen taking the lead on the Advocacy Council, the ERS is expected to take a more aggressive stance on public health policy. Given the current global climate—where air pollution, climate change, and the legacy of COVID-19 continue to plague public health systems—the Advocacy Council’s role is more vital than ever. Expect to see increased collaboration between the ERS and European regulatory bodies regarding tobacco control, as evidenced by the appointment of Prof. Des Cox as the new Tobacco Control Committee Chair.
Educational Transformation
Associate Prof. Mariëlle Pijnenburg’s appointment as Educational Council Chair suggests a continued focus on digital education. The ERS has invested heavily in virtual learning platforms, and it is anticipated that under her leadership, these tools will be further refined to accommodate the needs of diverse, international audiences, ensuring that the best practices in respiratory care are shared equitably across borders.
Strengthening the Patient Voice
The expansion of the European Lung Foundation leadership to include a Vice Chair position is a clear signal that the ERS views patients as partners, not just subjects. By formalizing the ELF’s leadership structure, the ERS is ensuring that patient advocacy is integrated into the decision-making process at every level. This reflects a broader trend in medicine: the "democratization of health," where the experiences and needs of the patient are elevated to the same level as clinical research data.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Road Ahead
The ERS General Assembly 2026 has set the stage for a period of dynamic growth. By blending the wisdom of experienced leaders with the fresh perspectives of newly appointed chairs, the Society is well-positioned to address the pressing needs of the respiratory community.
As the new officers settle into their mandates, the eyes of the global medical community remain fixed on the ERS. Whether through the dissemination of the ERS Monograph, the lobbying efforts of the Advocacy Council, or the clinical excellence fostered by the various assembly groups, the mission remains clear: to alleviate the burden of respiratory disease through science and collective action.
For members interested in reviewing the full breadth of the transition, the ERS has provided comprehensive documentation, including the results of the 2026 election and a complete directory of the new leadership and committee structures.
As we look toward the future, the success of these new leaders will be measured not just by the programs they launch or the policies they influence, but by the tangible improvements in patient outcomes and the continued professional development of respiratory specialists worldwide. The mandate has begun, and the work, as always, continues.
For more information on the new leadership, visit the official ERS Leadership and Committees portal.
