14 April, 2026 — The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially opened registration for its 2026 Congress, marking the commencement of preparations for what is widely considered the premier event in the global respiratory calendar. Scheduled to take place from 5–9 September, the Congress will return to Barcelona, Spain, while simultaneously offering a robust virtual attendance option, ensuring that the world’s leading respiratory experts can converge to address the most pressing challenges in lung health.
As the largest gathering of its kind, the ERS Congress serves as the central hub for the exchange of cutting-edge scientific research and clinical innovation. With upwards of 20,000 delegates expected to participate, the event is positioned as a pivotal moment for clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals to align on the future of patient care.
Main Facts: A Global Nexus for Lung Health
The ERS Congress 2026 represents a five-day intensive immersion into the full spectrum of respiratory medicine and science. By blending in-person engagement in Barcelona with a sophisticated digital platform, the Society aims to maximize inclusivity and reach.
The core objective of the gathering remains consistent with its history: to enhance the treatment and care of respiratory illnesses globally. The scientific programme is designed to be comprehensive, catering to specialists across all sub-disciplines, including pulmonology, allergy, thoracic surgery, and respiratory physiology.
Key Participation Details:
- Dates: 5–9 September 2026.
- Format: Hybrid (In-person in Barcelona and online).
- Early-Bird Deadline: 1 July 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
- Member Incentives: ERS members are eligible for significant savings, with discounts of up to €200 off the standard full-rate registration.
The Society has emphasized that for attendees to benefit from these reduced rates, ERS membership must be active at the moment of registration. For those not currently affiliated with the Society, the ERS has streamlined the membership application process, allowing professionals to join and subsequently access the member-exclusive pricing.
Chronology: The Path to September
The journey toward the 2026 Congress is structured to provide delegates with ample opportunity to plan their attendance, secure professional development credits, and engage with the scientific community.
- 14 April 2026: Official registration launch. Early-bird window opens.
- May–June 2026: Continued release of session abstracts and keynote speaker announcements.
- 1 July 2026: The Early-bird registration deadline. After this date, standard pricing applies.
- August 2026: Finalization of the scientific programme, including the full schedule for skills workshops and postgraduate courses.
- 5 September 2026: Opening day of the ERS Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
- 9 September 2026: Conclusion of the event, marking the official end of the scientific programme.
The inclusion of the "Wednesday special programme" is a notable highlight. Introduced in recent years to significant acclaim, this final-day focus provides a dedicated space for deep dives into key ERS initiatives, ensuring that the momentum generated during the week is channeled into actionable policy and practice updates before the congress concludes.
Supporting Data and Educational Framework
Beyond the plenary sessions and abstract presentations, the ERS Congress 2026 is distinguished by its commitment to hands-on learning. The Society has confirmed that registration for specialized educational opportunities—including skills workshops and postgraduate courses—is now live.
Empowering the Next Generation
These educational sessions are specifically curated for early-career professionals, residents, and fellows. They provide a unique environment to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application. Whether it is mastering the latest in diagnostic imaging, ventilator management, or interventional pulmonology techniques, these workshops offer a collaborative environment led by world-renowned mentors.
The integration of these courses directly into the registration process ensures that attendees can tailor their congress experience to their specific learning requirements, turning the event into a personalized professional development masterclass.
Official Responses: A Vision for Partnership
The leadership of the European Respiratory Society has underscored that the 2026 Congress is more than just a data-sharing exercise; it is an exercise in coalition building.
ERS President, Prof. Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, described the upcoming congress as "an opportunity like no other" for scientific collaboration. In an official statement, she highlighted the necessity of a multifaceted approach to modern medicine.
"The ERS Congress is the world’s largest respiratory meeting. Across five days, it reliably presents the very latest and most significant updates within respiratory medicine and science," said Prof. Chorostowska-Wynimko. "It is also an opportunity like no other for the world’s respiratory professionals to meet, connect, and collaborate—sharing knowledge and expertise that will enhance treatment and care worldwide."
The 2026 Theme: A Tripartite Partnership
A defining characteristic of this year’s Congress is the explicit focus on the synergy between patients, clinicians, and researchers. Prof. Chorostowska-Wynimko elaborated on this strategic shift:
"This year’s ERS Congress theme will focus on the partnership between patients, clinicians, and researchers—something which is fundamental to the advancement of treatment and care. In particular, the ERS Congress in Barcelona will spotlight the importance of this collaboration and reiterate the Society’s commitment to alleviating suffering from respiratory diseases across the world."
By elevating the voice of the patient alongside the rigors of scientific research, the ERS aims to foster a more empathetic and effective healthcare ecosystem.
Implications for Global Healthcare
The implications of the ERS Congress 2026 are far-reaching. As the global burden of respiratory disease remains high—exacerbated by environmental factors, aging populations, and the persistent threat of infectious diseases—the findings presented in Barcelona will likely dictate clinical guidelines for the coming year.
Driving Policy and Clinical Standards
The congress acts as a barometer for the state of respiratory health. Key updates presented during the Wednesday programme and throughout the week often serve as the foundation for new international standards. When 20,000 experts gather, the consensus reached during networking sessions and panel discussions frequently influences how health ministries and hospital systems allocate resources and define best practices.
The Economic and Scientific Impact
For the individual attendee, the cost-saving early-bird window is more than just a financial benefit; it represents an investment in professional longevity. With the ability to save up to €200, the ERS is making a clear effort to lower the barriers to entry for international delegates, particularly those from regions where funding for international travel can be limited.
Furthermore, the hybrid nature of the event acknowledges the reality of a modern, interconnected world. By maintaining a robust online component, the ERS ensures that the "Barcelona experience" is not limited by geography, allowing for a truly diverse representation of global medical perspectives.
Conclusion: Planning for the Future
As the registration window remains open, the professional community is encouraged to review the available workshops and courses, and to take advantage of the early-bird pricing before the 1 July deadline.
For those looking to attend, accommodation and travel information has been made available via the official ERS website, with the Society providing resources to assist delegates in navigating the logistics of the trip to Barcelona.
The ERS Congress 2026 stands as a testament to the resilience and ambition of the respiratory medical community. It is a space where the barriers between laboratory discovery and patient-centered care are dismantled, ensuring that the next generation of respiratory treatments is grounded in evidence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to human health.
For more information on registration, the full scientific programme, and ERS membership benefits, visit the official ERS Congress website.
