11 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS), the leading organization representing respiratory medicine in Europe and beyond, has officially initiated its search for a new Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee. As the global battle against nicotine addiction and tobacco-related diseases enters a critical phase, the Society is seeking a visionary leader to guide its strategic advocacy and policy initiatives for the 2026–2029 term.
This appointment represents one of the most influential voluntary positions within the European respiratory community, offering a unique platform to shape legislative agendas, influence EU-level policy, and drive the transition toward a tobacco-free generation.
The Core Mandate: Leading the Fight Against Tobacco
The ERS Tobacco Control Committee serves as the strategic engine behind the Society’s efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic. Its primary mandate is to coordinate a multifaceted approach to tobacco control, spanning clinical guidelines, public health advocacy, and legislative engagement.
The incoming Chair will be tasked with overseeing the committee’s activities at every level—from localized clinical interventions to high-level diplomatic engagement with European Union policymakers. The role is not merely administrative; it is a position of leadership that requires a profound understanding of the intersections between respiratory health, addiction science, and political lobbying.
Key Responsibilities of the Chair:
- Strategic Oversight: Defining the long-term priorities for the ERS regarding tobacco control, nicotine products, and emerging smoking technologies.
- Policy Advocacy: Representing the Society in Brussels and other international forums, ensuring that respiratory health remains at the forefront of European health policy.
- Expert Consensus: Leading the development and publication of influential ERS position papers that set the standard for clinical practice and public policy.
- Collaborative Synergy: Working across various ERS branches, committees, and working groups to ensure a cohesive approach to smoking cessation and the prevention of nicotine uptake.
A Legacy of Leadership: Reflection from the Outgoing Chair
As the current term draws to a close, the outgoing Chair, Professor Filippos Filippidis, has reflected on the impact and personal fulfillment of the role. For Professor Filippidis, the position is defined by the rare opportunity to bridge the gap between clinical research and real-world health outcomes.
"The Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee has amazing opportunities to interact with policymakers, lead the development of influential ERS position papers related to tobacco control, and work closely with the various branches of ERS to prevent nicotine addiction and promote cessation," Professor Filippidis stated. "It’s an exciting and meaningful role that allows a dedicated expert to leave a tangible mark on the future of European public health."
Under Professor Filippidis’s tenure, the committee has successfully navigated the complexities of evolving nicotine delivery systems, including the rise of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, ensuring that the ERS voice remained evidence-based and authoritative.
Chronology of the Selection Process
The transition period for the leadership of the Tobacco Control Committee is structured to ensure continuity and rigor. The following timeline outlines the key dates for prospective applicants:
- 11 May 2026: Formal announcement of the call for applications.
- 11 May – 31 May 2026: Application window open for interested candidates.
- 31 May 2026: Submission deadline for CVs and motivation letters.
- June 2026: Review phase by the ERS selection committee.
- July 2026: Interviews and final selection.
- Autumn 2026: Official commencement of the 2026–2029 term.
Candidates are encouraged to review the full job description available on the official ERS elections portal, which details the specific commitments and eligibility requirements.
Supporting Data: Why Tobacco Control Remains a Priority
The urgency of this role is underscored by the current state of respiratory health in Europe. Despite decades of awareness campaigns, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disability in the EU.
The Scale of the Crisis
- Mortality: Tobacco use is responsible for approximately 700,000 deaths in the European Union every year.
- Economic Burden: The economic cost of tobacco use—including direct healthcare expenditure and productivity losses—amounts to tens of billions of euros annually.
- The Rise of Alternatives: The emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and heated tobacco products has introduced new challenges for clinicians, who must now address dual-use patterns and the potential long-term respiratory effects of aerosols that are not yet fully understood.
- Health Inequalities: Tobacco use remains heavily skewed toward lower socioeconomic groups, making the committee’s work a vital component of addressing health equity across the continent.
The new Chair will be responsible for interpreting this data and translating it into actionable policy, ensuring that the ERS remains a credible source of guidance for those navigating these complex public health challenges.
Implications of the Appointment
The appointment of a new Chair is more than just a personnel change; it is a signal of the Society’s future direction. As the European Commission reviews its Tobacco Products Directive and considers new fiscal measures on nicotine products, the ERS Chair will be at the center of these legislative debates.
Influence on Policy
The Chair does not work in a vacuum. They act as the primary liaison between the medical community and political decision-makers. By spearheading position papers, the Chair influences the discourse on tobacco taxation, plain packaging, advertisement bans, and the regulation of novel nicotine products.
Impact on Clinical Practice
For the clinicians within the ERS, the Committee’s output provides the evidence base for daily practice. The incoming Chair will play a crucial role in updating clinical guidelines, ensuring that smoking cessation support is integrated into every aspect of respiratory care—from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management to lung cancer screening programs.
How to Apply: Requirements and Expectations
The ERS emphasizes that all qualified applications are welcome. While the role is voluntary and unpaid, the professional prestige and the ability to influence public health outcomes represent a significant contribution to the medical field.
Essential Criteria
- Membership: While applicants do not need to be ERS members at the moment of submission, the successful candidate must be a member of the Society upon appointment.
- Expertise: A strong background in respiratory medicine, public health, or tobacco control research is essential.
- Commitment: The role requires a significant time investment, including participation in committee meetings, advocacy events, and the drafting of documents.
- Advocacy Skills: Strong communication skills are required, as the role involves engaging with stakeholders ranging from academic researchers to governmental representatives.
Submission Instructions
Interested candidates should prepare a comprehensive CV and a motivation letter outlining their vision for the committee’s 2026–2029 tenure. Applications should be sent to the designated ERS contact address (as provided on the ERS portal) by the 31 May 2026 deadline.
The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their track record in tobacco control, their ability to lead diverse teams, and their strategic vision for the ERS’s advocacy efforts.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The fight against tobacco is a marathon, not a sprint. As the European Respiratory Society looks toward 2029, the need for consistent, evidence-based, and bold leadership has never been greater.
The Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee represents the vanguard of this movement. By choosing to step into this role, the successful candidate will not only be representing the ERS but will be serving as a champion for the millions of Europeans whose health depends on the success of tobacco control initiatives.
For those with the passion, the expertise, and the drive to make a systemic difference, this is an invitation to define the standard of care and policy for a healthier, smoke-free future.
