8 September, 2026 | ERS Congress 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially inaugurated a new chapter in its leadership history. Following the conclusion of the ERS General Assembly 2026—a cornerstone event held during this year’s highly anticipated ERS Congress—a cadre of newly elected officers has assumed their mandates. This transition marks not only a change in personnel but a significant pivot in the Society’s strategic direction as it continues to navigate the complexities of global lung health in a post-pandemic landscape.
The Core Transition: A Change at the Helm
The most significant development of the Assembly was the formal transition of the ERS Presidency. Dr. Marc Miravitlles has officially succeeded Prof. Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, who moves into the role of ERS Past President.
Prof. Chorostowska-Wynimko’s tenure has been characterized by a drive toward clinical integration and the strengthening of European-wide research networks. In his opening remarks, the new President, Dr. Miravitlles, acknowledged the significant progress achieved under his predecessor’s leadership. "We are profoundly grateful for the dedication and vision that Prof. Chorostowska-Wynimko brought to this office," Miravitlles stated. "Her efforts have fortified the Society’s standing as a global authority on respiratory health."
For his part, Dr. Miravitlles enters the presidency at a time when the respiratory community faces unprecedented challenges, from the long-term sequelae of viral respiratory infections to the rising prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the urgent necessity of integrating digital health solutions into clinical practice.
The General Assembly: The Legislative Heart of ERS
The ERS General Assembly is far more than a ceremonial meeting; it is the democratic engine of the Society. As the primary body responsible for governance, the Assembly holds the authority to adapt the statutes of the Society, determine annual membership dues, review financial accountability, and provide a direct channel for the Executive Committee to receive proposals from the broader membership.
This year’s session was notably interactive. The Society opened the floor to all attending members, encouraging a robust exchange of ideas. This transparency is a hallmark of the ERS commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that the leadership remains responsive to the frontline needs of clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals. By inviting members to voice concerns and share forward-thinking proposals, the Assembly confirmed that the ERS strategy for 2026–2028 will be deeply rooted in the practical realities of respiratory care across Europe and beyond.
A Comprehensive Leadership Refresh: The 2026–2028 Mandates
While the Presidency occupies the spotlight, the strength of the ERS lies in its multi-disciplinary leadership structure. Several key appointments were finalized, signaling a shift toward specialized advocacy, education, and research dissemination:
- Executive Leadership: Prof. Silke Meiners has officially stepped into the role of ERS Vice President, bringing her extensive expertise to the executive decision-making table.
- Advocacy and Education: Prof. Zorana J. Andersen has assumed the mandate as ERS Advocacy Council Chair, a role pivotal in shaping public health policy. Simultaneously, Associate Prof. Mariëlle Pijnenburg takes over as the Educational Council Chair, tasked with modernizing the Society’s training and accreditation frameworks.
- Publications and Research: Prof. John Hurst has been appointed as the ERS Publications Committee Chair, overseeing the high-impact journals that serve as the bedrock of respiratory science. Furthermore, Dr. Swapna Mandel takes the helm as Chief Editor of the ERS Monograph, succeeding the esteemed Prof. Peter Calverley.
- Public Health and Policy: The ERS Tobacco Control Committee, a vital component of the Society’s public health mission, will now be led by Prof. Des Cox, who succeeds Dr. Filippos Filippidis.
The European Lung Foundation (ELF) Transition
The leadership shift extends to the European Lung Foundation, the patient-facing arm of the ERS. Phil Taverner has officially taken over the role of ELF Chair, following the successful three-year tenure of Dimitris Kontopidis. In a progressive move to strengthen the Foundation’s governance, Helen Parks has been appointed as the very first ELF Vice Chair, a position created to ensure continuity and expanded strategic oversight.
Chronology: The Road to the 2026 Transition
The transition that culminated on 8 September did not happen in isolation. The process followed a rigorous, multi-month cycle designed to uphold the integrity and democratic standards of the Society:
- Early 2026 – Call for Nominations: The ERS Election Committee opened the nomination process, seeking candidates who demonstrate both scientific excellence and organizational leadership.
- Spring 2026 – Campaign and Review: Candidates presented their platforms to the membership, focusing on key pillars such as climate change and lung health, equity in access to respiratory care, and the promotion of early-career investigators.
- Summer 2026 – The ERS Ballot: ERS members participated in a secure, transparent voting process. The results were audited to ensure compliance with the Society’s statutes.
- 8 September 2026 – Official Induction: At the General Assembly during the ERS Congress, the new officers were officially sworn in, marking the start of their respective mandates.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Medicine
The new leadership team enters office during a period of transformation. The implications of this transition are significant for the medical community in several ways:
1. Strengthening Advocacy in Public Policy
With the appointment of Prof. Zorana J. Andersen as Advocacy Council Chair, the ERS is signaling an increased focus on the environmental and social determinants of health. Given the escalating impact of air quality and climate change on respiratory health, the Society is expected to take a more aggressive stance in policy debates at the European Union level, aiming to influence legislation that protects vulnerable populations.
2. A Digital Transformation in Education
Under Associate Prof. Mariëlle Pijnenburg, the Educational Council is anticipated to expand its digital footprint. The transition toward hybrid learning models, virtual reality training for bronchoscopy, and artificial intelligence-driven curriculum development is expected to be a primary focus, ensuring that ERS education remains accessible to members globally, regardless of geographical barriers.
3. Sustaining Scientific Rigor
The appointment of Prof. John Hurst as Publications Committee Chair ensures that the ERS will maintain its position at the forefront of medical publishing. As the landscape of open-access publishing continues to evolve, the Committee will likely focus on strategies to maximize the reach and impact of ERS research, ensuring that high-quality, peer-reviewed data remains the foundation for clinical guidelines.
4. Patient-Centric Innovation
The change in leadership at the European Lung Foundation under Phil Taverner and Helen Parks reflects a commitment to deepening the patient-society partnership. By elevating the role of the ELF Vice Chair, the Foundation is positioning itself to be more agile in addressing patient advocacy needs and integrating the patient voice into clinical research protocols.
Official Responses and Reflections
In a statement released following the Assembly, the ERS expressed its sincere appreciation for the outgoing officers. "The strength of our Society is built upon the tireless service of those who lead it," the statement noted. "We extend our deepest thanks to those completing their terms, and we offer our full support to our new officers as they embark on this vital work."
The atmosphere at the Congress was one of optimism. Many members noted that the diversity of the new leadership team—representing a wide range of clinical specialties and academic backgrounds—reflects the modern, inclusive nature of the Society. The focus, as indicated by the new President, will remain firmly on "uniting the respiratory community to fight disease, improve health, and foster excellence in care."
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for the Coming Years
As the 2026 Congress progresses, the new leadership team is already moving to implement their strategic visions. With the Assembly’s approval of the society’s financial and governance frameworks, the Executive Committee is now positioned to focus on the long-term goals of the ERS:
- Clinical Excellence: Continuing the development and dissemination of high-quality evidence-based clinical guidelines.
- Research Innovation: Supporting collaborative European research initiatives that bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application.
- Global Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with international respiratory organizations to address global challenges such as TB, asthma, and the respiratory impacts of climate change.
For the members of the ERS, this transition is a reminder that the society is a living, breathing entity, constantly renewing itself to better serve its mission. As Dr. Marc Miravitlles begins his tenure, the respiratory community looks forward to a period of stability, growth, and continued commitment to the highest standards of scientific and clinical excellence.
For further details on the election results and the full list of committee members, members are encouraged to visit the official ERS Leadership and Committees portal.
