11 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS), a global powerhouse in the field of respiratory medicine, has officially declared an opening for one of its most pivotal leadership positions: the Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee. As the organization looks toward the next three years (2026–2029), it seeks a visionary leader to steer its strategic efforts in curbing tobacco consumption, preventing nicotine addiction, and advocating for robust legislative frameworks across the European Union.
This role represents a critical juncture for public health advocacy. With tobacco use remaining the leading cause of preventable death in Europe, the incoming Chair will be tasked with translating complex clinical research into actionable policy, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring that respiratory health remains at the forefront of the European political agenda.
Main Facts: Defining the Role
The ERS Tobacco Control Committee serves as the central engine for the society’s advocacy, research, and outreach initiatives concerning tobacco and nicotine products. The Committee is responsible for coordinating multi-disciplinary efforts, ranging from supporting clinical cessation programs to lobbying for stricter environmental and advertising regulations.
Key Details of the Appointment:
- Duration: A three-year term spanning 2026 to 2029.
- Nature of Role: A prestigious, voluntary, and unpaid leadership position.
- Core Responsibilities: Leading the development of ERS position papers, engaging with EU policy stakeholders, and collaborating with international health bodies to combat the tobacco epidemic.
- Eligibility: The position is open to a wide range of professionals, though the successful candidate must be—or become—a member of the ERS upon appointment.
- Deadline for Application: Candidates must submit their curriculum vitae and a formal motivation letter by 31 May 2026.
The ERS has emphasized that while the role is voluntary, its impact is far-reaching. The Chair acts as the primary representative for the society’s stance on smoking cessation and nicotine regulation, often acting as a bridge between the scientific community and the halls of the European Parliament and Commission.
Chronology: A History of Advocacy
The ERS has long been a sentinel in the fight against tobacco. To understand the gravity of this upcoming appointment, one must look at the evolution of the Tobacco Control Committee’s influence over the last decade.
2014–2017: Laying the Groundwork
During this period, the ERS intensified its efforts to support the implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The Committee focused on standardizing packaging and expanding smoke-free zones across EU member states.
2017–2020: The Shift Toward E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco
As the market landscape shifted, the Committee pivoted to address the rise of novel nicotine delivery systems. This era saw the ERS take a firmer stance against the industry’s narrative that vaping was a "safer" alternative, prioritizing the protection of youth and the prevention of dual-use.
2020–2023: Pandemic-Era Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities of the lungs. The Committee’s leadership during this time successfully linked tobacco control with broader respiratory health awareness, highlighting how smoking exacerbated the impact of the virus, thereby securing tobacco control as a critical component of post-pandemic public health recovery plans.
2023–2026: The "Tobacco-Free Generation" Initiative
Under the outgoing leadership of Prof. Filippos Filippidis, the Committee has been instrumental in advocating for the "Tobacco-Free Generation" initiative—a long-term strategy aimed at reducing smoking prevalence in the EU to less than 5% by 2040.
Supporting Data: Why the Fight Remains Critical
Despite decades of intervention, the statistics surrounding tobacco in Europe remain sobering. The new Chair will be stepping into an environment where the challenges are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
- Prevalence: According to the most recent Eurobarometer data, approximately 23% of the EU population currently smokes. While this is a significant decrease from the turn of the century, the rate of decline has plateaued in several member states.
- Economic Impact: The cost of tobacco-related diseases—including COPD, lung cancer, and cardiovascular complications—costs EU healthcare systems billions of euros annually. The ERS argues that investment in tobacco control is not just a moral imperative but a fiscal necessity.
- The Rise of Dual Use: Data from the last three years suggests that the proliferation of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches has led to a rise in "dual use" among adolescents, threatening to undo the progress made in de-normalizing nicotine consumption.
- Policy Gaps: Despite the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), implementation remains inconsistent across European borders. The ERS Chair is vital in pressuring governments to harmonize these policies, ensuring there are no "weak links" in European tobacco regulation.
Official Responses: The Vision of Outgoing Leadership
Prof. Filippos Filippidis, the outgoing Chair, has spoken candidly about the challenges and rewards of the role. His tenure has been marked by a collaborative spirit and a relentless focus on evidence-based policy.
"The Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee has amazing opportunities to interact with policy makers," Prof. Filippidis stated in a recent reflection on his term. "You aren’t just sitting in an office; you are in the room when decisions are being made about the health of millions. Leading the development of influential ERS position papers allows you to set the intellectual tone for tobacco control in Europe."
He further emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the work: "It is an exciting and meaningful role. You work closely with the various branches of ERS—from pediatricians to environmental health experts—to prevent nicotine addiction and promote cessation. The satisfaction comes from knowing that the work you do directly contributes to a healthier, tobacco-free future."
The ERS Secretariat has also noted that while the role is demanding, the support structure provided by the Society is robust. The new Chair will inherit a well-oiled machine of researchers, administrators, and policy analysts, all dedicated to the same goal.
Implications: The Path Forward (2026–2029)
The appointment of the new Chair comes at a time when the European Union is undergoing significant shifts in its health policy framework. The implications of this selection are profound for several reasons:
1. Influencing the Next TPD Revision
The European Commission is expected to revisit the Tobacco Products Directive in the coming years. The ERS Chair will be responsible for ensuring that the scientific community’s voice is heard during these negotiations, advocating for stricter rules on flavors, advertising, and marketing of nicotine products to younger demographics.
2. Addressing Environmental Impacts
The next term will likely see an increased focus on the environmental footprint of tobacco, from the chemical toxicity of cigarette butts to the electronic waste generated by disposable vapes. The ERS has signaled an intent to move toward a more holistic "One Health" approach to tobacco control.
3. Strengthening Grassroots Advocacy
Beyond the corridors of Brussels, the ERS aims to empower its members in individual countries to conduct effective local advocacy. The Chair will need to possess not only high-level diplomatic skills but also the ability to mentor and mobilize a diverse, international cohort of respiratory health professionals.
4. Navigating Industry Influence
Perhaps the most persistent challenge will be managing the aggressive lobbying efforts of the tobacco and nicotine industry. The Chair must be a steadfast defender of scientific integrity, ensuring that ERS positions remain untainted by industry-funded "harm reduction" narratives that often prioritize commercial interest over public health.
How to Apply: Contributing to the Mission
For those interested in shaping the trajectory of European public health, the application process is straightforward but rigorous. The ERS is looking for a leader who embodies both scientific excellence and a passion for policy.
Candidates should consult the official ERS website to review the full job description. The documentation provides a detailed breakdown of the time commitment—which includes attendance at key international meetings, oversight of committee webinars, and regular briefings with ERS leadership.
Application Requirements:
- CV: Highlighting relevant experience in tobacco control, respiratory health, or public policy.
- Motivation Letter: A clear articulation of the candidate’s vision for the Committee, including their strategy for addressing the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption.
Applications should be sent to the designated ERS contact email by the close of business on 31 May 2026.
As the ERS prepares to welcome a new voice to lead its Tobacco Control Committee, the message to the medical community is clear: the fight against tobacco is far from over. With the right leadership, the society aims to turn the tide, ensuring that by the end of the 2026–2029 term, the dream of a smoke-free Europe is one step closer to reality.
