6 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially launched a global search for the next generation of editorial leadership across its prestigious portfolio of publications. As the organization continues to set the benchmark for respiratory research, education, and clinical practice, the call for four new Chief Editors marks a pivotal moment for the society’s scientific trajectory. These mandates, scheduled to commence in October 2027, represent more than just administrative appointments; they signify the stewardship of the global respiratory discourse for the coming half-decade.
Main Facts: The Search for Editorial Excellence
The ERS is currently seeking distinguished academics, clinicians, and researchers to assume the helm of four of its cornerstone publications: the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ), ERJ Open Research, European Respiratory Review (ERR), and Breathe.
Each role demands a candidate with not only an impeccable track record in respiratory science but also a vision for how digital-first, open-access, and high-impact publishing will evolve in the late 2020s. The selection process is rigorous, requiring applicants to submit comprehensive CVs and detailed covering letters that elucidate their motivations and strategic vision for their respective journals.
The Portfolio of Influence
The four journals seeking leadership serve distinct but overlapping segments of the respiratory community:
- European Respiratory Journal (ERJ): Widely regarded as the flagship publication, the ERJ is the primary vehicle for high-impact clinical and experimental research. It is the repository for the society’s landmark task force reports and global guidelines. The incoming Chief Editor will be responsible for maintaining the journal’s high impact factor and its role as the definitive source for evidence-based respiratory medicine.
- ERJ Open Research: Positioned as the society’s fully open-access original research platform, this journal captures the breadth of respiratory science. From fundamental molecular biology to clinical translational studies, it provides a vital venue for researchers to disseminate their findings to a global, barrier-free audience.
- European Respiratory Review (ERR): This open-access review journal serves as the pulse of the industry. It publishes state-of-the-art reviews, critical editorials, and academic correspondence on the most pressing issues in respiratory medicine, science, and thoracic surgery.
- Breathe: Focused on the educational needs of the respiratory community, Breathe bridges the gap between research and bedside practice. Its mandate is to provide high-quality, practice-focused reviews, case studies, and expert viewpoints that are accessible to a wide audience, ranging from medical students to seasoned specialists.
Chronology: A Roadmap to the 2027 Mandate
The transition process for editorial leadership within the ERS is structured to ensure continuity, stability, and a seamless handover of responsibilities.
- 6 May 2026: The official call for applications is opened to the ERS membership and the broader international scientific community.
- 26 June 2026: The application window closes. Prospective candidates have roughly seven weeks to prepare dossiers, secure institutional support, and finalize their strategic proposals.
- Q3–Q4 2026: The selection committee, comprised of senior ERS leadership and editorial board representatives, will conduct interviews and evaluate the vision statements of the shortlisted candidates.
- Early 2027: Official appointments are finalized and announced. This allows for a robust "shadowing" or transition period where outgoing editors can mentor their successors.
- October 2027: The new Chief Editors officially assume their mandates, taking full editorial control of the content, peer-review processes, and strategic development of their respective journals.
Supporting Data: The Impact of ERS Publications
To understand the weight of these positions, one must look at the data. The ERS publishing suite is not merely a collection of journals; it is a global engine for knowledge dissemination. In the current landscape, the European Respiratory Journal consistently ranks among the top-tier journals in the respiratory field, with an impact factor that reflects its role as the primary venue for clinical breakthroughs.
ERJ Open Research has seen a significant surge in submissions over the past three years, mirroring the global shift toward open science. With article processing charges increasingly covered by institutional mandates, the volume of high-quality, original data being published here has created a new, vital ecosystem for early-career investigators.
Breathe serves a unique function in the educational architecture of the society. Recent analytics suggest that Breathe content is among the most frequently cited in medical education programs across Europe and beyond. Its focus on practical, case-based learning ensures that the latest clinical guidelines are not just published, but understood and implemented in clinical practice.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The ERS leadership has emphasized that these appointments come at a time of technological transformation. With the rise of AI-assisted peer review, the ongoing debate over preprint servers, and the necessity of ensuring diversity in editorial boards, the new Chief Editors will need to navigate a complex publishing environment.
"We are looking for leaders who are not just experts in their field, but visionaries in publishing," an ERS spokesperson stated. "The role of a Chief Editor today goes beyond selecting papers. It involves curating the scientific conversation, ensuring the ethical integrity of published data, and finding innovative ways to engage with a digital-first global audience. Our publications are the heartbeat of the ERS, and these appointments will dictate the rhythm of that heart for the next five years."
The society is encouraging a diverse range of applicants. Recognizing that respiratory medicine is a global discipline, the ERS is particularly keen to see applications that reflect the international nature of the society, welcoming candidates who bring a global perspective to the challenges of respiratory health, such as climate change-related respiratory illness, the post-COVID-19 landscape, and the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in low-resource settings.
Implications: The Future of the Respiratory Field
The selection of these four individuals will have profound implications for the medical community. The Chief Editor of the European Respiratory Journal, for instance, effectively acts as a gatekeeper for what is considered "standard of care" globally. When the ERJ publishes a task force report, it changes how doctors treat patients from London to Tokyo.
Furthermore, the emphasis on open access across three of the four journals—ERJ Open Research, European Respiratory Review, and Breathe—highlights the ERS’s commitment to the "democratization of science." The incoming editors will be expected to defend and expand this model, ensuring that the latest scientific advancements are available to clinicians in resource-limited settings without the hurdle of paywalls.
For the academic community, these roles represent the pinnacle of service to the profession. While the positions are demanding, they offer an unparalleled platform to influence the direction of research, mentor junior scientists, and leave a lasting legacy on the field of respiratory medicine.
How to Apply
The ERS has made the application process as transparent as possible, with detailed job descriptions available for each role. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official ERS website to download the full job descriptions.
Applications must be submitted via email by 26 June, 2026. A complete application includes:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A covering letter that explicitly addresses the candidate’s suitability for the position, their vision for the journal, and how they intend to balance the role with their existing professional responsibilities.
As the deadline approaches, the society anticipates a highly competitive field. The transition to the 2027 editorial team will be watched closely by the international respiratory community, as these individuals will set the standards for clinical evidence and scientific discovery for years to come. Whether you are a researcher in fundamental science, a clinical practitioner, or a public health advocate, these positions offer a unique opportunity to shape the future of lung health.
For those interested in viewing the broader scope of internal governance, the ERS maintains a public portal of all current elections and open positions, reflecting the organization’s dedication to transparency and member-led governance. The future of respiratory science is in the hands of its community—the call has been issued, and the field awaits the next generation of leaders.
