6 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially commenced a global recruitment drive for four pivotal leadership roles across its suite of world-renowned scientific journals. As the landscape of respiratory medicine continues to evolve through rapid technological integration and shifting clinical priorities, the ERS is seeking visionary Chief Editors to steer the editorial direction of its flagship publications, with mandates set to commence in October 2027.
This search represents a rare opportunity for distinguished members of the global respiratory community to influence the trajectory of scientific discourse, peer review standards, and clinical practice dissemination.
The Core Mandate: An Overview of the Positions
The ERS is soliciting applications for Chief Editors for four distinct publications, each serving a unique function within the medical and scientific ecosystem:
- European Respiratory Journal (ERJ): As the society’s flagship publication, the ERJ remains at the vanguard of high-impact, cutting-edge clinical and experimental research. It serves as the primary repository for landmark task force reports and international clinical guidelines that define global standards of care.
- ERJ Open Research: Positioned as a fully open-access platform, this journal captures the breadth of modern respiratory science. It acts as a hub for foundational basic science, clinical translational research, and innovative clinical medicine, ensuring that high-quality data is accessible to the global research community without barriers.
- European Respiratory Review (ERR): This open-access title focuses on synthesis and perspective. It provides a platform for state-of-the-art reviews, critical editorials, and academic correspondence, distilling complex and topical issues in respiratory medicine, science, and surgery for an expert audience.
- Breathe: Dedicated to clinical education, Breathe serves as an essential bridge between research and the bedside. Its mission is to deliver high-quality, practice-focused reviews, case studies, and educational viewpoints to a diverse audience, including clinicians in training and seasoned practitioners.
Chronology: The Road to Editorial Transition
The ERS has established a rigorous timeline to ensure a seamless leadership transition, maintaining the integrity and consistency of the journals during the handover period.
- 6 May 2026: Official announcement of the open positions and publication of detailed job descriptions.
- May–June 2026: The application window is open. Candidates are encouraged to conduct self-assessments against the requirements for each specific role.
- 26 June 2026: The absolute deadline for all applications. Candidates must submit a comprehensive CV and a formal covering letter detailing their motivation and strategic vision.
- July–September 2026: The ERS selection committees will conduct internal reviews and interviews with short-listed candidates.
- October 2026: Announcement of the successful candidates, allowing for a twelve-month "shadowing" and preparation period.
- October 2027: Official commencement of the new Chief Editors’ mandates.
Supporting Data: Why Editorial Leadership Matters
The influence of ERS publications cannot be overstated. In the current academic climate, the impact factor and citation indices of these journals serve as barometers for the health of the respiratory field.
According to recent bibliometric data, the European Respiratory Journal consistently ranks among the top-tier medical journals globally, with a citation impact that rivals general medicine periodicals. The shift toward the "Open Science" model, spearheaded by ERJ Open Research and European Respiratory Review, has led to a 40% increase in article downloads across developing nations, highlighting the critical role these journals play in democratizing medical knowledge.
Furthermore, Breathe has reported record-breaking engagement numbers among early-career physicians, suggesting that the educational mandate of the ERS is successfully capturing the next generation of respiratory specialists. The incoming Chief Editors will be tasked with maintaining these metrics while navigating the complexities of AI-assisted peer review and the increasing demand for data transparency.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
In a statement released alongside the job postings, the ERS leadership emphasized that the role of an editor is no longer just about content curation; it is about community building.
"We are not merely looking for academics with an impressive publication record," an ERS spokesperson noted. "We are looking for leaders who understand the intersection of clinical policy and scientific innovation. The incoming Chief Editors will be the stewards of our society’s reputation. They must balance the need for rigorous, high-impact research with the ethical imperatives of open access and educational accessibility."
The society has also highlighted that the selection process will be meritocratic and inclusive, reflecting the global nature of the ERS membership. The committees responsible for vetting the candidates have been instructed to prioritize diversity of thought, geographic representation, and a commitment to modernizing the peer-review process.
Implications: The Future of Respiratory Publishing
The appointment of new leadership in 2027 will signal a significant turning point for the ERS. Several key implications for the wider medical community include:
1. The Integration of AI in Research Validation
With the rise of generative AI, the new editors will face the monumental task of establishing guidelines for the use of AI tools in research writing and image processing. Their policies will likely set a precedent for other medical journals to follow.
2. The Global Push for Open Science
The ERS has signaled a long-term commitment to Open Access. The new editors will be responsible for balancing the financial sustainability of the journals with the goal of removing all "paywalls," a challenge that requires significant strategic foresight in the face of changing publishing business models.
3. Patient-Centric Research
There is a growing expectation that clinical research should involve patient advocacy groups in the peer-review process. The incoming editors are expected to formalize the role of patient-research partners in the editorial cycle, ensuring that the research published truly reflects the needs of those living with respiratory conditions.
How to Apply: A Guide for Prospective Candidates
The ERS has provided comprehensive documentation for each of the four roles, which can be accessed via the following links:
- European Respiratory Journal Chief Editor Job Description
- ERJ Open Research Chief Editor Job Description
- European Respiratory Review Chief Editor Job Description
- Breathe Chief Editor Job Description
Interested applicants must ensure their submissions include a detailed CV and a robust cover letter. The cover letter should not only outline the candidate’s academic achievements but must also explicitly state their vision for the journal, including proposed strategies for increasing impact, fostering diversity among authors, and embracing new media for research dissemination.
Applications should be directed to the official ERS email address at [email protected] by the 26 June 2026 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
For those interested in the broader governance of the society, more information regarding current vacancies and the democratic election processes of the ERS can be found on the official ERS elections and open positions portal.
Conclusion
As the ERS looks toward 2027 and beyond, these editorial appointments represent the society’s commitment to academic excellence and clinical service. The individuals who step into these roles will not only edit journals; they will curate the knowledge that informs the future of respiratory medicine, ensuring that the ERS remains a pillar of the global scientific community. For those with the ambition to lead, the time to act is now.
