6 May, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially announced a landmark recruitment drive, seeking visionary leaders to take the helm of four of its most prestigious scientific publications. As the global respiratory community faces unprecedented challenges—ranging from the long-term impacts of post-viral syndromes to the evolving landscape of climate-related respiratory disease—the role of these journals in disseminating high-impact, evidence-based research has never been more critical.
The Society is currently accepting applications for the position of Chief Editor for the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ), ERJ Open Research, European Respiratory Review (ERR), and the educational flagship, Breathe. The successful candidates will assume their mandates in October 2027, inheriting the responsibility of guiding the strategic direction, scientific integrity, and international reach of these vital academic assets.
Main Facts: A Call for Visionary Editorial Stewardship
The ERS is looking for four individuals who possess not only deep clinical and scientific expertise but also the strategic acumen required to navigate the complexities of modern academic publishing. The roles are pivotal, as they determine the standard of discourse in global respiratory medicine.
The Portfolios
The search encompasses four distinct editorial profiles, each serving a unique segment of the medical and scientific community:
- The European Respiratory Journal (ERJ): As the flagship publication, the ERJ is the pinnacle of the society’s output. It serves as a home for cutting-edge clinical and experimental research, as well as the definitive task force reports and clinical guidelines that shape global standard-of-care practices.
- ERJ Open Research: This fully open-access journal acts as a bridge across the respiratory sciences. It focuses on high-quality original research spanning basic science, clinical translational science, and clinical medicine, emphasizing accessibility and rapid dissemination of findings.
- European Respiratory Review (ERR): The ERR is the primary venue for synthesising current knowledge. It publishes state-of-the-art reviews, critical editorials, and academic correspondence on the most topical issues currently affecting respiratory medicine, science, and surgery.
- Breathe: Designed specifically for the educational advancement of clinicians, Breathe is the Society’s clinical educational publication. It excels in delivering practice-focused reviews, case studies, and expert viewpoints, making complex scientific data actionable for practitioners in the field.
The mandate for these positions begins in October 2027, allowing for a strategic transition period to ensure that the new editorial boards can align their goals with the broader mission of the ERS.
Chronology: The Roadmap to Editorial Transition
The ERS has established a clear timeline for this recruitment process, emphasizing transparency and fairness in the selection of its new editorial leadership.
- 6 May, 2026: Formal announcement of the call for applications. The job descriptions for all four journals are made public via the ERS website.
- May–June, 2026: The open application period. Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the specific competencies required for each journal.
- 26 June, 2026: Application deadline. All CVs and covering letters must be submitted to the designated ERS recruitment channel.
- Q3–Q4, 2026: Initial review of applications and candidate shortlisting.
- Early 2027: Interviews and final selection process conducted by the ERS editorial search committees.
- October 2027: Official commencement of new Chief Editor mandates.
This 18-month lead time ensures that the transition is seamless, allowing for the potential overlap between outgoing editors and the new appointees to maintain the continuity of the journals’ impact factors and submission pipelines.
Supporting Data: Why Editorial Leadership Matters
The influence of ERS publications cannot be overstated. With respiratory health becoming a top priority for public health organizations worldwide, these journals serve as the backbone of evidence-based policy and clinical practice.
The Impact of Open Access
In recent years, the shift toward open access has been a cornerstone of the ERS strategy. ERJ Open Research and Breathe have been at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that researchers in low- and middle-income countries—who are often disproportionately affected by respiratory conditions—have equitable access to high-quality science. Data suggests that the visibility of research published in open-access formats is significantly higher, leading to increased citations and, more importantly, faster clinical application of new therapies.
Maintaining Scientific Rigour
The ERJ, in particular, continues to hold one of the highest impact factors in the respiratory field. The rigorous peer-review process, overseen by the Chief Editor, is the final gatekeeper for thousands of manuscripts annually. The incoming Chief Editor of the ERJ will be tasked with maintaining this rigorous standard while adapting to the rapid evolution of digital publishing, including the integration of AI-assisted data analysis and the need for more robust transparency in reporting guidelines.
Official Responses: The ERS Vision for the Future
In a recent communication to its members, the ERS board emphasized that these roles are about more than just managing peer review; they are about fostering a culture of innovation.
"We are not merely looking for academics; we are looking for leaders who can envision what respiratory medicine will look like in 2030 and beyond," a representative for the Society noted. "The Chief Editor must act as a bridge between the laboratory and the bedside. They must be capable of identifying the trends that will change clinical practice and ensuring that our publications remain the first port of call for the world’s leading researchers."
The Society has encouraged a diverse applicant pool, emphasizing that the best science is produced when a plurality of voices and perspectives is represented in the editorial board. "We value innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to the patient-first philosophy that defines ERS," the representative added.
Implications: The Future Landscape of Respiratory Medicine
The appointment of new Chief Editors in 2027 will mark a significant shift in the scientific landscape. The choices made by these editors will dictate the priority areas for funding, research focus, and clinical guideline updates for the years that follow.
The Digital Transformation
One of the primary challenges facing the new editors will be the digital transformation of medical publishing. As the industry moves away from traditional print-focused models, the Chief Editors will be expected to leverage digital tools to enhance the discoverability of research. This includes optimizing journals for search engines, fostering interactive digital content, and exploring the potential of post-publication review and community-led peer review.
Global Health Challenges
With climate change emerging as a significant driver of respiratory diseases—such as asthma exacerbations due to wildfire smoke and the spread of respiratory pathogens—the incoming editorial teams will be responsible for prioritizing research that addresses these environmental determinants of health. The ability of the journals to influence public policy will remain a critical metric of success for the new editors.
Professional Development
For the successful candidates, these roles represent the pinnacle of professional service. Leading an ERS publication is a platform that allows editors to influence the direction of their sub-specialty, mentor the next generation of researchers, and play a direct role in improving the lives of patients worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to review the comprehensive job descriptions provided by the ERS. The Society emphasizes that a strong application must demonstrate not only a history of distinguished research but also a clear, actionable vision for the specific journal in question.
Application Requirements:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A covering letter outlining the applicant’s suitability, including their leadership philosophy and their vision for the journal’s growth over the term of the mandate.
Submission Details:
Applications must be submitted via email to the official ERS recruitment address by 26 June, 2026. Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the ERS Elections and Open Positions page for further details on the selection criteria and the broader governance structure of the Society.
As the ERS prepares for this leadership transition, the global respiratory community watches with anticipation. The editors chosen will hold the keys to the future of respiratory medicine, ensuring that the best scientific ideas reach the clinicians and policymakers who need them most. Whether it is through the groundbreaking clinical trials of the ERJ or the accessible educational content of Breathe, the next chapter of ERS publishing promises to be as transformative as ever.
