Breakthroughs you should know about: Highlights from the European Respiratory Society Congress

The European Respiratory Society Congress is one of the biggest events in respiratory research. Three jam-packed days of science, innovation and breakthroughs. Here's what we got excited about at this year’s event.

The Asthma + Lung UK research team. Left to right: Dr Sam Walker, Director of Research + Innovation, Krisnah Poinasamy, Head of Research & Innovation Advocacy, Ian Jarrold, Deputy Head of Research & Innovation, Lucinda Inman, Research Operations Officer.

For those living with a lung condition, we know how encouraging it can be to see that researchers from across the world are working endlessly to improve respiratory care. That’s why we want to talk about the annual European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress, an event dedicated to showcasing the latest in lung health research, treatments, and care.

This years’ event focused on the theme: "Humans and Machines: Getting the Balance Right". Alongside the usual range of respiratory topics that matter most: diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Respiratory care is moving in the right direction

Picture this: outstanding researchers from across the world gathered together under one roof. Exchanging insights on how their studies could directly impact the treatment and management of respiratory conditions. From promising new treatments for bronchiectasis and COPD to improving access to pulmonary rehabilitation, it’s clear that respiratory care is moving in the right direction.

Some of the researchers funded by Asthma + Lung UK were there too:

Professor James Chalmers presented on new treatments aimed at reducing inflammation in people living with bronchiectasis. Managing inflammation can be a key part of staying well and preventing flare-ups.

Professor Mona Bafadhel shared findings from a clinical trial that could lead to new ways to treat flare-ups in people with asthma and COPD.

Professor Andy Bush’s long-standing dedication to the field of respiratory medicine earned him the ERS Presidential Award this year. Andy was celebrated for his work in improving respiratory health worldwide.

The future of respiratory research

We know that for the field of respiratory science to continue to grow, advance and make an impact, we must support early career researchers. That’s why every year we offer funding through our travel award scheme, supporting them to attend events like these. This year’s recipients got to meet the experts, learn from the best, and share their own work.

They are the future of respiratory research, and we couldn’t be prouder to support their journey. Here’s what these awards mean to some of this year’s winners:

Dr Martha Purcell: “The A+LUK travel grant was extremely useful to my ongoing development as an early career researcher. It provided a great opportunity to meet the team at A+LUK and discuss my work. I have made some great contacts for the future.”

Dr Yiling Guo: “This travel fellowship has invigorated my passion for my work. Thank you for supporting opportunities like this, which are crucial for the advancement of emerging scientists in the field.”

Breakthroughs You Should Know About

As well as promising research, new insights and fascinating science, there were also some major breakthroughs announced. These two got us excited the most.

Scientists prove £1.30 cold remedy really works! – this is no false alarm: simple saline spray shortens kids’ colds by two days.

Fresh hope for sleep apnoea sufferers – a new leap for this common respiratory condition.

Real, tangible improvements for people living with lung conditions

So that’s that. It’s not just about science. It’s about real, tangible improvements to your daily life. Knowing that the world’s respiratory pioneers are working hard to bring these new developments and innovations to life gives us all a little more hope.

Read more about the research we fund on our website.

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