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European Lung Foundation

The European Lung Foundation (ELF) was founded by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) to bring together patients and the public with professionals.

31/01/2026

❓ Did you know over 900 different compounds have been found in indoor air, and some pollutants may be 2-5 times more concentrated inside rather than outside buildings.

At our upcoming Breathe Clean Air Patient Conference, we will explore the health impact of indoor air pollution and steps you can take to keep your lungs healthy.

Register now: https://europeanlung.org/en/get-involved/events/breathe-clean-air-patient-conference-2026/

Learn more about indoor air pollution: https://europeanlung.org/en/information-hub/keeping-lungs-healthy/indoor-air-pollution/

30/01/2026

🚭 A youth advocate from Romania’s Youth Advocacy Champions team joined an EU-focused event in Brussels to speak about the benefits of to***co taxation, sharing real-world experiences from their advocacy work and the impact to***co has on young people.

is an implementation research project, working with young people to develop new strategies for reducing the harm caused by to***co and air pollution exposure in different settings.

Find out more: www.ipcrg.org/freshair4life

29/01/2026

💙 Putting patient experiences at the centre of lung health

The ELF Working Group for ERS Congress activities met for the first time to discuss how to ensure patient priorities are at the heart of planning and delivery in 2026.

Earlier this month, 14 representatives met to discuss a variety of topics, from reviewing feedback from the 2025 Congress to identifying ways to align with the 2026 theme of “United for better breathing: partnership between patients, clinicians and researchers.”

This is the first of many meetings that will put the voices of patients, carers and patient organisation’s at the heart of the event.

Learn more: https://europeanlung.org/en/news-and-blog/elf-holds-first-meeting-with-working-group-to-plan-patient-input-into-the-ers-congress-2026/

27/01/2026

📖 New research highlights persistent gender gaps in well-being and career progression among lung health specialists.

A survey of 586 French pulmonologists found that women were significantly more likely to report anxiety, burnout and limits to career opportunities than men.

The findings point to an urgent need for reform to support equity, well-being and career progression in respiratory medicine.

Read the summary: https://europeanlung.org/en/news-and-blog/new-study-highlights-gender-gaps-in-well-being-among-lung-health-specialists/

26/01/2026

💻 Digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping healthcare. But what does this mean for patients and the public?

Join us on 5 March for the ‘Developing people-centric digital and AI-enabled solutions for respiratory care’ online conference to learn more.

This event will:

💡 Discuss how digital health tools and AI are changing how lung conditions and cancer are prevented, diagnosed and managed
💡 Hear directly from patients and the public about their experiences and concerns
💡 Explore ethical, legal and social considerations, including trust, transparency, equity and access

Register now: https://europeanlung.org/en/get-involved/events/developing-people-centric-digital-and-ai-enabled-solutions-for-respiratory-care/

24/01/2026

📚🌍 On this International Day of Education, we celebrate the positive impact of educating young people about the importance of health!

The EU-funded project promotes education and awareness on respiratory heath, prevention and the importance of clean air.

🚀 By organising lung health checks and delivering educational materials to students in Poland, Portugal and Hungary, the project is engaging not only students, but also educators and parents. This helps ensure that health and prevention are prioritised both at school and at home.

👉 Learn more about the project and our work in schools https://shorturl.at/dzIx0

23/01/2026

A new report has found that AI models are giving out wrong and potentially harmful health information.

A Guardian investigation found Google's AI Overview gave advice that directly contradicted official health guidance, and a blog published by the BMJ found that AI models get things wrong in up to 48% of cases.

"When people are searching for health information, they need to be confident that the answers come from credible, trusted sources. AI tools must meet the same high standards we expect from doctors and health organisations,” says Dimitris Kontopidis, European Lung Foundation Chair.

False health information puts patients and families at risk. This is why defending science matters.

Learn more about this story and how you can take action: https://europeanlung.org/en/news-and-blog/ai-tools-can-give-inaccurate-health-information/

22/01/2026

💬 “Although I’m formally retired, I am not ready to stop working. I have 50 years of experience working in environments that bring scientists, clinicians, and patients together. I want to make that experience available to a cause that’s important to me.”

For the first Patient Spotlight of 2026, we spoke to Phil Taverner, the incoming ELF Chair for the 2026-2029 term. Phil has been supporting ELF activities for several years, from reviewing research papers to contributing to our working groups.

Learn more about our incoming Chair and what he hopes to achieve as he steps into this new role! https://europeanlung.org/en/news-and-blog/conversation-with-phil-taverner/

21/01/2026

🚨 January’s Patient Organisation Round-up is online!

Each month, ELF spotlights the work of patient organisations in our network and the ways they are raising awareness and advocating for improved lung health.

In this month's Patient Round-up:

💡The German Alpha1 Journal published its first online flipping book, which is an accessible virtual version of its most recent edition.

💡Mycobactéries Non Tuberculeuses MNT - Association MNT Mon Poumon Mon Air attended ‘La Marche des Maladies Rares’ in Paris. Attendees took part in a 6km walk and carried signs displaying the names of rare diseases.

💡 ALK Positive Lung Cancer - UK has launched the Brenda Cobb Hardship Fund, designed to provide practical financial support to people and families affected by ALK-positive lung cancer who are experiencing financial hardship.

Read the full round-up: https://europeanlung.org/en/news-and-blog/patient-organisation-round-up-january-2026/

20/01/2026

Trustworthy health information could save your life. That is why we are concerned about rising disinformation – false or misleading facts, often spread online – which makes it harder to know what is true and who to trust.

This is not just confusing. It is dangerous.

False information threatens the progress we have made in helping people understand their health, seek care at the right time, and protect themselves and their families.

That is why ELF and Respiratory Society are asking European leaders to take action now to:

🛑 Stop the spread of false health information
📑 Make sure everyone has access to clear, reliable health information
🏫 Support health education so people can better understand and trust science

Find out how you can support our campaign: https://www.ersnet.org/advocacy/campaign-defend-science/

19/01/2026

💻 Have you registered yet?

Join us for the 6th annual Bronchiectasis Patient Conference on 21 March as members of the ELF Bronchiectasis Patient Advisory Group (PAG) share their insights on living with the condition. We will also learn from experts who will discuss the latest research findings and clinical trials.

Do not miss this opportunity to learn more about the condition and how to improve your quality of life with ! Register today: https://europeanlung.org/en/get-involved/events/bronchiectasis-patient-conference-2026/

16/01/2026

🫁 Have you been asked to provide a sputum sample to help manage your lung condition?

Our easy-to-read sputum guide is now available in 9 languages, with clear explanations to help you feel prepared and confident. Find out:

✔️ Why sputum tests are done
✔️ How to collect a sample
✔️ What happens to it in the lab

👉 Read the guide here:
https://europeanlung.org/en/information-hub/living-with-a-lung-condition/a-guide-to-sputum-for-people-with-lung-conditions/

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