Dr. Marc Miravitlles, a leading pulmonologist at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), has been elected Vice President of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), with a planned presidency of the global reference organization in respiratory health for the period 2026-2027.

The ERS is one of the leading medical organizations in the respiratory field, with a growing number of members spanning over 160 countries. The ERS prioritizes science, education, and advocacy with the aim of promoting lung health, alleviating the suffering from diseases, and advancing respiratory medicine standards worldwide.

Commenting on this appointment, Dr. Miravitlles expresses that it is "a great honor and a significant challenge to lead the ERS, the most prestigious entity in the field of respiratory health worldwide.” He further emphasizes that this recognition is proof of the high level of respiratory research in Spain, specifically in the Barcelona area, highlighting that the leadership of a Spaniard in this organization is evidence of the prestige and impact of our scientific community.

Dr. Miravitlles addresses the main challenges facing respiratory health globally. Among them, he highlights air pollution and climate change as key factors affecting respiratory health. Additionally, smoking and new forms of nicotine consumption, such as e-cigarettes, contribute to diseases like COPD and lung cancer, with a significant impact on global health.

The ERS is based on three pillars: education, research, and promotion of respiratory health. One of Dr. Miravitlles’s main objectives will be to ensure that respiratory diseases have a prominent place in the European research and public health agenda. “Respiratory diseases often do not receive the attention they deserve, despite their high prevalence and impact on patients' lives,” he notes.

Technological advancements have been crucial in respiratory medicine, with innovations such as mechanical ventilation, sleep apnea diagnosis, and bronchoscopic techniques. Dr. Miravitlles predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will play an important role in monitoring patients with chronic diseases. “AI and telemedicine will help us monitor patients more efficiently and intervene early in case of complications,” he highlights.

The election of a Spaniard to lead the ERS reflects the excellence of respiratory research in Spain. “Spain is among the leading countries in respiratory research, with top-level research centers,” concludes Dr. Miravitlles. This recognition underscores not only individual achievements but also the prestige and quality of the respiratory research conducted in the country.