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ERS Congress 2026
ERS Congress 2026 will take place from 5 to 9 September 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. It is the annual congress of the European Respiratory Society, and it brings together healthcare professionals focused on respiratory medicine, research, and patient care. ERS Congress 2026 is one of the main international meetings in this field, with a programme built around science, education, and clinical exchange.
What is ERS Congress 2026 and who is it for?
ERS Congress 2026 is the yearly congress organised by the European Respiratory Society, a major event for the respiratory health community. The congress serves as a meeting point for specialists working on lung health, from basic research to clinical practice.
The event is primarily aimed at:
- pulmonologists and respiratory physicians
- researchers and scientists
- nurses and allied health professionals
- public health specialists
- trainees and students in respiratory medicine
Its scope is broad, but the focus remains clear: respiratory care, respiratory science, and the latest developments in the field. That makes it a key date for professionals who follow advances in asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, sleep-related breathing disorders, infections, and other areas linked to lung health.
When and where does ERS Congress 2026 take place?
ERS Congress 2026 takes place from 5 to 9 September 2026. The venue is Fira Barcelona Gran Via, in Barcelona, Spain.
The congress location is practical and well known for large international medical events. Barcelona is also a strong choice for a European scientific congress, with good transport connections and a long track record of hosting global meetings.
The venue and the city
Fira Barcelona Gran Via is one of the city’s major exhibition and congress venues. It has the scale needed for a large scientific programme, parallel sessions, and a busy exhibition environment.
Barcelona gives the event an international setting, but the scientific agenda remains the real draw. The city is simply the stage.
What topics does the congress cover?
ERS Congress focuses on respiratory medicine and respiratory science. The official programme typically covers a wide range of topics relevant to clinical practice and research. The congress is known for combining specialist sessions with broader updates across the field.
Common areas covered at ERS Congress include:
- asthma and allergy
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- interstitial lung diseases
- pulmonary infections
- sleep and breathing disorders
- critical care and intensive care topics
- paediatrics and respiratory development
- smoking, prevention, and public health
- translational and experimental research
This wide coverage is one reason the congress attracts such a mixed professional audience. It is not a narrow niche meeting. It is a full-scale respiratory congress.
What is on the programme?
The congress is built around a structured scientific programme that usually includes oral sessions, expert presentations, educational content, and networking moments. The exact programme for 2026 is published by the organiser, but the format follows the standard model of a major international medical congress.
Scientific sessions and education
The educational side of ERS Congress is central to its identity. Attendees can expect lectures, expert-led discussions, and updates on clinical practice and research trends. These sessions help participants compare approaches, review evidence, and follow the latest thinking in respiratory medicine.
Networking and exchange
Large congresses in this sector are not only about lectures. They also create space for conversations between clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals. That exchange is often where new collaborations begin. It also helps younger attendees meet established experts in the field.
What makes the 2026 edition worth noting?
ERS Congress 2026 stands out because it combines scale with scientific depth. The event is not a one-topic conference. It brings together the full respiratory ecosystem in one place.
A few points make this edition especially relevant:
- it is the annual congress of the European Respiratory Society
- it gathers an international audience of respiratory professionals
- it takes place in Barcelona, a major European congress city
- it is held at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, a venue suited to large-scale medical events
- it covers both clinical and research perspectives in respiratory health
For professionals who follow the field closely, the congress is a reliable marker in the calendar. It is where the latest work is presented, debated, and tested against real clinical experience.
Frequently asked questions
Who organises ERS Congress 2026?
The congress is organised by the European Respiratory Society, often referred to as ERS. This is the main professional society behind the event and the broader respiratory medicine network.
Is ERS Congress 2026 open to the public?
No, this is a professional congress. It is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and other specialists involved in respiratory medicine and related fields.
What is the main language used at the congress?
ERS Congress is an international event, and the main working language is English. That is the standard for most scientific sessions and presentations.
How long does ERS Congress 2026 last?
The congress runs for five days, from 5 to 9 September 2026. That gives attendees time to follow several sessions across different respiratory topics.
What kind of professionals usually attend ERS Congress?
The event usually attracts pulmonologists, respiratory researchers, nurses, allied health professionals, trainees, and public health specialists. It is a mixed audience, but all attendees work in or around respiratory health.
Why is Barcelona a suitable host city for this congress?
Barcelona is a major European destination for international congresses. It offers a large venue in Fira Barcelona Gran Via, strong transport links, and the infrastructure needed for a multi-day scientific event.