Welcome from the ERS President

"The 28th ERS International Congress is taking place in Paris this year and I am looking forward to enjoying the experience; the Congress is the biggest in respiratory medicine, it is a forum to get updated with the latest studies in the field, to meet peers and key opinion leaders, to enjoy the many educational sessions and to be part of this exciting and productive atmosphere, in a great congress centre and an historic and alluring city.

"This event is the result of many months of hard work. The ERS Science and Education Councils have worked tirelessly alongside ERS Officers to develop a programme of sessions and activities which not only represent the latest in respiratory medicine and science but also cater to the varied needs of our growing membership and wider community. This year's programme, as in the past, has something for clinicians, scientists and allied health professionals: live and hands-on sessions, grand rounds, meet-the-expert seminars, new scientific evidence and, very importantly, the opportunity to meet with colleagues and to network.

"Networking is always a very big pull for our Congress; with over 22,000 delegates regularly in attendance, it is rightly seen as the place to be and to meet up with colleagues and peers from all over the world. It can be the catalyst for new collaborations and forming networks and this helps the advancement of knowledge and science and also helps our members' careers. Having the opportunity and the proper space to share ideas and knowledge and discuss issues and experiences plays a significant role in fulfilling our own personal goals of becoming better and feeling part of a productive and energetic community, it also helps reach the ultimate goal of better respiratory health across Europe and worldwide.

"I am looking forward to being in Paris – to welcome you all to what I know will be the respiratory event of the year, and to participate, absorb the knowledge being shared over the five-day period and enjoy the atmosphere. As the current ERS President, I am so very proud to be celebrating my presidency with this prestigious event! I would like to thank our officers and our members and importantly, all the ERS staff and departments who play a key role in bringing this big and complex event to life and who continue to do an excellent job year by year."

Professor Mina Gaga, ERS President