{"id":24092,"date":"2026-06-17T14:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T12:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ilh-giessen.de\/?p=24092"},"modified":"2026-07-02T14:37:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T12:37:04","slug":"dzl-annual-meeting-2026-in-wiesbaden-shaping-the-future-of-lung-research-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ilh-giessen.de\/en\/news\/dzl-annual-meeting-2026-in-wiesbaden-shaping-the-future-of-lung-research-together\/","title":{"rendered":"DZL Annual Meeting 2026 in Wiesbaden: Shaping the Future of Lung Research Together"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 700 participants, vibrant scientific discussions, and a shared vision for the future of respiratory research: from 9 to 11 June 2026, the nationwide network of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) gathered in Wiesbaden for the 14th DZL Annual Meeting.<\/p>\n

For the first time, the DZL Annual Meeting was held at the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden. With its open, modern architecture and compact layout, the venue provided an ideal setting for in-depth scientific exchange, personal interactions, and the joint development of perspectives for the next funding period. For three days, the Hessian state capital became a hub for Germany\u2019s respiratory research community.<\/p>\n

Shaping the Future: External Evaluation and DZL 5.0<\/h3>\n

The DZL Annual Meeting offers a unique opportunity to bring together the entire network in one place. Researchers from all DZL sites, disciplines, and career stages use the meeting to present their latest findings, initiate new collaborations, and strengthen cross-site networking. Above all, however, the Annual Meeting thrives on personal exchange\u2014on encounters that spark new ideas and further reinforce the collaborative spirit that defines the DZL.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s meeting was strongly shaped by preparations for the upcoming external evaluation of the DZL. Building on the achievements of previous funding periods, the network is currently working intensively on the strategic perspectives for the next funding phase (2028\u20132031), which is being prepared under the framework of DZL 5.0<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In Wiesbaden, the Annual Meeting provided an opportunity to further refine these future perspectives and engage in an intensive dialogue with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which accompanied the meeting on site. Comprising internationally renowned experts in respiratory research, the SAB has supported the DZL for many years with scientific expertise and strategic guidance. The Board\u2019s feedback once again confirmed the successful development of the DZL, particularly recognising its outstanding achievements in translational research\u2014the successful translation of basic scientific discoveries into clinical application. The close dialogue with the SAB provides valuable impulses for the further development of the DZL and the shaping of the upcoming funding period.<\/p>\n

A Successful Kick-Off at the DZL Academy Reception<\/h3>\n

Traditionally, the Annual Meeting began on its first day with a series of pre-meetings, before the DZL Academy Reception officially opened the event in the evening. Around 300 early-career researchers from across the network came together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Short presentations, an interactive quiz, and ample time for personal conversations shaped the evening, offering opportunities to establish new connections, exchange views on career perspectives, and further strengthen the DZL\u2019s cross-site community. The reception brought together early-career researchers from all DZL sites and created a space for networking, peer exchange, and new scientific collaborations.<\/p>\n

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Scientific Exchange in the Working Group Sessions<\/h3>\n

The second day of the Annual Meeting was dedicated to scientific exchange and collaboration. During the open sessions of the Disease Areas, Platforms, and Disease-Spanning Working Groups, researchers presented current projects, discussed shared challenges, and explored new avenues for future collaboration.<\/p>\n

Complementing these sessions were the Teaser Sessions<\/strong>, during which the authors of the ten highest-ranked abstracts in each area had the opportunity to showcase their work in brief presentations and generate early interest in their posters ahead of the poster session.<\/p>\n

Together, the sessions highlighted the breadth and diversity of research across the DZL\u2014from fundamental scientific questions and technological innovations to translational approaches with direct relevance for patient care.<\/p>\n

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Lively Discussions at the Poster Session<\/h3>\n

Once again, the large poster session held in the afternoon was among the highlights of the Annual Meeting. A total of 425 posters provided a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape across the DZL.<\/p>\n

In particular, the poster session offered early-career researchers a valuable opportunity to discuss their work directly with colleagues, receive constructive feedback, and establish new scientific connections. The presentations sparked numerous expert conversations, lively discussions, and fresh ideas for future collaborations, underscoring the vibrant and collaborative spirit of the DZL community.<\/p>\n

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A Strong Commitment to Scientific Excellence and Academic Freedom<\/h3>\n

The festive evening programme opened with the traditional Chairman\u2019s Address by Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger. He reflected on the development of the DZL and highlighted the network\u2019s key achievements in recent years. With more than 1,000 scientific publications annually, over 500 clinical studies involving DZL researchers since 2021, 109 national and international guidelines, and significant progress in technology transfer\u2014including 50 patents and five spin-off companies since 2022\u2014the DZL has established itself as an internationally recognised driver of translational respiratory research. In particular, Seeger emphasised the successful translation of scientific discoveries into clinical application, ranging from first-in-human studies and novel therapeutic concepts to tangible innovations with direct benefits for patients.<\/p>\n

He also outlined the strategic evolution of the network. In the future, the DZL will further expand its engagement with outstanding scientists beyond its existing partner sites, thereby strengthening its nationwide connectivity and collaborative reach. Moreover, he highlighted the Centre\u2019s future focus on life-course approaches to prevention (\u201cDeep Prevention\u201d), regenerative strategies to restore lung function, and the further expansion of AI-driven and data-intensive research in the fields of Digital Medicine and Virtual Lung. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), whose international expertise continues to provide valuable guidance as the DZL prepares for its next funding period.<\/p>\n

A central theme of his address was a strong commitment to academic freedom, scientific integrity, and democracy. Seeger recalled that he had already warned of the growing threats to these values at last year\u2019s meeting. One year later, he noted, the situation had not improved in many parts of the world. This, he argued, makes it all the more important to recognise that the atmosphere of scientific freedom and integrity in which the DZL community meets and collaborates cannot be taken for granted.<\/p>\n

He called on the international scientific community to actively defend academic freedom, freedom of expression, and scientific integrity, to counter misinformation and fake news, and to show solidarity with those whose scientific freedom is under threat. He concluded his address with the words: \u201cScience is more than a profession \u2013 it is an attitude. An attitude to stand up for integrity, for freedom of science, for democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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DZL Poster Awards 2026<\/h3>\n

As part of the festive evening programme, the DZL once again honoured outstanding poster presentations selected through a public vote conducted during the poster session. Each award winner received a cash prize of \u20ac500.<\/p>\n