As with past retreats, the various disease areas and platforms have been given the opportunity to present their latest research and ideas for the years to come. In addition, a poster session was held for the first time this year to involve the younger generation more strongly. Over 60 young BREATH scientists took the opportunity to present their work.

Another innovation was the inclusion of patients. Two patients suffering from the rare lung disease LAM (lymphangioleiomyomatosis) and one recently lung transplanted patient presented themselves and their course of disease and treatment.

Also new this year was the presentation of young scientists who, despite their young scientific careers, have already received substantial support from BREATH and DZL. In recent years both at the BREATH site and in the DZL, programs have been launched to support young scientists in their careers and to connect them to the DZL (e.g. the DZL Academy).

Not new, but following established traditions, the Scientific and Economic Advisory Board of the DZL was invited to the retreat this year. They have been evaluating the progress of BREATH since the last retreat in May 2017 and gave valuable information on the plans for the coming years. Their written report will again serve as a guideline for BREATH in the coming years. "The Advisory Board is impressed by the continued advancement of the spectrum and quality of science at the BREATH site. BREATH meets all the requirements for innovative, effective and responsible science that contributes to improving the care of patients with lung diseases, "stated the board members Prof. Dr. Peter Sterk from the University of Amsterdam, Prof. Dr. Dirk van Raemdonck from the University of Leuven and Dr. Christoph Vauth from the Techniker Krankenkasse in their report.

The participants perceived the retreat very positively as well. BREATH seems scientifically well positioned to continue to operate at a high level in the coming years.

Text: BREATH / CD

Picture: BREATH / AH