In the DZL, leading experts Germany-wide, among them approx. 200 researchers and their working groups from mor ethan 20 university and non-university institutions, are working together at five sites. Each of the sites, with its own expertise and infrastructure, is recognized as a specialist in the field of lung diseases. This special networking and cooperation facilitates a continuous exchange of scientists between the sites and thus a rapid exchange of research findings.

For this major project, the DZL has chosen the integrative research approach. This means that all disease areas (defined diseases or disease groups) are worked on and researched jointly by at least two of the DZL partners. The available platforms and core facilities provide the scientists with a solid basis for their research activities. In addition to the excellent infrastructure already existing, work continues on tailormade innovative technologies to complement the existing pool.