The GPP is the scientific society representing pediatric pulmonology in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Founded in 1978 in Hanover, it acts as the public voice for pediatric pulmonologists. Now, with PD Dr. Nicolaus Schwerk from the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology at Hannover Medical School (MHH), a Hanoverian is once again at the helm of the society.

The GPP maintains a close collaboration with the German Respiratory Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e.V., DGP), which focuses on adult pulmonology. In recent years, cooperation between adult and pediatric pulmonologists has intensified across various levels. PD Dr. Schwerk in particular recognizes the importance of this collaboration. One of his core areas of expertise is interstitial lung disease in children (chILD), and he also studies how these diseases evolve throughout childhood and adolescence—a major research focus at the DZL site BREATH.

“Many lung diseases begin in early childhood and then follow different developmental paths as children grow. I believe that collaborative research between pediatricians and pulmonologists holds great potential to intervene with early therapeutic options during this critical period,” predicts PD Dr. Schwerk, emphasizing the need for strong cooperation.

We wish PD Dr. Schwerk all the best in his new role.

Text: BREATH/AB

Foto: MHH/Figiel