2026 Pittsburgh International Lung Conference: The Evolving Landscape of COPD: Bridging New Mechanisms and Emerging Therapies

About This Grant

SUMMARY This application requests partial funding for the 2026 Pittsburgh International Lung Conference (PILC): “The Evolving Landscape of COPD: Bridging New Mechanisms and Emerging Therapies.” COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide, and while research has advanced, understanding of treatable mechanisms is still limited. Recent progress in new approach methodologies, omics and biologics offers new opportunities, but collaboration across research fields remains insufficient. Overcoming challenges in COPD requires multidisciplinary cooperation across multiple fields: basic and translational science, epidemiology, genetics, bioengineering, computational biology, and clinical research and implementation. The dedicated PILC 2026 conference will bring together basic, translational, and clinical researchers to share new methods, findings, foster collaborations, and inspire both established and emerging investigators to pursue novel research directions. The two-day program will include a keynote, seven main sessions covering topics such as the exposome, gene-to-function studies, regenerative medicine, aging, immunity, diagnostics, comorbidities, and biologics, plus a special session on AI. Interspaced with these sessions will be panel discussions, poster sessions, and a formal dinner with a lecture. The conference organizers will facilitate interaction between participants, thought leaders, early career faculty, and community providers throughout the conference. Speakers will include medical professionals (MDs, PhDs, and RNs) from leading worldwide academic institutions. Bringing together experts from multiple backgrounds will accelerate the translation of discoveries into new treatments, highlight recent breakthroughs, and promote innovative approaches to patient care. We propose the following aims: (1) To provide a safe, collaborative environment for basic, translational, and clinical researchers to disseminate and discuss recent scientific advances and emerging clinical approaches in our understanding of COPD. We aim to organize a successful meeting during September 17- 18th, 2026, in Pittsburgh, PA, attracting the top and emerging scientists, trainees, and community providers. Interaction will be facilitated via panel discussions, question and answer sessions, dinner talks, shared meals, and poster sessions. Talks will be given, ample time will be provided for questions and discussion, and the atmosphere will be conducive to interaction. (2) To promote the interaction of students, clinical trainees, post-doctoral trainees, and early career faculty with established investigators. Travel awards will be targeted to these participants. Essentially, all participants will be able to present a poster. Each of the seven sessions will feature a presentation from early career faculty or fellows/trainees. Early career faculty will participate as co-chairs. In addition, a pre-conference Early Career Day organized by early career investigators with presentations by early career scientists and breakout session focused on training and career development. By connecting multidisciplinary experts, the conference aims to accelerate discoveries and improve COPD care.