As we prepare to gather in San Francisco for the ATS 2025 International Conference, the need for scientific collaboration, advocacy, and shared learning is heightened. The world is navigating an increasingly complex landscape – global health challenges, shifting policy environments, and economic and political uncertainties that threaten progress in science and medicine. In the face of these headwinds, our collective commitment to advancing pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine remains unwavering.

Together, academia, clinical practices, medical centers, industry, and governments must champion evidence-based science, health equity, and the power of a global network dedicated to improving respiratory health.

The ATS International Conference is a time for us to come together to learn from each other, to reconnect with colleagues, and to inspire the next generation of physician-scientists, PhD researchers, clinicians, and advocates. Our Opening Ceremony will set the stage for an incredible program, featuring a keynote from distinguished clinician-educator Kimberly D. Manning, MD, MACP, that blends personal insight, professional expertise, and a compelling call to action for the future of the global respiratory community.

Following this, the Plenary Session will be anchored by the inspiring story of Mr. Len Geiger, a dynamic advocate for patient-centered care who will share his unique insights and experiences as an individual with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and who underwent double lung-transplantation. His address will serve as a powerful example of how scientific breakthroughs by ATS members have made a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. The session will also include highlights of groundbreaking research and emerging trends that will shape our field for years to come.

Beyond these cornerstone events, we encourage everyone to attend the Women’s Forum and the Diversity Forum – two essential gatherings that celebrate the achievements and contributions of diverse voices in our community. These meetings provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, dialogue, and networking as we continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable future in medicine.

The heart of our conference lies in its scientific program, which offers a comprehensive and exciting slate of sessions spanning basic science, clinical research, medical education, and patient advocacy. As the premier conference for pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, the ATS International Conference features the latest scientific reports in the field, combined with the latest clinical care guidelines and advocacy efforts for our patients and our professional future.

The Basic Science Core theme this year will explore the developmental origins of lung disease across the lifespan. Other major key sessions include:

• Clinical Trials Session – A two-hour session on Sunday, May 18, featuring recently released clinical trial data.
• Keynote Series – Unopposed programming from 8 – 8:45 a.m. Sunday through Tuesday, May 18 – 20.
• Mid-day Symposia – Covering topics such as generic drug development, artificial intelligence, and governmental agency involvement in respiratory health.
• Journal Sessions
  • The New England Journal of Medicine, AJRCCM, and JAMA: Highlighting high-impact papers from around the time of the conference.
  • Red Journal: Featuring emerging insights into airway nerve dysregulation and neuroimmune interactions in asthma and chronic cough.
  • ATS Scholar: A hands-on, interactive session on the fundamentals of peer review for ATS journals.

There is something to learn for everybody, whether you’re a basic scientist, a clinical researcher, a clinician, a trainee, or patient advocate. No matter your specialty or area of interest, you’ll be able to network and forge partnerships that are critical to collaborations and career advancement.

After the conference, attendees who register for the ATS 2025 Conference Highlights will gain access to a curated collection of recorded sessions for on-demand viewing.

We look forward to seeing you all in San Francisco as we engage in critical discussions, celebrate achievements, and blaze new trails together. Your participation is what makes ATS such a vibrant and impactful community.

Let’s make ATS 2025 a conference to remember!


Irina Petrache, MD, ATSF, ATS President
Debra Boyer, MD, MHPE, ATSF, International Conference Committee Chair