It is a true pleasure to be hosting the 26th International Congress of the European Respiratory Society in London.The ERS International Congress has grown to be the largest meeting in the world in the respiratory field and this year's event will not disappoint. The Chairs of the Scientific and Educational Councils, together with all ERS Officers, are busy preparing a programme that will challenge our thinking minds, encourage debate and offer new insights across the spectrum of respiratory health and disease.The ERS International Congress has grown to be the largest meeting in the world in the respiratory field and this year's true pleasure to be hosting the 26th International Congress of the European Respiratory Society in London.We extend a special welcome to our existing and new members as we have seen our numbers rise this year with more partnerships developed with national and international societies. The Congress is the pinnacle of the year for our growing respiratory community, and others who attend our Congress, and represents a key opportunity to share knowledge across borders and professional disciplines as we work towards a common goal of improving respiratory health.