DZL Scientists Take on Leadership Roles in the Society for Pediatric Pneumology

As part of its 46th annual conference from March 12-15, 2025, in Leipzig, DZL researcher PD Dr. Nicolaus Schwerk from the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology (MHH) at the DZL site BREATH was appointed as the new president of the Society for Pediatric Pneumology (GPP). DZL researcher Prof. Dr. Mirjam Stahl from the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), an associated partner in the DZL, takes on his deputy role.

The GPP is the scientific professional society for pediatric pulmonology in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was founded in 1978 in Hanover and sees itself as the representative body for pediatric pulmonologists in the public sphere. Now, with PD Dr. Nicolaus Schwerk from the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology (MHH), a Hanoverian is at the helm of the association.

The society works closely with the German Respiratory Society (DGP), which focuses on pulmonology for adult patients. In recent years, the close collaboration between pulmonologists and pediatric pulmonologists has been increasingly promoted at many levels. PD Dr. Schwerk, in particular, understands the importance of this cooperation. One of his core areas of expertise is interstitial lung disease in children (chILD), and he also examines how these diseases evolve during the process of growing up.

"Many lung diseases have their origins in early childhood and then follow different developmental paths as a person grows. I believe that, in this process, joint research between pediatricians and pulmonologists holds great potential for early therapeutic interventions," predicts PD Dr. Schwerk, emphasizing the need for strong cooperation.

We wish PD Dr. Schwerk and Prof. Dr. Stahl all the best in their new roles.

Source: PD Dr. Nicolaus Schwerk Appointed New President of the Society for Pediatric Pneumology