Scientists from the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) gathered at the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI) Congress 2026 in Dublin, Ireland, to share cutting-edge findings and clinical advancements in pulmonary vascular diseases (PVDs).
The congress featured significant contributions from the DZL scientists. Prof. Dr. Ardeschir Ghofrani (UGMLC site) provided new insights into the clinical application of Sotatercept.
The translational sessions were further bolstered by the diverse expertise of scientists from the UGMLC site. Prof. Dr. Norbert Weissmann addressed the critical impact of air pollution on the development of pulmonary vascular diseases. Prof. Dr. Ralph Schermuly introduced novel cardioprotective strategies. Expanding the molecular perspective, Prof. Dr. Soni Pullamsetti presented comprehensive omics analyses of the right ventricle. Prof. Dr. Grazyna Kwapiszewska, highlighted basement membranes as promising therapeutic targets in pulmonary hypertension. Prof. Dr. Serge Adnot explored the role of cellular senescence and identified novel targets within this pathway.
A central theme of the congress was the vital role of collaboration in advancing medical science. The DZL Chairman Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger presented “The power of ‘we’: how team building transformed PVD research at Giessen & globally,” emphasizing that the notion of the center extends far beyond national borders. This concept was further explored by Dr. Athiththan Yogeswaran, who demonstrated the tangible impact of international cooperation in his talk, “What can we learn from global PH registries (GoDeep Global PH Registry).”
Prof. Dr. Ardeschir Ghofrani acknowledges the DZL scientists involved in the presented study. |
Prof. Dr. Norbert Weissmann demonstrates the impact of air pollution on pulmonary vascular diseases. |
Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger highlights the importance of collaboration in science. |
The congress highlighted DZL’s active engagement with the global community. Disease Area coordinators, together with numerous DZL scientists and academy members, contributed to a highly collaborative environment that continues to generate high-quality research. This was further underscored by poster prizes awarded to Dr. Nabhan Rai and Zahraa Msheik.
The strong presence of the DZL at the PVRI Congress 2026 reinforces its role as a hub for international pulmonary research. By combining visionary leadership with a dynamic network of young investigators, the DZL ensures that the "Power of We" translates into real progress for patients worldwide.
DZL scientists Dr. Stefan Hadzic, Dr. Cheng-Yu Wu, Dr. Oleg Pak, Dr. Mira Yasemin Gökyildirim, Dr. Marija Gredic, and Prof. Dr. Norbert Weissmann, as well as the UGMLC manager, Dr. Sylvia Weissmann, gather at the PVRI Congress 2026 in Dublin.
The PVRI Congress is an annual international conference organized by the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI). It brings together leading clinicians, researchers and industry representatives from around the world to discuss the latest advances in pulmonary vascular diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, translational research, and emerging therapeutic strategies. The meeting serves as a key platform for global scientific exchange and collaboration in the field of pulmonary vascular medicine.
