LAUSR

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress, the largest respiratory meeting in the world, will take place 7–9 September 2020 in a virtual way. Next to an outstanding scientific programme with novel insights into a broad spectrum of respiratory topics, a comprehensive programme will be offered to Early Career Members (ECMs). ECMs will have access to pre-recorded postgraduate courses, professional development workshops and “Expert view” sessions, which are only a few examples of an excellent educational programme that promotes the exchange of basic and translational science, and clinical knowledge. Alongside this educational programme, the Early Career Members Committee (ECMC) also organises a session dedicated to the professional development of ECMs. This ECM session, will take place on Wednesday morning (9.30–10.30 h in Studio Madrid), 9 September. Useful information about the ERS structure and how to get involved within the ERS will be covered by the co-chair of the ECMC, Maxime Patout. Furthermore, the opportunity of fellowships that allow ECMs to gather experience in another country, to learn new skills and to promote respiratory networks worldwide will be highlighted by Louise E. Donnely (ERS Fellowships and Awards Director), followed by the Mina Gaga lecture given by Chris Burtin, who is the 2020 ECM awardee. The session will be closed by a talk on motivation and leadership in science by ECMC representative Daniela Gompelmann. As clinical and scientific work presents multidisciplinary teamwork, one key to success in science is to develop the ability to inspire, push and motivate the team. As motivational leadership is a true challenge, some motivational techniques that will positively influence the productivity and happiness of the scientific team will be presented.