| Objectives |
| The objective of the society is to promote respiratory health in order to alleviate suffering from respiratory disease |
| In the context of these statutes “respiratory medicine” encompasses all aspects of respiratory science and of clinical respiratory practice |
| These objectives shall be achieved by promoting, co-ordinating, and stimulating the activities of ERS members, facilitating scientific exchange and by advocacy towards governments, granting agencies and political bodies, in co-ordination with national societies, in the fields of education, patient care, public health and research |
| Powers and means of action |
| Promote basic, epidemiological and clinical research in respiratory medicine |
| Be a reference authority for respiratory medicine in Europe |
| Collect, assess and disseminate scientific information concerning all aspects of lung health and disease |
| Organise congresses, conferences, symposia, seminars, scientific meetings, exhibitions and all other clinical and scientific events |
| Produce scientific publications by the editing, printing, and publishing of reviews, journals, bulletins and any written, visual, audio-visual or electronic media designed to promote, encourage or disseminate research or educational work in the field of respiratory medicine |
| Support training in respiratory medicine and research through grants and fellowships |
| Encourage and support continuous education in respiratory medicine |
| Collaborate with other national and international organisations having a similar objective or similar functions |
| Engage in appropriate actions to defend its members’ interests |
| Promote collaboration with organisations representing patients with respiratory diseases |
| Establish branch offices in other cities or countries as required |
Derived from Articles I and II of the ERS Constitution [1].