WORLD BRONCHIECTASIS CONFERENCE 2026 KICKS OFF: DRIVING PROGRESS FOR PATIENTS WORLDWIDE

• World Bronchiectasis Conference starting in Hannover, Germany, from June 24-27, 2026
• Scientific programme and the “Association & Patient Village” highlight the integration of research, clinical practice and patient perspectives to advance bronchiectasis care

Hannover, Germany, June 23, 2026 – “Locally, globally, partnering with patients – together we can make the difference in improving the lives of people suffering from bronchiectasis,” is the motto the organizing committee has given out as they anticipate the start of the 9^th World Bronchiectasis Conference (WBC 2026).

Between June 24-27, 2026, more than 1,000 scientific experts, clinicians, researchers, caregivers, industry partners and patients from six continents will gather in Hannover, Germany, to discuss the current developments and outlook in bronchiectasis research, diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on pediatric care and patient perspectives.

Bronchiectasis, the third most common chronic respiratory disease after asthma and COPD, is characterized by permanent damage and abnormal widening of the airways and affects several million individuals worldwide. It can lead to respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, accelerated loss of lung function, persistent infection and, in severe cases, premature death.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Disease Modification & Future Perspectives
Can we finally take the step from disease progression to reversibility with novel therapeutic approaches?

While bronchiectasis is traditionally considered a chronic and progressive disease, a key area of interest is whether novel therapies can not only slow disease progression but also induce a degree of reversibility, leading to meaningful improvements in the underlying pathophysiology and patient outcomes.

• In SESSION XIV – DISEASE MODIFICATION IN BRONCHIECTASIS: WHAT IS IT AND CAN WE ACHIEVE IT? (Saturday, June 27, 10:00 – 11:00 am), panelists will discuss what data is already available and what kind of research should be conducted to gather further data and evidence to advance innovative therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving disease modification.

Clinical & Disease-Specific Programmes
Discussing recent advances in science and new clinical concepts

A correlation has been demonstrated between chronic cough in children and the development of bronchiectasis. Early recognition, including differentiation from other lung diseases, and cohesive disease management in children, however, can lead to complete recovery. Furthermore, the seamless transition of young patients from pediatric to adult care is of practical importance for achieving better long-term treatment outcomes.

• A dedicated GERMAN-LANGUAGE SESSION (Wednesday, June 24, 3:45 – 6:00 pm) for private practice physicians (Praxis), focuses on early recognition of bronchiectasis and collaborative management of outpatients together with specialist centres.
• SESSION IV (ROUND TABLE): CYSTIC FIBROSIS AND BRONCHIECTASIS – COMMUNALITIES AND DIFFERENCES (Thursday, June 25, 10:15 – 11:05 am)
• The shared mechanisms and fundamental differences between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and bronchiectasis will be explored in SESSION XII: BRONCHIECTASIS & ILD (Friday, June 26, 5:30 – 6:30 pm). A panel discussion is designed to identify implications for clinical management and future research priorities to help improve patients’ quality of life.

Association & Patient Village
Giving a voice to patients to share their experience

In addition to the scientific programme, WBC 2026 will feature the “Association & Patient Village”, a vibrant space dedicated to patient advocacy groups, associations and lung health organizations from around the world – including Australia, Austria, China, Germany, India, Italy, the UK, and many more.

Engaged in patient education and support, those organizations will present their activities, shedding light on the impact bronchiectasis has on patients’ daily lives and share practical tips for managing the condition on a day-to-day basis and adopting a lifestyle that could benefit other patients.

WORLD BRONCHIECTASIS CONFERENCE: 10 YEARS OF PROGRESS

A decade after the inaugural World Bronchiectasis Conference in Hannover, Germany, the conference will return to its birthplace, reflecting ten years of progress in diagnosis and treatment, updated guidelines and new standards of care. The conference has grown from a gathering of 250 global scientific experts to a 1,000+ delegate conference, bringing together clinicians, researchers, caregivers, industry partners and patients committed to improving the lives of people living with bronchiectasis.

Once a neglected disease, bronchiectasis remained poorly understood for many years, with limited knowledge of its epidemiology, causes and treatment. Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of researchers worldwide along with the contribution of the EMBARC – The European Bronchiectasis Registry – bronchiectasis is firmly established as the third most common chronic respiratory disease after asthma and COPD. This growing body of research continues to drive advances in diagnosis, management and patient care.

For more information and live updates, please visit the conference website at: www.world-bronchiectasis-conference.org/2026/

For the full scientific programme, please visit: www.world-bronchiectasis-conference.org/2026/?page_id=753

The conference will also be livestreamed and made available on-demand for registered participants.

 

Information for media representatives: All journalists are welcome to attend WBC 2026 free of charge. To register for complimentary press access, please contact wbc2026@mc-services.eu. A detailed press kit with further information will be made available upon request.

 

About World Bronchiectasis Conference

In 2026, the World Bronchiectasis Conference returns to Hannover, Germany, for its 9^th edition. It offers the global bronchiectasis community an unprecedented opportunity to engage with global leaders, share learnings about bronchiectasis diagnosis, treatment and care and celebrate the journey from neglected disease to a global movement.

The WBC 2026 is organized by EMBARC – The European Bronchiectasis Registry, in association with DZL – Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung, BREATH – Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover, Hannover Medical School (MHH), and PROGNOSIS – The Prospective German Non-CF Bronchiectasis Patient Registry.

About bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that can affect anyone at any age. Causes include damage after an infection, genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia, and autoimmune conditions. For some, the cause is unknown.

Most people with bronchiectasis remain undiagnosed for years. This means patients may not be receiving the help they need. Without earlier diagnosis and treatment, bronchiectasis can lead to long-term health problems, a faster loss of lung function, and premature death.

Timely diagnosis, management, and ongoing support are critical for people living with bronchiectasis. Proactive care can help patients experience fewer flare-ups, improve their quality of life, and reduce the frequency of hospital visits.

 

Media Contact
MC Services AG
Eva Bauer, Alexander Sälzer
Email: wbc2026@mc-services.eu
Phone: +49 89 210 228 0