The World Bronchiectasis Conference (WBC) will return to Hannover, Germany, later this month, marking a decade since the inaugural meeting helped establish a global community focused on the chronic respiratory disease.

Taking place from June 24-27, the 2026 conference is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates, including clinicians, researchers, allied healthcare professionals, patients and industry representatives involved in bronchiectasis diagnosis, treatment and care.

Organised by EMBARC, the European Bronchiectasis Registry, in collaboration with the German Bronchiectasis Registry Prognosis and Breath, the Hannover site of the German Center for Lung Research at Hannover Medical School, the event reflects growing international interest in a disease that was historically overlooked by researchers and healthcare systems.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic and progressive lung condition characterised by permanent widening and damage of the airways. Symptoms can include chronic cough, sputum production, breathlessness and recurrent chest infections. In severe cases, the disease can lead to accelerated loss of lung function and premature death.

According to conference organisers, around 120,000 people in Germany are living with bronchiectasis, while several million people worldwide are believed to be affected. However, substantial numbers of cases remain undiagnosed, highlighting ongoing challenges around disease awareness and diagnosis.

Over the past decade, researchers have made significant progress in understanding the condition, leading to updated clinical guidelines, improved standards of care and increased recognition of the disease burden.

The conference organisers said bronchiectasis is now regarded as the third most common chronic respiratory disease after asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reflecting growing research activity and improved epidemiological data.

Prof. Felix Ringshausen, organising committee co-chair from Hannover Medical School and the German Center for Lung Research, said: “Reflecting the growing recognition and high burden of the disease, WBC 2026 is proud to shine a spotlight on the next generation of experts with this year’s theme, ‘Paving the Way for the Next Generation’, supporting early-career professionals in building skills and networks.”

A major focus of this year’s meeting will be supporting emerging researchers and clinicians working in bronchiectasis, with dedicated opportunities for networking, training and professional development.

The scientific programme will cover a wide range of topics, including basic science, paediatric bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease and the role of allied healthcare professionals in patient management.

Organisers have also introduced a dedicated programme exploring the psychosocial impact of bronchiectasis, marking the first time this topic has featured as a standalone track within the main conference programme.

In addition, two half-day sessions will bring together patients and healthcare professionals to discuss practical approaches to disease management and day-to-day care.

The return of the conference to Hannover highlights the evolution of bronchiectasis research over the past decade, with growing international collaboration helping to improve understanding of disease mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment.

Journalists will be able to attend the conference free of charge, with organisers planning to release a detailed press kit ahead of the event.