International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)

17/06/2026

The conversation doesn't end when submissions close.

It evolves.

Late-Breaker submissions for The Union World Conference on Lung Health are now open, offering opportunities to share significant new findings, emerging evidence, and research not available during the main abstract submission period.

This year, submissions are open for:

🎓 The RIT/JATA Student Late-Breaker Session on Lung Health – providing students with an opportunity to showcase research spanning all aspects of lung health, from immunology and vaccines to operational research in TB, COPD, pneumonia, and other lung health challenges affecting adults and children.

🫁 The Union Late-Breaker Session – dedicated to research related to lung health and tuberculosis, including extrapulmonary TB and post-TB sequelae.

📅 Deadline: 22 July 2026

Find the submission pathway that's right for you: https://worldlunghealth.org/late-breaker-sessions/

Late-Breaker Sessions THE RIT/JATA STUDENT LATE-BREAKER SESSION ON LUNG HEALTH The Union World Conference on Lung Health is pleased to announce the RIT/JATA Student Late-Breaker Session focusing on lung health. The Late-Breaker is made possible with the support of Research Institute of Tuberculosis....

17/06/2026

The next breakthrough in TB research might not fit neatly into a submission timeline.

That's why TBScience is introducing dedicated Late-Breaker submissions for The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2026 for the first time.

Because important discoveries don't stop when deadlines pass.
If your research has the potential to challenge thinking, influence practice, and move the field forward, we want to hear from you.

📅 Deadline: 22 July 2026

Submit now: https://tbscience2026.abstractserver.com/abstracts/ #/login

16/06/2026

MEET THE LEADERSHIP RECEPTION

What if the most valuable conversation you have in Rio isn't part of the programme?

Join us at the Meet the Leadership Reception and connect with Union leadership, global experts, and delegates from across the world.

This is your opportunity to meet the people driving progress in lung health, exchange ideas, and join the conversations shaping what comes next.

Tickets are available as an add-on during registration.

Register now: https://union2026.urevent.fr/

15/06/2026

The conference programme shares evidence. Community Connect shares experience.

Community Connect Engagement Activities are now open for the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2026.

From art and photography exhibitions to films, workshops, posters, and live performances, Community Connect provides a platform for communities to share stories, challenge stigma, showcase innovation, and bring lived experience to the forefront of the conversation.
Because progress isn't driven by evidence alone. It is strengthened by the voices, experiences, and perspectives of the people most affected.
📅 Submissions open until 31 July 2026.

Learn more: https://worldlunghealth.org/community-connect/,

12/06/2026

For four days, the global lung health community will be in one place.
The people developing the evidence.
The people implementing programmes.
The people influencing policy.
The people challenging the status quo.
And the people living with the realities these decisions affect.
Because when the world's leading voices in lung health come together, conversations don't just stay in the room.
They direct funding decisions.
They spark partnerships.
They shape the future.
They change lives.
This November, those conversations will happen in Rio.
Thousands of people dedicated to improving lung health worldwide will come together to challenge assumptions, share lessons, debate solutions, and push each other further.

Register now: https://ow.ly/mQEl50Zb72R

11/06/2026

📘 The India Innovation Summit: Proceedings is now live.

The Summit was jointly organized by the Indian Council of Medical Research in collaboration with the Central TB Division, Mohfw, India, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and the Gates Foundation, bringing together diverse stakeholders committed to accelerating progress towards TB elimination.

📖 Read the report: https://theunion.org/technical-publications/india-innovation-summit-proceedings

The India Innovation Summit: *Pioneering Solutions to End TB* brought together more than 1,400 participants from government, academia, industry, civil society and global health organizations to explore innovations that can strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.

The Proceedings Report captures key discussions and highlights from the Summit, including:

🔹 1,400+ participants from across sectors
🔹 20 scientific sessions featuring 150+ experts
🔹 238 innovations showcased across the TB care continuum
🔹 Launch of the Atlas of TB Innovations

From breakthrough technologies to implementation insights, the report highlights how innovation, evidence and collaboration can come together to strengthen TB programmes and accelerate progress towards ending TB.

04/06/2026

The Union is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Head of Programme for the Union India Office, Dr Archana Beri.

Archana is a physician-scientist, clinical microbiologist and public health leader with over two decades of experience strengthening diagnostic and laboratory systems globally. Her contributions have supported major programmes in tuberculosis, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and global health security.

Dr Kavindhran Velen, Chief Scientific Officer, said: “This is a vital role that will enhance the brilliant momentum that has been generated across our programmes in India and drive us to achieve future success. We are confident Archana is the ideal person for us and the challenge ahead."

👐 Please join us in welcoming Archana to the Union family!

Read more about Archana's appointment: https://theunion.org/news/new-head-of-programme-joins-the-union-india-office

04/06/2026

As part of the World Conference on To***co Control 2025, the Luther L. Terry Awards were re-established. To mark World No To***co Day, we asked the winners to share their reflects on the progress made since the conference in Dublin, and the challenges that continue to shape the future of global to***co control.

The Luther L. Terry Awards recognise those who have made a significant contribution to advancing to***co control around the world.

In 2025, this prestigious honour was awarded to:

🏅 Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society – Distinguished Career

🏅 Lisa Lu, CEO of International Youth To***co Control – Young Pioneer Awardee (joint)

🏅 Leslie Rae, Executive Director of Global Alliance for To***co Control – Young Pioneer Awardee (joint)

Be sure to read Leslie, Lisa and Rob's perspectives and insights: https://theunion.org/news/luther-terry-award-2025-winners-reflect-on-progress-and-challenges-in-to***co-control

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03/06/2026

🆕 Explore the latest issue of IJTLD CRD

🫁 IJTLD Chronic Respiratory Diseases (IJTLD CRD) publishes the latest research on chronic lung conditions. This is a critically neglected area in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for an estimated 4 million annual deaths and affecting up to 90 million people with post-TB lung disease (PTLD).

📑 We are delighted to have published a special issue dedicated to PTLD, which you can read for free: https://journals.theunion.org/content/ijtldcrd/1/2

We welcome articles on ALL aspects of chronic respiratory disease. To find out more sign-up to journal alerts: https://mailchi.mp/theunion/sign-up

31/05/2026

On World No To***co Day, The Union is highlighting an editorial from our Public Health Action journal exploring the urgent need to expose and address the evolving tactics used by the to***co and ni****ne industry to drive addiction, particularly among young people.

Supporting this year’s theme “Unmasking the appeal – countering ni****ne and to***co addiction”, Les Hagen and Ghulam Nabi Kazi call for stronger, evidence-based measures to protect future generations 🚭

📄 Read the editorial: https://ow.ly/fUyH50Z5vvX

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