Aspen Lung Conference Pulmonary Fibrosis - focusing on the future - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT With an emphasis on the integration of basic, translational and clinical approaches, the 66th annual Aspen Lung Conference will focus on a central question: How can knowledge of cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms that underlie repair of fibrotic lungs help us to develop effective approaches to treat pulmonary fibrosis? To address this central question, we have organized the program into a series of thematic sessions, preceded by an opening keynote address to frame the conference. The thematic sessions will focus on (i) the common threads of usual interstitial pneumonias (UIPs), (ii) exploring the dynamic cellular and structural biology associated with lung fibrosis, (iii) diagnostic challenges and novel approaches to understand and identify interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) and disease progression, and (iv) transformational interventions for lung fibrosis as a pathway to develop precision therapies for the disease. By addressing these topics, we seek to accomplish the following: 1) provide an international forum for leading basic, translational, and clinical researchers to exchange ideas regarding the dynamic cellular and structural biology in lung fibrosis associated with disease progression and repair; 2) stimulate interactions between scientific fields to identify emerging and shared interests that may lead to more efficient and productive research; 3) enhance the likelihood of success in translation of preclinical scientific advances into direct patient benefit by developing novel strategies to better understand disease pathogenesis, resolution potential and to implement scientific advances in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis; and 4) challenge and stimulate the scientific interests of trainees and attract a new generation of early career investigators into the broad field of fibrosis, as well as underlying subdisciplines including processes of repair of the epithelium, of matrix and the regenerative capacity of the lung. We have identified 11 outstanding thought leaders to present State of the Art lectures (35 min) on these topics. Each presentation will be followed by 25 minutes of moderated discussion - a hallmark of the Conference. The program continues the Aspen Lung Conference’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity: n=5/12 (42%) of State of the Art speakers/Summarizer are women, and at least 5 of our speakers are from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. Participation of trainees and early career faculty is facilitated by two 15-minute oral abstracts, selected from submitted abstracts, following each State of the Art speaker (24 total). There will be two evening poster sessions for further presentation opportunities by trainees, early and level faculty (40 total posters). The final presentation is provided by a Conference Summarizer, who reviews the impact and common themes of the Conference. The Conference Summary will be published for widespread dissemination, to serve as a “think tank” that not only summarizes the current state of the field, but also identifies key future directions for basic, translation, and clinical research. Finally, and notably, registration for the Aspen Lung Conference is free, encouraging participation from a wide spectrum of trainees and early career investigators.
