This ERS Research Seminar addressed four major themes requiring significant attention in the direction of the the current and next generation of respiratory clinicians and scientists.

1. Balance: What is the right balance between research, publishing, industry and seeing patients?
2. Barrier tissues: How important are barrier tissues such as the gut, skin and brain in respiratory diseases?
3. Aging: When and how should we treat patients? How does age relate to their susceptibility and how can this be addressed?
4. Disease chronicity: What are the common mechanisms underlying disease chronicity?