Application Procedure

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What are ERS Task Forces?

The ERS financially supports ERS members wishing to form Task Forces and produce position papers, statements or guidelines that subsequently become the official ERS documents on issues related to respiratory medicine.

Guidelines are particulary important as they enhance general scientific understanding, especially in areas where controversy exists or procedures are unclear. They also establish a consensus and are effective tools when combating disease on an international basis.

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How to Apply

 ERS Task Force Guidelines and Application
An original application form should be sent to the attention of the Head of the relevant Assembly with a copy to the ERS Office. Applications are reviewed by the ERS Scientific Committee, with the help of three outside reviewers.

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Task Force Objectives

Task Forces are expected to lead to the publication of position papers, statements or guidelines in the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) or other Journals, if appropriate. In principle, publication of large documents is not encouraged. Documents will be submitted for peer review prior to endorsement by the ERS and publication.

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Meetings

Meetings are usually scheduled to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the ERS Annual Congress. ERS funding covers travel and hotel expenses for one meeting a year outside the Congress.

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Joint ATS/ERS Task Forces

 Joint ATS/ERS Task Force Guidelines and Application
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the ERS encourage joint projects that foster mutual cooperation and produce international standards with broad utility. Any member of either society may propose a subject for a joint project. Applications must be submitted to the ERS using the appropriate Joint ATS/ERS Task Force application form.

ATS submission forms may be obtained from the  ATS website or from ATS staff by calling +1 212 315 8600.

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Educational Task Forces

 Eucational Task Forces Guidelines and Application
The ERS School sponsors educational Task Forces in various fields of respiratory medicine. It is intended that such Task Forces produce position papers, consensus statements or guidelines, which then become official ERS documents on issues related to education in the field of respiratory medicine. Proposals for Task forces can be made by a member of the ERS or they may be initiated by the ERS School.