Progress in science moves at an incredible pace, built on breakthroughs that are never achieved in isolation. They’re built in crowded research labs, through passionate debates, strengthened by collaborations that span continents, and sustained by the daily commitment to easing the burden on patients with lung cancer and their families.
During this year’s World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, the Opening Plenary will highlight that commitment and spotlight the individuals who have continued to advance the field of thoracic oncology during the Distinguished Service Awards.
“The Distinguished Service Awards are our way of honoring members who have made truly significant contributions,” said IASLC CEO, Karen Kelly, MD. “It’s a prestigious recognition of their hard work and impact, but it’s also incredibly inspiring—especially for early-career professionals.”
Opening Plenary with Distinguished Service Award
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Don’t miss the Opening Plenary Session with Distinguished Service Award Presentations, which will take place from 16:15 to 17:45 Central European Summer Time (CEST) on Saturday, September 6, in the Plenary Hall at the Fira de Barcelona Convention Center.
The awards will be presented at 18:30 CEST after the Welcome Remarks from Isabelle Opitz, MD, Jarusha Naidoo, Dr. Kelly, and IASLC President, Paul Van Schil, MD, PhD.
There will also be a new addition to the Opening Plenary this year, where members with musical or artistic talent have been invited to contribute to the program. “Several talented IASLC members are set to perform at the start as part of our first ever WCLC Talent Showcase,” said Dr. Kelly. “It’s a meaningful reminder that while science is at the heart of our work, we also value and celebrate the diverse talents and passions that enrich our community.”
Following the award ceremony, three speakers will take the stage to explore the plenary’s theme of “Transforming Lung Cancer through Societal Progress.”
Filippos Filippidis, MD, PhD, MPH, Chair of the Tobacco Control Committee of the European Respiratory Society, and Associate Professor in Public Health at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, will begin with his presentation “From Smoking to Solutions: Advancing Tobacco Control for Better Lung Health in Europe.”
Giovanna Cassese, President of the Italian Council of Art and Music of the Ministry of University and Research, will then present “The Bridge Between Art and Medicine.” Finally, professional basketball player Ricky Rubio will present “Playing for a Cause: How Sport Can Inspire Progress in Lung Cancer.” Rubio is founder of The Ricky Rubio Foundation, which is committed to improving the quality of life of people affected by lung cancer.
The Opening Plenary sets the stage for the days ahead—a living example of what the field’s most significant breakthroughs and contributions have always shown: progress happens when people come together with a shared purpose.
“Seeing what these leaders have achieved shows what’s possible in this field, and I think we need that inspiration now more than ever,” Dr. Kelly said.
