· TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 in Perth to address key respiratory health priorities, including environmental threats, AI advances and new lung testing standards
· Growing concerns about airborne microplastics' impact on respiratory health to be explored by leading researchers
· Artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies are transforming respiratory research and treatment approaches
· Updates to national spirometry and training standards will be presented
Perth, March 2026 – Emerging environmental threats, advances in artificial intelligence and new national standards for lung testing will be among the major respiratory health priorities discussed at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2026, bringing together clinicians and scientists from across Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
Taking place from 27-31 March at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the meeting will build on these priorities by examining the growing challenges facing respiratory health systems, including environmental exposures, evolving diagnostic technologies and improvements in clinical care.
Environmental risks and emerging respiratory threats
The growing concern about airborne microplastics and their potential health effects will be explored in the symposium' Breathing in the Invisible: Respiratory Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics'.
Researchers will present emerging evidence on how microscopic plastic particles are entering the environment and the human body, and what this could mean for long-term respiratory health.
The session will feature Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research presenting on the systemic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics; Dr Nicholas Chartres from the University of Sydney sharing findings from a systematic review on the effects of microplastic exposure on digestive, reproductive and respiratory health; Dr Patrick Lelliott from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute examining the direct and indirect effects of microplastic exposure on cardiovascular and respiratory health; and Professor Michaela Lucas from the University of Western Australia presenting findings from the Plastic Exposure Reduction Transforms Health (PERTH) Trial, which aims to investigate the extent of plastic exposure and its health effects.
Professor Oliver warns that researchers are only beginning to understand the implications of these exposures:
"We know microplastics are present in the air we breathe and have been detected in human tissues, including the lungs. We're only at the beginning of understanding what this means for respiratory health."
Artificial intelligence and the future of respiratory diagnostics
Artificial intelligence will also be a major focus of the scientific program, with several sessions examining how data science and computational modelling are reshaping respiratory research and care.
The TSANZ Special Interest Group symposium titled 'Can AI Cure Asthma?' will explore how advanced modelling and digital-twin technologies may help researchers better understand complex respiratory diseases and develop more targeted therapies.
It brings together leading researchers, including Dr Yuliya Karpievitch from The Kids Research Institute Australia, Associate Professor Michael Menden from the University of Melbourne, Professor Shyamali Dharmage from the University of Melbourne and Dr Rhiannon Werder from Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Associate Professor Menden, who develops artificial-intelligence models for precision medicine, describes how computational approaches are transforming how disease processes are studied.
"Digital twins are virtual copies of real patients that integrate clinical and molecular data to simulate disease progression and treatment responses. This technology enables personalised predictions that can guide treatment and improve outcomes in complex diseases such as asthma," he said.
Artificial intelligence will also be explored in the session titled 'Meet the experts: Putting AI under the microscope: Smarter insights for respiratory research and care', which will examine how AI is being applied to respiratory diagnostics, research workflows and personalised treatment strategies.
The panel features Associate Professor Amy Chan from the University of Auckland, Professor Guy Marks from the Burnet Institute, and Dr Anthony Sunjaya from the University of New South Wales.
Associate Professor Chan highlights how artificial intelligence can enhance respiratory care when combined with patient-centred clinical approaches.
"Artificial intelligence has enormous potential in respiratory medicine, but the real opportunity lies in combining multimodal data streams and advanced analytics with patient-centred care. When used thoughtfully, these technologies can help clinicians identify patterns in symptoms, treatment adherence and disease progression that would otherwise be difficult to detect."
National spirometry standards and respiratory diagnostics
Improving the accuracy and consistency of lung function testing will also be addressed through a joint TSANZ–ANZSRS Session of Interest focused on updates to national spirometry and training standards.
Spirometry is the most widely used test in respiratory medicine and plays a central role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, variability in training and test quality has long been recognised as a barrier to accurate diagnosis, particularly in community healthcare settings.
Jarrod Warner, Manager of Clinical Quality at Resources Safety and Health Queensland, will present updates on the development of new national community spirometry standards under the Australian Government's Prioritising Improved Care for People with Dust-Related Diseases program.
He will present alongside Dr Jane Muir, occupational physician at 4cRisk Workplace Experts, and Irene Schneider, respiratory scientist at Queensland Health.
Mr Warner stated that improving spirometry quality is essential to accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
"Spirometry is a cornerstone of respiratory diagnosis. Consistent national standards will help improve test quality and ensure people receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate care, wherever they are tested," he said.
A global forum for respiratory science
The TSANZSRS ASM is the largest respiratory scientific meeting in Australia and New Zealand, bringing together clinicians, researchers, respiratory scientists and allied health professionals to share the latest advances in lung health.
The 2026 program spans environmental health, digital medicine, diagnostic innovation and clinical research, highlighting the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping respiratory care.
Further information about the TSANZSRS ASM 2026 program is available at www.tsanzsrsasm.com
About us:
About TSANZ
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) is the peak professional body representing more than 1,800 respiratory health professionals across medicine, nursing, allied health, and research. TSANZ provides evidence-based advice, delivers professional training, and supports research to improve lung health outcomes across Australia and New Zealand. The TSANZSRS ASM, taking place in Perth from 27 to 31 March 2026, will showcase the latest research, developments, and innovations in lung health, offering a platform for professionals to engage with experts from across the region.
Contact details:
Ana Saez
Communications and Marketing Manager
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 2 9170 2611