Prof. Dr. Önder Yildirim, Director of the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) (Helmholtz Munich) and Institute of Experimental Pneumology (Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich) received the ATS Assembly Award on RCMB Research Excellence and Service by an International Member, chosen by the Assembly on Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (RCMB) Award Selection Committee.
With this renowned award, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) acknowledges researchers with primary appointment outside of the United States or Canada who have an established record of cutting-edge research that contributes to the understanding and treatment of lung diseases.
The ATS also recognizes scientists who follow it’s mission “to promote the long-range goal of the ATS to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life-threatening acute illnesses through an improved understanding of the biological basis of lung disease”.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from the American Thoracic Society,” said Prof. Dr. Önder Yildirim, who is also Director of the LHI, the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (Helmholtz Munich). “This award reflects the dedication and excellence of our international team at LHI and CPC-M to advancing our lung research through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision to improve lung health worldwide.”
The award was presented at the ATS International Conference, May 2025 in San Francisco. Congratulations!
About Prof. Dr. Önder Yildirim:
Önder Yildirim is director of the LHI, Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (Helmholtz Munich) and director of the CPC-M, the Munich site of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). He also holds the professorship “Experimental Pneumology” at the LMU/Munich University Clinic. His work focuses on understanding the immune mechanisms at the interface between the environment and chronic lung diseases. His core strength is to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive chronic lung inflammation and tissue remodeling, and to uncover how the immune system contributes to disease progression or resolution.
About ATS/RCMB:
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world’s leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. Core activities of the Society’s more than 16,000 members in 133 countries are focused on leading scientific discoveries, advancing professional development, impacting global health, and transforming patient care.
The Assembly on Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (RCMB) serves as a vibrant hub for its diverse membership across the globe, thus enhancing the respiratory science community.