The PVRI 2026 Congress in Dublin marked not only the return of a global gathering of pulmonary vascular specialists, but also a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI). Under the theme “Celebrating 20 Years of Progress & Innovation,” the meeting offered an opportunity to reflect on two decades of scientific advancements, while looking ahead to the future of pulmonary vascular research and care.

Two decades of transformation in pulmonary hypertension

Since its founding in 2006, the PVRI has helped reshape the global approach to pulmonary hypertension (PH). At inception, PH research and care were fragmented; therapeutic options were limited, the patient voice was missing and international collaboration was needed. PVRI emerged to bridge these gaps by creating an inclusive network that united clinicians, scientists, industry partners, and patient advocates across continents.

Over 20 years, the field has undergone profound change. Advances in imaging, biomarkers, genetics, molecular biology, and epidemiology have transformed the understanding of PH pathophysiology. Simultaneously, new therapeutic classes, refined treatment algorithms, and increasingly personalized approaches have improved patient outcomes.

The IDDI Workstreams & Task Forces have been instrumental in promoting this progress. Through aligning definitions, making knowledge accessible in low-resource settings, and disseminating data through guidelines, collaborations and resources, the PVRI have ensured that scientific advances translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.

In a session entitled “The evolution of PH: tales from medical history“, PVRI President Emeritus, Prof. Ghazwan Bhutros highlighted the progress made:

“Once thought to be extremely rare, pulmonary hypertension has emerged from obscurity in the last 70 years. Clinical crises in the mid-20th century sparked awareness, leading to today’s life-saving therapies. At the 2026 PVRI Congress – having grown from modest beginnings in 2006 into a leading meeting for global pulmonary hypertension experts – scientists came together to reflect on seven decades of challenges and progress. There was a shared commitment among pioneers in the field to preserve their stories through a recent history initiative, ensuring that future generations can learn from the remarkable journey and progress made against what was once a mysterious disease.”

Highlights from PVRI 2026

The 2026 programme reflected the scientific breadth of pulmonary vascular research and the future directions of the field. Delegates benefitted from a broad range of sessions and debates that underscored both recent achievements and persistent challenges.

Key themes included:

• Artificial intelligence and precision medicine, with speakers exploring molecular techniques, risk stratification models, and approaches to identifying therapeutic targets.

• Therapeutic innovation, including updates on emerging drug classes, interventional approaches, and insights on clinical trial design.

• Basic and translational scientific breakthroughs, exploring vascular remodelling, inflammatory pathways, and novel molecular targets.

• Living with PH, highlighting patient perspectives, global burden and accessibility to care, and the future of long-term disease management.

“The annual meeting uniquely mixes basic science with emerging innovations in therapeutics and state-of-the-art updates. It attracts a broad audience from young investigators to global opinion leaders due to its growing reputation for great science and plenty of opportunities for networking, audience participation, and debate.

One of the things we focused on this year was celebrating PVRI’s roots and progress made over the past 20 years, whilst including opportunities to hear from many early–career professionals from around the world. The conference ended with a patient–focused session that explored how the lives of those with pulmonary hypertension can be enhanced with approaches beyond drugs or procedures, leaving the audience with considerable hope for the next 20 years.“

Prof. Seán Gaine

Empowering the next generation of pulmonary hypertension specialists

The PVRI’s long-standing commitment to supporting early-career professionals was evident once again at the 2026 congress. The programme created substantial space for young investigators, offering them visibility, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with leaders in the field.

Notable elements included:

• A well-attended career development and networking programme for trainees and early-stage researchers, featuring dedicated sessions and intergenerational exchange opportunities such as the Career Catalyst Luncheon, a dynamic speed-mentoring event; and

• An array of moderating opportunities for early-career professionals embedded throughout the scientific programme, offering visible, active roles and direct engagement with senior experts. The meeting also marked the announcement of the forthcoming Pulmonary Circulation journal mentoring programme, aimed at supporting early-career researchers in developing their academic and publishing skills. Pulmonary Circulation is the official peer-reviewed publication of the PVRI and a leading open-access platform for research in pulmonary vascular science and disease.

Emphasising the importance of supporting young investigators and trainees, PVRI President (2024-2026), Dr Anna Hemnes, noted:

“This PVRI meeting broke records in attendance due to the accessible and interesting location for attendees and, critically, because of the conference program that showcased cutting–edge science and patient care. A major success was the enthusiastic participation of early career members who had excellent opportunities to network in this format, meet mentors and sponsors, and present their own exciting work. We look forward to developing lasting relationships with our early career attendees at PVRI.”

A truly global community

From the outset, the PVRI have centred their work on global representation. PH remains a worldwide condition, with particularly high burdens in regions where healthcare infrastructure is limited. The 2026 meeting continued to elevate global perspectives, ensuring that colleagues from low- and middle-income countries played a visible role in shaping discussions, presenting data, and influencing ongoing research priorities.

This global inclusivity not only enriches scientific understanding but also supports efforts to address disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and access to care.

Looking ahead: The next 20 years

While PVRI 2026 celebrated extraordinary progress, it also underscored the challenges that lie ahead. PH remains a life-limiting condition for many patients worldwide, and significant gaps persist in accessibility to diagnosis, treatment and research resources.

The congress highlighted several key priorities for the coming decades:

• Developing innovative therapeutics and care models;

• Advocating for patients globally;

• Expanding global access to specialist services; and

• Continuing to support and mentor the future workforce.

Speaking on the future of the Society, newly elected PVRI President (2026–2028), Dr Bradley Maron, who formally assumed the role at the Gala Dinner in Dublin on 30 January, said

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this important organization, with its steadfast commitment to science and global health initiatives, which, as a collective, aim to improve the wellness of people living with or affected by pulmonary vascular disease.

I look forward to expanding programs that promote career development and scientific engagement of early-career members, and will direct PVRI to emphasize emergent topics that provide a contemporary understanding of pulmonary hypertension epidemiology and treatment opportunities.”

Conclusion

The PVRI 2026 congress honoured two decades of scientific and collaborative achievement. Through a dynamic programme, diverse global participation, and strong focus on early-career development, the meeting not only celebrated how far the field has come but also set a confident, forward-looking agenda for the years ahead.

The Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute enters their 3rd decade, with a renewed purpose to advance understanding, drive innovation, and improve the lives of patients with pulmonary hypertension around the world.

Missed out on this year’s congress?

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