Dagem Chernet took the time to complete our post conference survey following the ATS 2025 International Conference. By doing so, he was entered into a random drawing to win an ATS 2026 prize package, which includes free registration to this year's conference in Orlando. Fla., complimentary hotel accommodations for four nights, and a special opportunity to participate in ATS community engagement activities. Dagem shared his thoughts about last year's conference and what he is looking forward to at ATS 2026.
What motivated you to attend the ATS 2025 International Conference and what stood out most?
ATS 2025 was my first time attending an international conference. I attended ATS 2025, mostly because it is one of the largest international conferences in lung research. I also wanted to present our lab’s work and connect with and gain feedback from other researchers in the field. What stood out to me the most in ATS 2025 was the sheer breadth of outstanding research being done across the globe.
How has attending the International Conference supported your studies, training, or career goals?
I am currently a master’s student in Dr. Biniam Kidane’s lab and supervised by Dr. Kidane and Dr. Christopher Pascoe. I am studying the impact of one-lung ventilation induced lung injury in developing respiratory failure after lung surgery. Attending ATS 2025 has connected me with researchers studying ventilation-induced lung injury and thoracic anesthesia. This has provided opportunity for meaningful discussion and career advice from more senior researchers.
What topics or sessions are you most looking forward to at ATS 2026 (May15-20) in Orlando, Florida?
I am looking forward to the abstract sessions, networking events, postgraduate courses as I had a wonderful experience in these sessions in ATS 2025.
How do you see yourself contributing to or benefiting from the ATS community?
I have greatly benefitted from the diverse ATS community of researchers from clinical, translational and basic science disciplines. This has helped me expand my perspective of my research to new ideas and potential applications. Additionally, attending the bioinformatics workshop offered as part of the pre-conference sessions has provided me with skills that I now use in my training. I look forward to more opportunities that I can not only benefit from but can contribute to in ATS 2026.
As a survey drawing winner, is there anything you’d like to share with future attendees about why they should attend the ATS 2026 International Conference?
Attending ATS 2026 is crucial for trainees in lung research to present their work, gain exposure to up-to-date research and network with other researchers. These experiences can help trainees build confidence in presenting their research, establish themselves within their field, and rejuvenate excitement to do research.