The American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference, held from May 16 to May 21, 2025, in San Francisco, California, served as the premier global forum for the latest advancements in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. As of 2026, the conference remains a pivotal reference point for clinical guidelines, breakthrough research trials, and professional education materials currently being implemented in respiratory care settings worldwide.
The ATS International Conference is widely regarded as the most influential gathering for pulmonary and critical care professionals. The 2025 iteration focused heavily on the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, the evolution of precision medicine for interstitial lung diseases (ILD), and addressing the long-term respiratory consequences of environmental changes. With thousands of abstracts presented and hundreds of scientific sessions, the conference catalyzed new standards for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and neonatal respiratory distress.
The Scope and Impact of the ATS 2025 Conference
The ATS 2025 International Conference was hosted at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, drawing an international cohort of clinicians, researchers, nurses, and respiratory therapists. The primary objective of the event was to bridge the gap between basic laboratory science and bedside clinical application. By providing a platform for late-breaking clinical trials, the conference ensured that the most recent data reached practitioners in real-time.
For the medical community, the 2025 conference was more than just a series of lectures; it was a collaborative environment where the 14 ATS Assemblies met to set the agenda for the coming years. These assemblies—ranging from Behavioral Science and Health Services Research to Thoracic Oncology—curated specialized programming that addressed the most pressing needs of their respective sub-fields.
Professional Development and Networking
Beyond the scientific data, ATS 2025 prioritized the growth of the next generation of pulmonary specialists. The Center for Career Development (CCD) provided a dedicated space for fellows and early-career professionals to engage with mentors and explore various career pathways in academia, clinical practice, and industry. In 2026, many of the initiatives started at the 2025 CCD have evolved into year-round mentorship programs available through the ATS portal.
Major Scientific Themes and Research Breakthroughs
The scientific program at ATS 2025 was structured around several "pillars" of respiratory health. These themes reflected both the ongoing challenges of traditional lung diseases and the emergence of new technological solutions.
Precision Medicine in Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
One of the most significant themes of 2025 was the shift toward personalized treatment for ILD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Research presented at the conference highlighted the use of genetic markers and molecular profiling to predict which patients would respond best to antifibrotic therapies. This move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach has significantly influenced clinical practice guidelines updated in the following months.
Clinicians focused on the data regarding the efficacy of multi-modal therapy, combining pharmacologic interventions with pulmonary rehabilitation and nutritional support. The discussion emphasized early diagnosis, utilizing advanced high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) techniques and automated scoring systems to identify sub-clinical fibrosis.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health
The 2025 conference marked a turning point for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in pulmonary diagnostics. Several sessions were dedicated to AI-driven analysis of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and the use of machine learning to predict ICU mortality and sepsis onset.
The "Digital Health" track showcased wearable technologies capable of monitoring respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in chronic patients with higher accuracy than previous iterations. These tools are now being utilized in 2026 to reduce hospital readmission rates for COPD and heart failure patients by identifying exacerbations before they require emergency intervention.
Environmental Health and Climate Change
Acknowledging the growing impact of air quality on global health, ATS 2025 featured robust programming on the respiratory effects of wildfire smoke and urban pollution. Research presented in San Francisco demonstrated the direct link between increased particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and the worsening of asthma control in pediatric populations. These findings have since bolstered advocacy efforts for cleaner air standards and have led to the development of "climate-informed" clinical counseling for vulnerable patients.
Clinical Practice Guidelines and Key Trials
The release of official ATS Clinical Practice Guidelines is always a highlight of the international conference. In 2025, the society focused on several critical areas:
- Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): Updates provided clearer pathways for antibiotic stewardship and the role of rapid diagnostic testing in reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
- Home Oxygen Therapy: New recommendations addressed the technical requirements and patient selection criteria for long-term oxygen therapy, emphasizing the quality of life and ambulatory mobility.
- Sleep Disordered Breathing: Guidelines were updated to include the use of alternative therapies for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for patients who are non-compliant with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.
Notable Clinical Trials
Several late-breaking clinical trials presented at ATS 2025 have since been published in major medical journals like the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM) and the New England Journal of Medicine. Notable studies included:
- Biologic Therapies for Severe Asthma: Trials exploring new monoclonal antibodies targeting novel pathways beyond IL-5 and IL-13.
- Triple Therapy in COPD: Longitudinal data supporting the early initiation of triple inhaled therapy to reduce mortality and exacerbation frequency.
- ARDS Ventilator Management: A major multi-center trial comparing different positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) strategies in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
Technical Session Formats and Educational Credits
To cater to the diverse learning styles of its 10,000+ attendees, ATS 2025 employed various session formats. Understanding these formats is essential for those accessing the 2025 archives in 2026 to ensure they select the material most relevant to their needs.
| Session Type | Description | Primary Goal | CME Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate (PG) Courses | Full-day or half-day intensive deep dives into specific clinical or research topics. | Comprehensive mastery of a sub-specialty area. | Yes |
| Scientific Symposia | 90-minute sessions featuring multiple experts presenting on a central theme. | Dissemination of high-level research and clinical updates. | Yes |
| Clinical Year in Review | Summaries of the most important papers published in the preceding 12 months. | Keeping clinicians current on a broad range of topics. | Yes |
| The BEAR Cage | A "Shark Tank" style competition for innovative biomedical research and engineering. | Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in lung health. | No |
| Meet the Professor | Small-group, interactive sessions with world-renowned experts. | Personalized case-based learning and networking. | Yes |
| Rapid Abstract Posters | Fast-paced presentations of original research abstracts. | Peer review and feedback on new data. | Limited |
Claiming Credits and Verification
For healthcare professionals who attended ATS 2025, the window to claim Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits typically remains open for a defined period after the event. In 2026, attendees should verify their credits through the ATS Education Portal. The process involves completing session evaluations and a global conference evaluation. For those who did not attend live, many sessions are available for purchase, offering a "pay-per-view" or subscription-based model to earn credits post-facto.
Accessing ATS 2025 Content in 2026
Even though the live event has concluded, the knowledge shared at ATS 2025 remains highly relevant. The society provides several avenues for accessing the content:
ATS Conference On-Demand
The "ATS 2025 On-Demand" library is a comprehensive digital repository containing video and audio recordings of the majority of scientific symposia and keynotes. This resource is invaluable for practitioners who were unable to travel to San Francisco or for attendees who wish to revisit complex sessions. Subscribers can search the library by keyword, assembly, or speaker name.
Abstract Archive
All abstracts presented at the 2025 conference are archived in the Online Abstract Issue of the AJRCCM. This allows researchers to cite the findings and provides a historical record of the scientific discourse during the event. The search functionality allows users to filter by "Research" vs. "Case Reports," providing a wealth of data for literature reviews and systematic analyses.
The "Best of ATS" Series
Throughout late 2025 and into 2026, the ATS organizes local and regional "Best of ATS" meetings. These events summarize the most impactful takeaways from the San Francisco conference, making the high-level international data more accessible to local clinical communities.
Critical Care and Sleep Medicine: Specialized Focus Areas
While "Pulmonary" is the first word in the society’s name, the 2025 conference gave equal weight to Critical Care and Sleep Medicine.
Innovations in the ICU
Critical care sessions at ATS 2025 focused on the "PICS" (Post-Intensive Care Syndrome) and strategies for early mobilization. There was significant interest in the use of bedside ultrasound (POCUS) as a standard of care for diagnosing acute respiratory failure. Furthermore, the conference addressed the ethical challenges of ICU resource allocation and the implementation of palliative care in the acute setting.
The Sleep Medicine Frontier
In the sleep tracks, the emphasis was on the systemic effects of sleep deprivation and the links between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. New data on pharmacological treatments for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia were also presented. The 2025 meeting saw an increase in sessions dedicated to "Circadian Biology," exploring how the timing of medical interventions—such as chemotherapy or bronchodilator administration—can affect efficacy based on the body's internal clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the specific dates and location for future ATS conferences?
Future conference details, including the upcoming 2027 and 2028 events, are always listed on the official ATS International Conference website. While the 2025 event was in San Francisco, the location rotates annually among major North American cities to ensure accessibility for a global audience.
Are the ATS 2025 clinical guidelines legally binding?
ATS Clinical Practice Guidelines are evidence-based recommendations designed to assist in clinical decision-making. They are not legal mandates. Clinicians should use them as a framework while considering individual patient factors, local resource availability, and clinical judgment. In 2026, these guidelines represent the "Gold Standard" but are subject to update as new evidence emerges.
Can I still submit an abstract for the 2025 conference?
No, the abstract submission deadline for the ATS 2025 International Conference was in early November 2024. If you have new research, you must wait for the submission cycle for the next upcoming conference, which typically opens in the late summer or early fall of the preceding year.
How do I access my certificate of attendance for ATS 2025?
If you registered for the event, your certificate of attendance is available for download through the ATS registrant portal. You will need your login credentials used during the registration process. If you have lost these, contact ATS member services for assistance.
What were the registration costs for the 2025 event?
Registration fees at ATS 2025 varied based on membership status, professional role (e.g., Physician vs. Student/Trainee), and the date of registration (Early Bird vs. On-site). Generally, ATS members received a significant discount. In 2026, the cost for on-demand access is separate from the original live registration fee.
Final Recommendations for Respiratory Professionals
To maximize the value of the ATS 2025 International Conference in 2026, professionals should take the following actions:
- Review the Clinical Year in Review: This remains the most efficient way to catch up on the definitive trials and papers that shaped the 2025 landscape.
- Integrate Guidelines: Download the 2025 clinical practice guidelines relevant to your sub-specialty (e.g., ILD or Sleep) and compare them to your current institutional protocols.
- Utilize On-Demand Learning: If your institution provides access, use the on-demand recordings for department-wide educational "Journal Club" sessions.
- Stay Informed on 2026/2027 Deadlines: Ensure your membership is active to receive notifications for the next abstract submission cycle and early registration discounts.
The legacy of ATS 2025 in San Francisco continues to influence how clinicians treat lung disease and how researchers approach the complex biological questions of the respiratory system. By engaging with the archived materials and the guidelines established during this landmark event, healthcare providers can ensure they are delivering the most advanced, evidence-based care possible.
