Abstracts

These prestigious prizes are highly competitive and are awarded to the very best basic, translational or clinical research performed in the UK respiratory community by early career investigators.

The prizes are awarded based on the quality and content of the research performed, the quality of the abstract submitted and, in short-listed candidates, the quality of the oral presentation given at the Early Career Investigators Symposium at the BTS Winter Meeting 2026.

Eligibility:

• Clinicians, Scientists and Professionals allied to Medicine, usually under 35 years old at the time of abstract submission.
• Medical Students should not submit their abstracts to this category, but, if of appropriate quality to the separate category for Best Medical Student Abstract.
• Abstracts can be submitted by the first author in their name if they contain a substantial body of unpublished scholarly work generated during a period of dedicated research training, such that would form part of a fellowship,   MSc, MD or PhD or equivalent period of post-doctoral study.
• Abstracts of the appropriate level would be expected to lead to one or more peer-reviewed journal publications in due course. Uncontrolled clinical trials, audits and case reports are not considered appropriate for this competition.

Applicants will normally be under 35, although there will be some researchers who have taken career breaks, and the Society encourages them to apply.

Funds are made available to award grants to those whose abstracts receive the highest score. If you wish to apply for a conference grant you must be the first author of the abstract and meet one of the following criteria:

• Within 5 years of having achieved your PhD
• Registered for Higher Degree in a relevant subject
• A doctor in training
• A nurse, allied health professional, healthcare scientist or other member of the respiratory team

You must also agree to return the grant if you receive funding to attend the Winter Meeting from another source.

You will be able to declare your wish to apply for a conference grant when submitting your abstract (If you are submitting this abstract on behalf of a colleague who would meet this criteria, you may tick this box for your colleague to be considered for the grant).

This grant is not available to medical students – medical students should opt in for the medical student competition.

BTS is grateful to AstraZeneca for providing a grant to part-fund this initiative. This organisation has not been involved in establishing the arrangements or the selection criteria for these grants, and will not be involved in selection.

This highly regarded competition is extremely popular, with prizes awarded to the very best basic, translational or clinical research performed in the UK respiratory community by medical students.

The prizes are awarded based on the quality and content of the research performed and the quality of the abstract submitted.

Eligibility

• The first author must be a medical student at the time the work was conducted.
• Uncontrolled clinical trials, audits and case reports are not appropriate for this competition.

We encourage all medical students to enter this competition. Two prizes are available, and a number of medical students not selected for the prize, will receive a grant to attend the Meeting on the day of their abstract presentation.