During the ATS 2025 Professor Janette Burgess won the Assembly on Respiratory Structure and Function Solbert Permutt Trailblazer Award in Pulmonary Physiology and Medicine for her work in the field.
Janette’s research focusses on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in lung pathology. Her team investigate changes in the composition and biomechanical properties of tissue and airway structures of the lungs that occur during disease and whether these changes impact disease development and progression. Using novel (3D) in vitro cell and ex vivo human lung tissue models and advanced microscopy imaging techniques is the team are unraveling the complex nature of the regulation of the ECM and exploring its potential as a future target for therapeutic intervention.
Award Description
This award honors Solbert Permutt, an intellectual giant who made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of pulmonary physiology and respiratory medicine and served as an inspirational mentor for countless trainees and colleagues. The award is intended for an established investigator who has performed pioneering research in the area of respiratory structure and function and has guided and inspired others in the field. Innovative basic or translational scientists, clinical investigators and clinician-educators who have been outstanding mentors or teachers are eligible. Nomination of diverse candidates is encouraged.
The award consists of a plaque and an honorarium, which will be presented at the ATS International Conference. RSF gratefully acknowledges Medical Graphics Corporation (MGC Diagnostics) for their support.