INSTITUTE
IHU RespirERA, a centre of excellence in respiratory health.
The RespirERA Hospital-University Institute is spearheading the fight against respiratory diseases. In response to the increase in these diseases and the challenges posed by the environment and ageing, the institute is committed to five key missions to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, and thus improve the lives and care of patients.
Five missions to revolutionise respiratory health:
IHU RespirERA is dedicated to deciphering the biological mechanisms behind respiratory diseases, with a strong focus on the key role of lung cell aging. This in-depth exploration, conducted at the molecular level, also considers the critical impact of environmental factors—such as indoor and outdoor pollution—on the development of these conditions. By better understanding the intricate interactions between genetics, environment, and respiratory health, the institute paves the way for personalized preventive and therapeutic solutions.
IHU RespirERA is committed to revolutionising the prevention of respiratory diseases by developing personalised and predictive programs. The aim is to identify at-risk individuals long before symptoms appear, using risk scores that combine genetic, microbiological, and environmental data. This approach enables the implementation of tailored monitoring and prevention strategies, reducing the impact of respiratory diseases on individual's health and lowering public healthcare costs.
Improving patient care is a core priority for IHU RespirERA. The institute is deeply involved in research on early diagnosis and innovative treatments, particularly for infiltrative fibrosing diseases, bronchial diseases (COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis), and lung cancers. Cutting-edge clinical trials are conducted in close collaboration with industry partners to test new drugs and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the institute explores the potential of connected health technologies to enable personalized monitoring and better coordination of care.
IHU RespirERA aims to train the future experts in respiratory health. The institute offers courses of excellence, such as the European Masters in Molecular Pathology, the MSc in Biobanks and Complex Data Management and, in the near future, courses in robotic bronchoscopy for the early diagnosis of cancer, which attract students and professionals from all over the world. These courses, which are at the cutting edge of the latest scientific and technological advances, guarantee a high level of expertise and prepare future professionals for the medical challenges of tomorrow.
Innovation is a key driver of the IHU RespirERA project. The institute is using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to develop innovative diagnostic and treatment tools. These innovations will enable faster and more accurate decision-making, ultimately improving patient care. The institute also encourages the creation of innovative healthcare companies through a dedicated incubation centre, thereby contributing to the emergence of revolutionary therapeutic solutions.
IHU RespirERA is led by Professor Paul HOFMAN, Head of the Clinical and Molecular Pathology Department and Director of an Inserm research unit specializing in lung cancer, particularly its biological screening. The institute is supported by four founding members: Nice University Hospital (CHU de Nice), Université Côte d’Azur, Inria, and Inserm.
Structured around research departments, the IHU RespirERA teams bring together national and international experts from various disciplines including clinicians, researchers, nurses, bioinformaticians, biologists, biostatisticians, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff. All are dedicated to research into respiratory diseases. Through their expertise and close collaboration, they play a key role in the institute’s success by integrating the latest scientific advances into patient care. These teams are the driving force behind the research and innovative solutions developed by IHU RespirERA.
Biological Research Department
This department focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and lung cancer. Researchers analyse the effects of persistent inflammation, lung aging, and environmental exposures to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Using cutting-edge technologies (transcriptomics, metabolomics, exposomics), this department develops reference atlases to support the creation of personalised treatments.
Clinical Research and Precision
Medicine Department
This department is dedicated to developing personalised care by leveraging biomarkers and environmental factors (exposome). It integrates clinical and epidemiological data platforms to strengthen patient cohorts and enhance early diagnosis strategies. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are applied to optimise treatment decision-making.
Training and Education Department
Innovation & Technology Transfer Department
A true accelerator of innovation, this department promotes technology transfer and startup creation. In collaboration with industry, it transforms scientific discoveries into practical solutions. It also raises public awareness through impactful communication campaigns and outreach initiatives. Technologies developed by the other divisions are refined and translated from the lab to clinical practice and the market.
Our founding members
