Amid Significant Lung Health Challenges, American Lung Association Invests $21 Million in High-Impact Research

Research investment targets lung cancer, asthma, COPD and emerging respiratory threats

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Lung Association Research Institute announced it has invested $21 million in research and related scientific activities. Over the last 10 years, the Lung Association has invested a total of $193 million in direct research funding, as well as the infrastructure and scientific support needed to advance research and accelerate impact.

"The American Lung Association is the only voluntary health organization dedicated exclusively to the more than fifty diseases that affect lung health and improving air quality, and research is essential to advancing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung disease," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "We are proud to continue to invest in high-quality research with the potential to improve lung health for everyone."

The Lung Association is committed to funding science that will improve lung health and prevent lung disease. This year, the organization invested a total of $21 million in research and related scientific activities, which includes more than $11 million in direct research funding for 120 research projects across its Awards and Grants Program, Airways Clinical Research Centers Network and Accelerator Program.

Research funded by the American Lung Association is more important than ever.

• More than 35 million people in the United States are living with chronic lung disease like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• This year, there will be an estimated 226,650 people diagnosed with lung cancer; and
• There are up to 44 million cases of acute respiratory diseases like pneumonia, influenza, RSV and COVID-19 each year in the U.S.
• Across the U.S., 152 million people are living in a place that received a failing grade for air pollution, which means they are breathing unhealthy air that may impact their lung health.

The Research Institute supports both established and early career scientists. Funding was awarded across several research categories addressing many aspects of lung disease, including allergic respiratory diseases, emerging respiratory pathogens, interstitial lung disease, indoor air quality, lung cancer, public policy and more.

Three recent grantees include:

• Lung Cancer Discovery Award – James Kim, MD, PhD, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kim's project titled, "Epithelial to Neuronal Transition as a Driver of SCLC Brain Metastasis," is studying how small cell lung cancer (SCLC) spreads to the brain, where treatment options are limited. This research could identify new targets for therapies that prevent or slow brain metastases with the potential to improve outcomes for people with this aggressive disease.

• Indoor Air Research Award – Mary Berlik Rice, MD, MPH, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Rice's project titled, "Purifying Indoor Air of Biological and Chemical Pollutants to Enhance Respiratory Health in Eosinophilic COPD," examines if cleaner indoor air helps people with COPD breathe easier. The study is testing whether HEPA air purifiers reduce harmful pollutants in the home and improve lung function, symptoms, airway inflammation and walking ability for people with this disease.

• Innovation Award – Filiz Korkmaz, PhD, The University of Iowa. Dr. Korkmaz's project titled, "Mechanisms of Lung Repair through LOX-1+ Neutrophils and B Cell Crosstalk," examines how specialized immune cells play an important role in protecting the lungs from damage during pneumonia. By uncovering how these cells reduce inflammation and promote healing, this research could identify new therapies that improve recovery after serious lung infections.

Each funded project undergoes a rigorous scientific peer-review process to evaluate its scientific merit and potential impact. In addition to funding individual researchers, the American Lung Association Research Institute supports the Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network, the nation's largest nonprofit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma and COPD research.

The American Lung Association is currently accepting applications for its 2027–2028 research awards and grants cycle. For details about current funding opportunities, visit Lung.org/awards. To learn more about the newly funded researchers and the full American Lung Association Research Team, visit Lung.org/research-team.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events. 

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association