Press release
University of Dundee researcher wins major US award for respiratory research
A University of Dundee scientist has been named one of the rising stars of global respiratory research after receiving a prestigious award from the American Thoracic Society (ATS).
Published on 19 May 2025
Dr Merete Long, a researcher at the University's School of Medicine, has been awarded the ATS Rising Star Award, which recognises early-career investigators who have made significant contributions to respiratory science and are expected to become future leaders in the field.
Dr Long is the first researcher based outside the US to win the award.
Professor Chalmers, Clinical Professor of Respiratory Medicine, said, “Merete embodies what we mean by translational research - taking science from the lab bench to the patient’s bedside. It’s rare for a scientist to lead a project all the way from preclinical testing through to human trials, but that’s exactly what she’s done. She’s changed how we think about treating bacterial infections.”
Dr Long’s research focuses on developing and testing new therapies for chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchiectasis, COPD and cystic fibrosis. Her work includes:
- A breakthrough antibody treatment that is now progressing to large-scale clinical trials.
- Studies on anti-inflammatory therapies that aim to replace traditional antibiotics—one of which will be used in clinical practice this year.
Dr Long said, “It’s a huge honour, but it’s really a reflection of the amazing team and support we have at Dundee.
"Translating research into real-world treatments is what drives me - being able to work at that interface between science and patient care is incredibly rewarding.”