Dr. Kian Fan Chung is a world-renowned respiratory medicine specialist whose pioneering work has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. He currently serves as Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Head of Experimental Medicine Studies at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, a position he has held since 1996, with leadership of the Experimental Medicine unit beginning in 2002. Additionally, he has been an Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust since 1987, bridging cutting-edge research with clinical practice. Holding a distinguished academic record with an MBBS from Middlesex Hospital Medical School, an MD and DSc from the University of London, he has established himself as a leading authority in respiratory medicine through decades of dedicated research and clinical work. His international influence is further demonstrated through visiting professorships at prestigious institutions including Taipei Medical University, Guangzhou Medical School, and Nanyang Technological University.
Professor Chung's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed approaches to understanding severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through his investigations of airway smooth muscle function, oxidant stress mechanisms, and corticosteroid resistance. His leadership of the EU-funded U-BIOPRED project established critical biomarkers for predicting respiratory disease outcomes, creating a paradigm shift in how severe asthma is classified and treated through precision medicine approaches. His seminal work on the effects of environmental pollution and nanoparticles on lung function has provided essential evidence for public health policy changes regarding air quality standards worldwide. As a Senior Investigator for the UK National Institute for Health Research since 2010, his research on epithelial-macrophage interactions at the airway interface has opened new therapeutic avenues for patients with treatment-resistant respiratory conditions. His contributions to understanding neural pathways in cough hypersensitivity syndrome have led to innovative approaches for managing chronic cough, a condition that significantly impacts quality of life for millions globally.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Chung has been instrumental in shaping the global respiratory research community through his editorial leadership of major journals including the European Journal of Pharmacology and Lancet Respiratory Medicine. His participation in international consortia such as the Horizon 2020 MyAirCoach project demonstrates his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into practical digital health solutions for asthma management. As a mentor to numerous researchers and clinicians, he has fostered the next generation of respiratory specialists who now lead programs across the world, extending his intellectual legacy throughout the field. His current research focuses on developing novel antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies that address the root causes of respiratory disease progression rather than merely treating symptoms. Professor Chung continues to pioneer new approaches to respiratory medicine that integrate environmental, molecular, and clinical perspectives, ensuring his work remains at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing global health challenges related to air pollution and respiratory illness.
