IPCRG February 2026 newsletter

IPCRG has been supporting the social media campaign development of the five countries in the Horizon and UKRI funded FRESHAIR4Life implementation research programme. The Greek team implemented a classroom-based intervention in Heraklion, adapting the UK INTENT programme to support 750 students in developing practical strategies to refuse tobacco. The intervention used the “if–then” approach (also known as Implementation Intentions), helping students prepare clear responses to social situations involving cigarettes, vapes, or smokeless tobacco.

Materials were adapted to the Greek context by three national master teachers and delivered by 32 trained volunteer teachers across six schools. To fit local school timetables, the original eight-session programme was condensed into two 90-minute sessions, enriched with local examples and culturally relevant visuals. The sessions were delivered successfully, with high levels of satisfaction reported by both teachers and students despite minor scheduling challenges. Knowledge extended beyond the classroom, with teachers sharing materials within their communities and students acting as informal advocates for smoke-free lifestyles.

This work was recognised with a Bravo! Sustainability Award in the thematic area ‘Education – Young Generation – Lifelong Learning’, acknowledging its innovative and impactful contribution. Bravo, Greek team! For the full report, click here.

The Global Health Respiratory Network was set up in 2019 by UK-funded global health respiratory research teams as a meta-collaboration to advance progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, identify synergies between partners across LMICs and undertake foundational work for future programmes. Coordinated by IPCRG, it continues to build networks, share experience and offer mutual support. We have recently updated the cumulative list of publications by the network, which is available here.

Our partner in the NIHR RESPIRE collaboration, KEM Hospital Research Centre in Vadu, India, has produced a powerful 15-minute story-based film for rural audiences to address how respiratory diseases—particularly COPD—are often misunderstood and feared. Using accessible visuals, the film raises awareness about prevention, available treatments, and pulmonary rehabilitation, while actively debunking myths and reducing stigma around inhalers and other therapies. It also spotlights the important work of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centre in Vadu and the practical support it provides to people living with chronic respiratory conditions. Click here to view the video.