ADDRI at TSANZSRS ASM 2025: A strategic step forward in occupational lung health

The Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) was proud to participate recently in the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science, held from 21–25 March in Adelaide. With this year’s theme—Sustainable Advances in Lung Health in a Changing Climate—the conference brought together leading respiratory experts to explore innovation and collaboration in pulmonary medicine.

While TSANZSRS ASM 2025 offered a rich and expansive program, this update highlights the some of the moments and contributions from ADDRI and our network of collaborators and advisors.

Raising the profile of occupational COPD

The opening day featured a compelling symposium on Occupational COPD in a Changing Climate, where ADDRI Expert Advisor and leading Respiratory Physician, Professor Deborah Yates, delivered a presentation on the pathogenesis of occupational COPD.

Occupational exposure to dust remains a major yet under-recognised contributor to chronic respiratory disease. As Professor Yates emphasised, up to 30% of COPD cases may be work-related—a statistic that underscores the urgent need for comprehensive occupational histories during clinical consultations and greater awareness among healthcare professionals.

Unveiling silicosis.org.au – a dedicated silicosis support hub

Another major milestone for ADDRI was the first public view of the Silicosis Support Hub at silicosis.org.au. This brand new digital platform has been designed to support individuals affected by silicosis and related occupational dust diseases, offering:

• Access to evidence-based information
• Plain-language, multimedia formats and language translations
• Tools to help navigate diagnosis and treatment
• Links to counselling and peer support services
• Resources for health professionals

By bringing together the diverse range of information, support and resources that are complex across Australia, the Silicosis Support Hub plays a vital role in addressing the needs of a growing cohort of workers affected by workplace-acquired lung conditions—particularly in industries such as engineered stone fabrication, mining, and construction.

Introducing NSW’s first dust disease multidisciplinary team

On Day 2 of the conference, ADDRI announced the upcoming statewide multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting for occupational and environmental dust-related diseases, set to launch in May 2025 in partnership with Concord Repatriation General Hospital and with the support of the NSW Government.

Currently, many workers are diagnosed across NSW by respiratory and general medical teams in areas or regions that may not have the specific occupational medicine expertise or access to screening programs. The new MDT aims to:

• Facilitate earlier diagnosis
• Improve coordination between specialists
• Provide holistic and tailored patient care
• Embed occupational history-taking and dust disease expertise into clinical decision-making

Innovation on show – A/Professor Anthony Linton at the innovator session

A standout moment was the Innovator Session, where ADDRI’s Academic and Research Director, Associate Professor Anthony Linton, joined Professor Yates to introduce the MDT model and outline the integration of the Silicosis Support Hub into patient care pathways.

With support from a consortium of leading respiratory clinicians, occupational physicians, and public health experts—including Professor Catherine Jones, Kate Cole OAM, Dr Elizabeth Veitch, and Professor Tim Driscoll—the initiative aims to set a national benchmark in collaborative care for dust disease.

Looking ahead – a stronger future for occupational lung health

ADDRI’s presence at TSANZSRS ASM 2025 reinforces our commitment to bridging research, support, education and advocacy. Whether through launching targeted support services or shaping multidisciplinary approaches to care, we remain focused on improving outcomes for people affected by dust-related diseases.

To learn more or access our latest resources, visit addrri.org.au or explore the new Silicosis Support Hub at silicosis.org.au.