An Iowa-based researcher has been awarded a grant by the American Lung Association Research Institute. Wenjie Yu, PhD, from The University of Iowa, received the Catalyst Award for his project on chronic airway disease.
Lung research is significant in Iowa as over 448,000 residents are affected by lung disease. "The Lung Association is honored to welcome Dr. Yu to our elite American Lung Association Research Institute team," said the organization.
Dr. Yu's study will explore the connection between enlarged airway glands and mucus abnormalities in chronic airway diseases. These conditions often cause persistent coughing and breathing difficulties due to thick mucus from enlarged glands. His aim is to understand how gland enlargement contributes to abnormal mucus production, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
Over the past year, the American Lung Association Research Institute announced a $22 million investment in research, making it one of the largest lung health programs nationwide. The association funded 139 research grants focusing on identifying, treating, and curing lung diseases.
This year marks 120 years of lifesaving research funding by the American Lung Association. Researchers have made significant achievements such as combating tuberculosis and aiding premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), along with supporting COVID-19 research.
Various awards were presented across categories addressing different aspects of lung disease: "American Lung Association/AAAAI Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award," "American Lung Association/ATS/CHEST Foundation Respiratory Health Equity Research Award," "Catalyst Award," among others.
Research projects supported by the association undergo rigorous scientific peer review and cover a wide range of complex lung health issues.
The Lung Association is currently accepting applications for its 2025-2026 research awards cycle. More information about these opportunities can be found at Lung.org/awards. Details about new grant awardees and the entire research team are available at Lung.org/research-team.
