Dr. Dirk Schramm is a senior physician at the University Children's Hospital in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializing in General Pediatrics, Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, and particularly Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology, and Dysphagia. He currently leads the Scientific Working Group on Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Dysphagia. Dr. Schramm's academic and clinical journey reflects over two decades of dedicated service and specialization in pediatric medicine. After completing his medical studies at Ruhr University Bochum in 2000 and earning his doctorate in 2001, he began his career with a fellowship in Anesthesiology (2000–2005), including regular service in pediatric emergency care. His transition to pediatrics began in 2005 with fellowships at St. Johannes Hospital in Duisburg (focused on neonatology and pediatric intensive care), the Children's Hospital Wesel (specializing in Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Bronchoscopy), and subsequently at the University Children's Hospital Düsseldorf, where he completed his fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonology and served as a senior physician until 2017. From 2018, Dr. Schramm served as Department Head of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology, and the Cystic Fibrosis Center at the University Children's Hospital Erlangen before returning to Düsseldorf in 2019 to take on his current role. His qualifications include board certifications in Anesthesiology (2005), Pediatrics (2010), Pediatric Pulmonology (2012), and Allergology (2023). He also holds a postdoctoral lecture qualification (Habilitation) earned in June 2024, granting him the academic title of Associate Professor. Dr. Schramm’s extensive clinical experience and academic leadership continue to advance the fields of pediatric pulmonology, allergology, and dysphagia both nationally and internationally.

Asunción Mejías is Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair at the Department of Infectious Diseases at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN, USA. For the past 25 years Dr. Mejías has been studying the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections in infants and young children, with special emphasis on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). She has contributed with more than 290 publications including original articles, reviews, editorials and book chapters. She is also an active member of national and international professional organizations where she holds leadership positions, serves as external reviewer for several medical journals as well as professional organizations including NIH or the CDC.