Introduction to the BREATH Project
On June 26th and 27th, 2025, Florence hosted the 15th Edition of "The Future of Education" conference, a hybrid event that brought together 226 participants. The conference explored advancements in education, and among the presentations was the BREATH Project (A European Collaborative and Innovative Partnership to Promote Physical Activity for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Conditions).
The BREATH Project, with Pixel as a key contractual partner, used various methods to share its work. Elisabetta Delle Donne introduced the project in the framework of an oral presentation to. Following this, Lorenzo Martellini provided a detailed overview through an in-person poster presentation. For broader access, a PDF version of the poster and a dedicated video were made available on the conference website.  Of the 226 conference attendees, 90 participants specifically registered for the BREATH Project presentations, indicating an interest in its approach to health education.

Conference Overview: "The Future of Education"
The "Future of Education" conference's 15th edition in Florence covered a wide range of topics, reflecting the diverse nature of modern education. The programme is available on the conference website.  While focusing on pedagogical developments, themes such as "Education and Wellness" and "Digital Education" provided suitable contexts for the BREATH Project's presentation.
Conference participants came from various institutional typologies: 84% from Higher Education, 7% from Companies and NGOs, 5% from Public Authorities, and 4% from other sectors. This composition suggests the presence of academics, researchers, and professionals involved in educational program design, making them a relevant audience for health education initiatives like BREATH.

Detailed Presentation of the BREATH Project
Lorenzo Martellini's in-person poster presentation was scheduled twice daily over both days of the conference. This schedule aimed to provide multiple opportunities for attendees to learn about the project and interact with the presenter.

Day 1: Project Foundations (June 26, 2025)
The morning and afternoon sessions on June 26th, from 10:30 – 11:00 and 16:10 – 16:40, covered the foundational aspects of the BREATH Project.

• Introduction to the Breath project: This segment outlined the project's aims: to create a collaborative European partnership focused on promoting physical activity for patients with chronic respiratory conditions. This initial overview aimed to highlight the need for such interventions to improve patient quality of life.
• Presentation of the literature reviews and related publication: A key initial phase of the project involved a comprehensive literature review. This work resulted in a publication comparing local conditions across participating countries. The presentation detailed findings from this review, which considered factors such as:
  • Epidemiology: The prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Organization of National Health Service: How healthcare systems support these patients.
  • Management and Rehabilitation Pathways: Current practices in patient management and existing rehabilitation structures.
  • Unmet Needs: Identifying gaps in current physical activity programs and rehabilitation services.

This segment emphasized the research-based approach of the BREATH Project, showing its commitment to developing interventions informed by thorough research and an understanding of different European contexts. The publication serves as a key document for developing physical activity programs.

Day 2: Practical Tools (June 27, 2025)
The second day's sessions, also held from 10:30 – 11:00 and 16:10 – 16:40, focused on the practical tools and resources developed by the BREATH Project.

• Transnational Database of Good Practices: This presentation introduced an online database of best practices designed to promote physical activity in patients with respiratory disease. Lorenzo Martellini demonstrated how this database could serve as a resource for healthcare professionals, physical activity trainers, and patients to access strategies and initiatives from across Europe. The database aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage the adoption of effective programs.
• E-learning platform: The final core component presented was the e-learning platform. This digital tool is intended for healthcare and physical activity/sport professionals. The platform provides training and resources to help these professionals organize physical activity programs for patients with respiratory diseases. The presentation discussed the platform's potential to standardize the quality of care provided across different European countries.

Dissemination Activities
The BREATH Project's presence at "The Future of Education" conference aimed for effective dissemination. The hybrid format and varied presentation methods were intended to maximize reach.

• Oral Presentation: Elisabetta Delle Donne’s oral introduction provided an overview of the project's aims.
• In-Person Poster Presentation: Lorenzo Martellini’s repeated in-person sessions allowed for direct interaction and discussions, enabling attendees to ask questions about the project's deliverables. The poster itself provided a visual summary.
• Online Promotion: The availability of the PDF poster and a video on the conference website extended the project's reach to a wider audience, aiming for continued engagement beyond the conference.
• Engagement Metrics: That 90 out of 226 conference participants signed up for the BREATH Project presentation indicates a notable level of interest. This suggests the project resonated with a portion of the audience, particularly those interested in health, wellness, and educational innovations.

Conclusion
The BREATH Project's presentation at the 15th Edition of "The Future of Education" conference in Florence was a significant event for the project. By communicating its goals, methodologies, and key deliverables—including the literature review and publication, the transnational database of good practices, and the e-learning platform—the project aimed to highlight its role as a European initiative in promoting physical activity for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
The reception from the audience, including participants from the higher education sector, indicates the relevance of the BREATH Project. As education evolves, integrating interdisciplinary approaches that include health and well-being becomes increasingly important. The BREATH Project aims to contribute to this evolution by offering practical solutions for patients and professionals.
The dissemination efforts at this conference are expected to contribute to the overall impact of the BREATH Project, supporting collaboration and the adoption of practices to benefit individuals with chronic respiratory conditions in Europe.