Although the term “Respiratory Biology” is not yet in common use, the component subdisciplines have been in place since the classical experiments of Lavoisier and Priestley in the outgoing 18th century. The goal of this symposium is to assess the degree of interfacing that is already going on among respiratory biologists and to explore ways in which to expedite future interaction among traditionally separate areas. The Symposium will be divided into two parts, the first consisting of short presentations by leading respiratory biologists and editors-in-chief of major journals that publish in the area, about the past and present state of Respiratory Biology. The second part will be a panel discussion, in which the speakers (panel) will discuss among themselves and with the audience, ways to enhance the platform for interaction in all areas of Respiratory Biology in the future.