Alain Mercat, MD is Professor of Intensive Care Medicine (University of Angers, France). He is director of the Medical Intensive Care Department in Angers University Hospital, chairman of the european research network on acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation (REVA), and vice president of the french intensive care society (SRLF). He coordinates the french advanced studies diploma on mechanical ventilation entitled “Mechanical ventilation : From physiology to clinical practice”. His two main research topics are ARDS and mechanical ventilation.