This manuscript summarises the highlights from the virtual European Respiratory Society's “Clinical techniques, imaging and endoscopy” Assembly 14 presented at the 2021 European Respiratory Society International Congress. Cutting-edge innovative developments in both diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies in patients with lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, obstructive airway disorders and infectious diseases were presented on this year's interactive congress platform. In this manuscript, the Assembly 14 subgroups summarise the key take home messages given new research outcomes and place them in the context of the current knowledge.