COST Action CA24105 – First Newsletter

Issue 1, January 2026

Retina4future: Launching a Global Network for the Future of Retinal Research

We are pleased to introduce Retina4future (COST Action CA24105), a new and dynamic international network bringing together researchers, clinicians, innovators, and stakeholders with a shared ambition: to advance retinal research through interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusiveness, and international cooperation.

A Rapidly Growing and Inclusive Network

Since its launch, Retina4future has shown remarkable growth and engagement. As of 15 January 2026, the Action includes:

• 249 Members
• 38 Countries represented
  • 17 non-ITC COST Full Members and 15 ITC COST Full Members
  • 2 Near Neighbor Countries: Jordan and Türkiye
  • 4 International Partner Countries: Canada, Cape Verde, India, and the United States
  • 1 International organization
• 111 (45%) Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs)
• 146 (59%) Female participation

These figures reflect Retina4future’s strong commitment to capacity building, gender balance, and the empowerment of early-career researchers, all core values of the COST framework.

Vision and Activities

Retina4future aims to strengthen collaboration across disciplines spanning basic science, clinical research, and innovation in retinal health. The Action is organized into six Working Groups, each focusing on a key area of research and impact: Tools for Retina Research and Clinics (WG1), New Therapeutic Approaches (WG2), Translational Medicine and Clinical Research (WG3), Economic Output (WG4), Patient-Oriented Research (WG5), and Community Liaison and Dissemination (WG6). Through these Working Groups and other networking instruments—such as workshops, training schools, Short-Term Scientific Missions, and stakeholder engagement—the Action seeks to:

• Accelerate knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary research
• Bridge fundamental research with clinical and translational applications
• Reduce fragmentation across the European Research Area
• Engage global partners to address shared challenges in retinal diseases

By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment across these complementary Working Groups, Retina4future is building a foundation for long-term scientific impact, innovation, and societal benefit in retinal research.

A message from the Action Chair: Sandra Tenreiro

Next Events: Information for the Community

STSM Opportunities

COST Action members are invited to apply for a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) starting from 1 February. After identifying a host institution in another COST country and agreeing on the scientific objectives and duration of the visit, prepare your application via the eCOST platform.

To be filled in e-COST: Title; start and end date (No overlap across two consecutive Grant Periods!); budget requested by the applicant; Information about the host institution and contact person.

To be uploaded to e-COST: Application form (see template available in e-COST) describing: goals, description of the work to be carried out by the applicant, expected outcomes, and description of the contribution to the Action MoU objectives; confirmation of the host on the agreement from the host institution in receiving the applicant (see template available in e-COST);

A final STSM report must be submitted in eCOST no later than 30 days after the completion of the mission.

The payment will be performed once the report is approved and all supporting documents are submitted. The Grant Holder can approve a STSM pre-payment of up to 50%; this amount is paid by the Grant Holder at any moment before or during the STSM.

Applications from young researchers and innovators (YRIs) and shorter STSMs will be favored. Please consult COST rules for STSMs.

Important Meetings

Join the Special Focus Meeting and EURETINA Congress 2026!

• Euretina Special Focus Meeting: “AI in Retina” will bring together clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders to explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming every aspect of retinal care. Aimed at both experienced ophthalmologists and trainees, the one-day programme will provide a comprehensive overview of current applications, emerging technologies, and the ethical and clinical challenges ahead. This special meeting will be held on 6 – 7 March 2006 at One Great George Street, London. Please find details of the registration process and fees on the website. Visit: https://euretina.org/sfm2026/registration/
• The 26th Euretina Congress will be held on 1-4 October 2026 in Vienna. Submissions for Instructional Course, Symposia & World Retina Day are now closed. Further information for Free Papers, Poster, and Video submission will be uploaded on the website. Visit: https://euretina.org/vienna-2026/

Join JRO 2026!

The Journées de Réflexions Ophtalmologiques (JRO) will return on March 13 and 14, 2026, at CNIT Forest, Paris La Défense. All ophthalmology subspecialties will be covered, fostering the exchange of experience, exploring current practices, and discovering the innovations of tomorrow. Please find details of the registration process and fees on the website. Visit: https://jro.jbhsante.com/accueil.htm

Join EOC 2026!

The European Ophthalmology Congress (EOC 2026) Ophthalmology & Optometry — scientific, educational, and networking meeting with research presentations, workshops, lectures, and live demonstrations covering clinical and scientific advances in eye care. The congress is planned for 27 – 29 April 2026 at the Hôtel CIS Paris Ravel, Paris, France.

• Abstract submission: until January 20, 2026
• Mid Registration: until January 20, 2026
• Late Registration: from January 21, 2026

Visit: https://www.europeanophthalmology.org/

Join ARVO 2026!

COST Action members are encouraged to participate in the ARVO Annual Meeting 2026 (Denver, Colo. 3-7 May), a leading global event for eye and vision research. This is a prime opportunity to connect with international experts, share research, and explore collaborations. Abstract submission closed in December 2025, but registration is still open:

• Early Bird Registration: until 11 March 2026
• Standard Registration: until 24 April 2026

Don’t miss this chance to engage with the latest advances in ocular science! For more information. Visit: ARVO Annual Meeting

Join EVRS Training School 2026!

Following the success of the previous edition, the EVRS Training School will take place on May 3–8, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey, at TODEM, with the support of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association and Gazi University Hospital, offering a 6-day program combining lectures and hands-on training led by internationally renowned vitreoretinal specialists. The training school will be for a maximum of 30 young ophthalmologists/students.
Visit: https://evrsociety.org/training-school/

Join SFO 2026 Congress!

The 132th International Congress of the Société Française d’Ophtalmologie will be organized at Palais des Congrès in Paris on 9-11 May 2026. Save the date and remain updated on the registration deadlines.
Visit: https://www.sfo-online.fr/congres-sfo

Join Aegean Retina Meeting 2006!

Aegean Retina Meeting XIX planned for June 4-7 2026, in Porto Heli, Greece, will focus on advances in retinal and vitreoretinal diseases, including diagnostics, pharmacotherapy, surgical tools, and basic research, with a special ocular oncology session. The program features scientific sessions, lectures by distinguished faculty, and a dedicated clinical cases session designed for young colleagues to present in a supportive environment. Registration opens soon. Please remain in touch!
Visit: https://www.aegeanretina.com/

Join the United in Vision 2026!

The United in Vision 2026 conference unites two prestigious events—the Foundation Fighting Blindness VISIONS Conference and the Retina International World Congress—into one extraordinary global gathering. This premier event brings together individuals and families impacted by blinding conditions, alongside leading researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, and industry partners to foster collaboration, innovation, and hope. It will take place on 10 – 13 June 2026 Fort Worth, Texas.
Visit: https://give.fightingblindness.org/event/united-in-vision-2026/e684261

Join ICVOS Conference 2006!

The 3rd International Conference on Ophthalmology & Vision Science (ICOVS 2026) will be held as a hybrid event in Paris, France, on June 4–5, 2026. Under the theme “Visionary Breakthroughs: Shaping the Future of Eye Health,” the conference highlights the latest research and innovations in ophthalmology and vision science. Attendees will include ophthalmologists, doctors, healthcare professionals, nurses, clinicians, academicians, researchers, students, and scientists from leading institutions, all sharing insights, innovative ideas, and experiences.

• Early Bird Registration: closed
• Mid-term Registration: until January 24, 2026
• Late Registration: as of June 2, 2026
• Abstract submission: First round of abstract submission closed on January 15, 2026

Visit: https://www.scitechseries.com/ophthalmology

Join WOC 2026!

The 40th World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC 2026) will take place 26 – 29 June 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Scientific Program Team has created a high-quality program to enhance knowledge and skills across general ophthalmology and subspecialties, featuring symposia, focused courses, and hands-on workshops, while showcasing groundbreaking research and the latest medical and surgical advances.

• Abstract submission: closed
• Early Registration: until April 9, 2026
• Regular Registration: until June 2, 2026
• Late Registration: as of June 3, 2026

Join ISER 2026!

We warmly invite our members to join the XXVII ISER Biennial Meeting (Valencia, Spain 23-27 August) — a key international vision research conference with topics highly relevant to our community. This conference covers key vision research topics highly relevant to our Action’s mission — including Retinal Cell Biology, Retinal Degeneration, Retinal Neuroscience and Development, and RPE-Choroid and AMD. Please note the following key deadlines:

• Session Submission & Travel Award Application: 25 February 2026
• Abstract Submission & Early Registration: 25 March 2026
• Late Abstract Submission: 25 May 2026

Therefore, be sure to plan your submission. Visit: Section Topics – ISER 2026

Join ESCRS Congress 2006!

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCR) invites you to participate in the 44th ESCR congress, entitled “Queen of Hearts” on 11-15 September in London. The congress will include Main and Research Symposia, Arena Debates, the Global Refractive Symposium, 3D Surgical Microscope and AI Summit, ESCRS/EURETINA Symposium, Near Live Surgery, Instructional Courses, Wetlabs, Video Sessions, Posters, Oral Presentations, and a variety of special interest days and sessions.

• Abstract submission and video upload deadline: 1 March 2026, 23:59 (CET)
• Registration: details will soon be released

Visit: https://congress.escrs.org/

Join Retina UK Annual Conference 2026!

The 2026 annual conference will take place in Birmingham, UK, on 19 September 2026. Full venue and details will be announced once confirmed, with further information about the program to follow.
Visit: https://retinauk.org.uk/event/annual-conference/

Join the 4th International ROP Course!

The course will take place in Istanbul on September 24-26, 2026. More details regarding the organization of the event will be announced soon.
Visit: https://todnet.org/ROPBak_2-4Ekim/

Join the 29th EVER Congress!

The European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) 29th Congress focuses primarily on ophthalmology and vision science, encompassing clinical, translational, and basic research in eye health and visual sciences. It will take place on 15 – 17 October 2026 at Palazzo degli Affari, Florence, Italy.

• Abstract submission: 3 March-28 April 2026
• Registration: More information coming soon on the dedicated website

Visit: https://evercongress.org/

Courses

We are pleased to highlight an exciting FEBS-funded Advanced Lecture Course organized by Henri Leinonen. The event “Retina in a dish: Methods & applications in life sciences” will take place from 8 to 12 June 2026 in Kuopio, Finland. Several members of our COST Action will be participating as speakers. This course offers an excellent opportunity for members to engage with cutting-edge methodologies in retinal research and explore potential applications in the life sciences. We encourage COST Action members to consider potential synergies with the course, such as dissemination support or other collaborative activities, and help spread the word within the network. Visit: https://retinaexvivo2026.febsevents.org/

Looking Ahead

This first newsletter marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Retina4future. Over the coming months and years, the Action will continue to expand its activities, strengthen collaborations, and support the next generation of researchers working to improve understanding, prevention, and treatment of retinal diseases.

If you have relevant information, events, publications, or opportunities that you would like to share with the Retina4Future community, we’d be happy to include them in our newsletter. Please send your submissions to our communication email at r4fcommunication@gmail.com

We look forward to helping you spread the word!

Elena Milanesi, WG6 Leader
Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Romania.