Issue 3, July 2026
Retina4Future in numbers: growth, connectivity, and participation -an update.
A Period of Continued Growth
The Retina4Future network continues to demonstrate significant expansion and engagement. Since March 2026, our membership has grown from 298 to 344 Working Group members, spanning 40 countries across Europe and beyond.
Throughout this period of growth, we have successfully maintained a strong gender balance, with women continuing to represent 57.3% of our network. Additionally, our reach continues to broaden within key demographics:
Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs): Participation has increased from 156 to 181 members, now accounting for 52.6% of the network.
Young Researchers: This group has grown from 134 to 162 members, representing 47.1% of our total membership.
This steady increase in both volume and diversity underscores the Action’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research community.
Contributor: Helga Helgadóttir
Connectivity: Retina France and the Retina 4 Future COST Action
The associative and scientific involvement of Retina France in our COST Action was officially presented by Dr. Je ro me Roger and Associate Director Luc Licari to association members and French partners at the medical symposium held during the General Assembly in Agde on June 6, 2026.
This presentation highlighted Retina France’s active contribution to the COST Action and provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and engagement with the French research and patient community.
Contributor: Luc Licari
Participation: understanding EU decision-making and advocacy: insights from the COST Academy Training.
On 21 May 2026, our Action was represented by Francisco J. Dí az Corrales at the COST Academy training session “Understanding EU Decision-Making Processes – How to Advocate Your Interests.” The event provided valuable insights into how the European Union develops, adopts, and implements legislation, highlighting the roles of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union.
The training explored practical advocacy strategies for researchers and stakeholders, including engaging early in policy development, identifying relevant decision-makers, building networks and coalitions, monitoring legislative developments, and communicating evidence-based recommendations effectively.
These topics are particularly relevant to our COST Action, as they demonstrate how scientific communities can contribute to policy discussions through position papers and research-based recommendations, potentially influencing future legislation and initiatives in our field.
The session also brought together Chairs and Vice-Chairs from several COST Actions, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives on science policy, stakeholder engagement, and the societal impact of research
The training materials will be made available to Action members through the intranet.
Contributor: Francisco J. Díaz Corrales
Increased SME participation in Retain4Future: Improving public-private dialogue and potential partnerships.
Since October 2025, Retina4 Future started with a total of 6 SMEs. Over the last 8 months, a total of 6 SMEs joined the COST Action spanning therapeutics (RhyGaze, SpliceBio, Coave Tx, Asthena), CROs (Pharmaron) and devices (UNeedle). In additional other SMEs such as Charles River agreed to join in the coming months. The first SME showcase will take place on June 26th with Pharmaron and UNeedle presenting their capabilities.
Contributor: Tiago Ferreira
Applications Open for the Master’s Program in Cutting-Edge Technologies in Vision Sciences (CETVS)
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Master’s Program in Cutting-Edge Technologies in Vision Sciences (CETVS). This innovative program offers students advanced training in vision science, combining interdisciplinary knowledge with state-of-the-art technologies and research methodologies.”
Prospective applicants are invited to explore the program details, admission requirements, curriculum, and other resources via the link below.
Contributor: Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris
Advanced Course “New in vitro Models: Alternatives to
animal models in research (3dr Edition)
Learn from 18 experts cutting-edge approaches including hiPSCs, organoids,
microphysiological systems (organ-on-a-chip) and 3D bioprinting for fundamental and preclinical research.
More information and registrations here
- Dates: 16 November – 9 December 2026
- Format: 100% online
- Duration: 35 hours (3 ECTS)
- Coordination: Sandra Tenreiro and Guadalupe Cabral
- Application deadline: 11 November 2026
- Fees: €270 tuition + €51 application fee
Call for Registration: EMBO Workshop
Registrations are open to the EMBO Workshop on proteostasis: “Proteostasis shaping health span: from protein folding to failure”!
This meeting will bring together an outstanding community of researchers working on protein folding, quality control, degradation pathways, aging, neurodegeneration, and cellular stress responses to discuss the latest advances in the proteostasis field.
We are looking forward to inspiring science, lively discussions, and new collaborations
across disciplines and career stages.
Where? Ericeira, Portugal When? 9-13 November 2026
More information & registration: EMBO Workshop – Proteostasis shaping health span: from protein folding to failure
https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-proteostasis
If your research touches on proteostasis, aging, protein homeostasis, neurodegeneration, autophagy, ubiquitin pathways, or stress biology, we would love to see you there!
Please share with colleagues and trainees who may be interested. Organizer: Sandra Tenreiro
Co-Organizers: DeeDeepika Vasudevan, Sivan Henis-Korenblit, Paula Ludovicopika Vasudevan, Sivan Henis-Korenblit, Paula Ludovico
Contributor: Sandra Tenreiro
Elena Milanesi, WG6 Leader
Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Romania.
