On 1 July 2026, the Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) of the EU-LI-PHE COST Action (CA22111) gathered in Ghent, Belgium, for a full-day meeting dedicated to strengthening collaboration, building capacity, and advancing the Action’s communication and dissemination activities.
The meeting brought together 12 early-career researchers, alongside Action Chair Prof. Luca Fontanesi, Science Communication Coordinator Dr. Adna Ašić, and COST Association Scientific Officer Dr. Wioleta Walentowska.
The programme opened with an overview of the EU-LI-PHE COST Action and its objectives. Prof. Fontanesi highlighted the networking and capacity-building opportunities available through COST, encouraging participants to make active use of funding instruments such as Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and Conference Grants. Particular attention was given to the Young Researcher and Innovator (YRI) Conference Grant, which enables early-career researchers to present their work at international conferences, including through poster presentations.
Participants were also introduced to the activities of Working Groups 4 and 5, which focus on science communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and policymaking. These areas provide important opportunities for YRIs to contribute to the wider impact of the Action beyond scientific research.
The practical part of the meeting was organised through two collaborative working groups. One group successfully finalised the next edition of the EU-LI-PHE newsletter, while the second developed a webinar programme covering the remaining project period. Both outputs represent important milestones in strengthening communication within the network and engaging a broader scientific and stakeholder community.
The meeting also looked ahead to future Action deliverables, including policy briefs and review papers. Participants discussed opportunities for YRIs to play a leading role in preparing these outputs, contributing both to the scientific objectives of the Action and to their own professional development.
The Ghent meeting once again demonstrated the value of investing in young researchers by providing opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and active participation in shaping the future activities of the EU-LI-PHE network.
