We are pleased to invite you to a three‑day training school in Manchester, UK, designed for researchers and technical specialists who wish to strengthen their skills in biofilm method development, appreciate the value of standardisation, and understand the interface between standardisation, regulation and policy engagement. 

This interactive programme will equip participants with the knowledge needed to design robust and reproducible methods, understand how standards are created and their influence in regulatory decision making, and translate scientific evidence into effective policy engagement. 

• Dates: 12th May 9:00am – 14th May 4pm 
• Format: hybrid (online is free, and a small number of in-person participants will be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses).
• Venue: Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, UK

 The training will cover: 

• Methods Design, Validation, and Routes to Standardisation 
• Role of Standards in Regulatory Decision Making and the Regulatory Landscape 
• Gathering Data, Writing Policy Briefs, and Influencing Policy 

 By combining lectures, interactive workshops, practical exercises and real-world case discussions, the program aims to strengthen participants’ technical skills, deepen their understanding of standardisation and regulation, and enhance their ability to translate scientific evidence into meaningful policy impact. 

 The training school will cover range of topics, including: 

• Designing reliable, reproducible and fit‑for‑purpose scientific methods 
• Identifying sources of variability in methods and practising strategies to minimise them 
• Understanding the key principles of method validation 
• Exploring how validated methods evolve into formal, published standards 
• Learning about national, European and international standardisation bodies and how to navigate their processes 
• Reflecting on individual method development practices and discussing challenges with peers 
• Understanding how standards underpin regulatory science and decision making 
• Examining how standards, guidelines and validated methods support regulatory submissions and compliance 
• Understanding how evidence is gathered, assessed and applied within policymaking 
• Identifying robust sources of scientific and socio‑economic data for policy use 
• Learning to write clear, concise and impactful policy briefs tailored to decision makers 
• Exploring effective routes to engage with policymakers and influence policy outcomes 

The training school will be delivered in a hybrid format, and invitations to participate will be sent to all members of the COST Action. We also have a number of spaces available for in‑person participation, which will be reimbursed. If you are interested in attending either online or in-person, please let us know by completing this form: RegulatoryToolBox Training School – Manchester, UK, May 12 – 14, 2026 – Fill in form

Please note, if you would like to attend in person, please ensure you meet visa requirements for entry into the United Kingdom (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa).