Working Groups
Meet the PanEuCOPT Working Groups Building the Foundations for Clinical Translation
WG1. Terminology
Description
Harmonises terminology in photoantimicrobial research by defining key terms and establishing a common language to support clear communication and data comparability.
Leaders
Dr Francesca Giuntini [F.Giuntini@ljmu.ac.uk]
Liverpool John Moores University – United Kingdom [UK]
Tasks
Task 1.1. Identify all terms and there current as well as original usage, if applicable.
Task 1.2. Conceptualize and write a document covering the recommended terminology and disambiguation of terms will be written in collaboration with the IUPAC (Division IV, Chemistry for Health).
Task 1.3. Compiling a layman review covering the history and the names of the field to honor the 11 pioneers and initial key contributors of the field.
Task 1.4. Communicate through the PanEuCOPT webpage and social media channels, as well as the associated societies (at least one for photobiology and one for medical microbiology) in Europe and the World.
WG2. Education
Description
Develops open-access educational materials and training activities to build capacity and integrate photoantimicrobial concepts into education and professional practice.
Leaders
Prof Santi Nonell [santi.nonell@iqs.url.edu]
Institut Quimic De Sarria – Spain
Tasks
Task 2.1. Create an online platform on the Action website to share the developed materials.
Task 2.2. Organize and host the lecture series on photoantimicrobial strategies.
Task 2.3. Define syllabi for the photoantimicrobial strategies modules.
Task 2.4. Develop modules for a practical course on photoantimicrobial strategies in close consultation with the members of WG3 and implement them in the training schools of the COST Action.
Task 2.5. Compile all materials in an appealing way and promote them via (inter alia) the University Network Alliances and University Network Association.
WG3. Guidelines
Description
Establishes harmonised testing guidelines and standard operating procedures for photoantimicrobial research within a One Health framework.
Leaders
Prof Kristjan Plaetzer [kristjan.plaetzer@plus.ac.at]
Paris Lodron University of Salzburg – Austria
Tasks
Task 3.1. Discuss a common format in which the guidelines should be structured based on the setting (microbroth and biofilms).
Task 3.2. Identify the reference microbes to be used for the establishment of the first guidelines.
Task 3.3. Establish guidelines for human pathogens (Task 3.3.1), animal pathogens (Task 3.3.2), plant pathogens (Task 3.3.3), and environmental pathogens (Task 3.3.4).
Task 3.4. Create and design an online platform for the collection of reference values and standards. This database should be integrated into the Action website and linked to the websites of the supporting societies. The database should be programmed in such a way that registered and qualified photoantimicrobial testers can later upload values, so that this database becomes another living organism.
Task 3.5. Create blank pages of laboratory journals to allow convenient recording of repeated tests so that no important information is lost during a screening initiative.
WG4. Illumination
Description
Defines and standardises illumination parameters and device requirements to ensure reliable, safe, and reproducible photoantimicrobial testing.
WG4 focuses on the standardisation of illumination parameters and light sources used in photoantimicrobial research. The Working Group defines recommendations for light delivery, dosimetry, and device performance to ensure safe, reliable, and reproducible experimental and clinical applications.
Leaders
Prof Giovanni Romano [giovanni.romano@unifi.it]
Università degli Studi di Firenze – Italy
Tasks
Task 4.1. Define all parameters needed for regulation and specify the light source to be used for the models to be defined in WG3 (e.g., in vitro, in vivo; plant, bacteria, viruses; aquatic systems, surfaces etc.).
Task 4.2. Conduct surveys and site-visits to determine the actual needs of illumination devices in a One Health setting. Determine if one suits all or if several test devices are needed.
Task 4.3. (a) Create a construction plan for prototypes related to the different models to be illuminated. (b) Let the device be constructed from professionals of different countries to validate the robustness of the description.
Task 4.4. Establish a recommendation for (i) homogeneity tests utilizing e.g., radiometric devices or chemical actinometers and for (ii) performance test with a timeline (e.g., every two years).
Task 4.5. Managing the composition of the preparation of a review manuscript based on the gained insights from Task 4.1 to 4.4
Task 4.6. Evaluate the possibility of generating a label and work towards this.
WG5. Dissemination
Description
Coordinates communication and outreach activities to increase visibility, engage stakeholders, and disseminate outcomes.
Leaders
Dr Nidia Maldonado Carmona [nimc.chem@gmail.com]
Università degli Studi di Firenze – Italy
Tasks
Task 5.1. Defining the timeframe as well as the content and means of communication based on the identified target groups (i.e., practitioners, medical scientists, students (university and school level), general public, STEM scientists, companies).
Task 5.2. Launching of the special issues and promoting them e.g., during international meetings.
Task 5.3. Contact professional journalists to secure and publish articles in the MINT section of large print medias for the general public.
Task 5.4. Coordinating appearance on social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, ResearchGate).
Task 5.5. Establish and nourish a newsletter, which will be appear every six months via E-Mail to registered individuals, on the PanEuCOPT website, and as link on social media.