On 6–7 October 2026, the HYPIEND project hosted the 2nd Annual Meeting of the ENKORE Cluster at the facilities of Eurecat in Barcelona. The two-day meeting provided an opportunity for researchers and experts to exchange scientific knowledge, review ongoing activities and identify new opportunities for collaboration in research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
The meeting brought together representatives of the five European research projects forming the ENKORE Cluster: HYPIEND, EDC-MASLD, NEMESIS, ENDOMIX and MERLON. Through project presentations and discussions, participants shared their latest research developments and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation across the consortium.
A central focus of the discussions was the harmonisation and comparison of scientific approaches, including assays, methodologies and endpoints used to investigate the effects of endocrine disruptors. Participants also addressed the regulatory relevance of their findings and opportunities to improve the translation of scientific evidence into policies that support the protection of human health.
The face-to-face meeting also enabled the cluster’s five working groups to review their progress, align priorities and identify joint activities for the coming year, reinforcing the value of cross-project collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by EDC exposure.
Connecting scientific evidence with regulatory needs
The meeting benefited from the participation and guidance of the cluster’s scientific and regulatory advisors: Elise Grignard, from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); Effrosyni Katsanou, from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC); and Anna Lanzoni, from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Their contributions helped connect ongoing research activities with broader scientific and regulatory priorities.
The meeting also counted on the participation of Alex Mulet Indrayanti, the cluster’s Policy Officer, whose support and guidance contribute to the development of joint activities.
As the ENKORE Cluster continues to strengthen its scientific network, coordination will pass from HYPIEND to EDC-MASLD, which will lead the cluster’s activities over the coming year and host the 2027 Annual Meeting at Örebro University in Sweden.
Through initiatives such as the ENKORE Cluster, HYPIEND contributes to strengthening European cooperation on endocrine disruptors, fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge and supporting the development of evidence that can inform future regulatory and public health decisions.
