The ESENBURN COST Action is pleased to launch a Call for Participation for a Characterisation Workshop, jointly organised by Working Groups 1 and 2, to be held on 16 September 2026 at Hospital Édouard Herriot in Lyon, France, hosted by Céline Auxenfans, The Chair, at her institution.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The workshop will bring together researchers, developers and manufacturers to discuss current approaches to the characterisation of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) for burn treatment.
The programme will include two thematic sessions:
- Session 1 — Introduction to Guideline on quality, non-clinical and clinical requirements for investigational advanced therapy medicinal products in clinical trials (EMA/CAT/22473/2025)
Review of the specific characterisation requirements described in EMA/CAT/22473/2025 and identify the critical quality attributes (CQAs) and characterisation parameters applicable to ATMPs intended for the treatment of severe burn patients. - Session 2 — Characterisation Methods Implemented by Authorised Manufacturers of ATMPs for Severe Burn Patients
Review and exchange of characterisation methods currently implemented by manufacturers of authorised ATMPs for the treatment of severe burn patients. - Session 3 — Challenges observed during regulatory assessments for ATMPS products
The workshop is scheduled from 10:00 to 16:30.
Please find the detailed program attached.
PARTICIPANT SELECTION
Given the objectives of the workshop, priority will be given to:
- WG1 and WG2 members
- Representatives of ATMP manufacturing organisations
- Developers of ATMPs at the preclinical stage
- Manufacturers that have obtained national regulatory approvals for ATMPs
- Members whose expertise can contribute directly to the discussions on characterisation.
In line with COST Excellence and Inclusiveness objectives, special consideration will also be given to applications from Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) and participants from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs).
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Selected participants will be eligible for COST financial support, including:
- Daily Allowance (intended to comfortably cover accommodation, short transportation expenses and meals)
- Reimbursement of long-distance travel expenses,
HOW TO APPLY
The deadline for applications is 11 August 2026.
Interested participants are invited to submit their application by replying to this email directly with a short description of your profile, CV and motivation. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the selection process.
We encourage all interested members and stakeholders to apply and contribute to this workshop.
If you wish to apply, please write an email to :
Jesús CHATO ASTRAIN (jchato@ugr.es), Gloria CARMONA SANCHEZ (gloria.carmona@juntadeandalucia.es), Céline AUXENFANS (celine.auxenfans@chu-lyon.fr) and Charlotte BESNARD (charlotte.besnard@lip-lyon1.fr) (All must be included).



