From 24th to 25th September 2026, the DISSECT COST Action brought its members together in Ghent for two days of knowledge exchange, collaboration and forward planning. The programme included the Third Management Committee Meeting, a hands-on research workshop focusing on research methodology and statistical methods, and dedicated Working Group sessions to review progress and define priorities for the next Grant Period.
As Grant Holder, ESSO plays an important role in supporting the coordination and implementation of the Action and facilitating its activities and international collaboration. ESSO representatives contributed actively to both the scientific programme and strategic discussions, participating in person and online. Prof. Wim Ceelen, ESSO Board member shared his expertise in meta-analysis, while DrDara Lundon led the session on evidence assessment during the research workshop. Dr. Carmela Caballero, Dr. Henry Smith, ESSO ECT member, Prof. Stefan Stättner, ESSO ECT chair, Dr. Susanna Polotto and Dr. Karol Polom contributed to the Working Group sessions, presenting progress and discussing objectives and plans for the future. Marija Rankovic, ESSO Educational Programme Manager and DISSECT Grant Holder Manager, provided an overview of budget management and financial matters.
The meeting offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Action’s first Grant Period, strengthen collaboration among members and build momentum for the next phase of DISSECT, which begins on 1 November 2026.
