On October 31st, 2024, the Management Committee (MC) of CYANOACTION convened in Brussels for its official kick-off meeting, marking the start of this COST Action dedicated to tackling cyanobacteria-related challenges in water management. The meeting brought together experts from various institutions to set the foundation for collaboration and define the structure of the initiative.
The meeting began with a presentation by Dr. Angelo Basteris, the appointed Science Officer for CYANOACTION. He introduced the agenda, outlined the COST framework, and explained the impact of COST Actions in promoting scientific collaboration across Europe. He also provided an overview of the funding scheme, inclusiveness policies, and the election process for leadership positions.
Following this, the Action Chair, Prof. Claudia Wiegand from Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution Université De Rennes, France, introduced the key objectives, aims, and long-term goals of CYANOACTION. She also highlighted critical decisions that the MC needed to address during the meeting to ensure a successful implementation of the initiative.
Mrs Katchamon Nimprang, the Administrative Officer for CYANOACTION, provided an overview of networking opportunities and eligible activities within the COST framework. Her presentation detailed the different grants available over the four-year duration of the Action, along with dissemination and communication strategies that will enhance outreach and impact.
A key agenda item of the meeting was the election of leadership roles. The following individuals were elected to steer CYANOACTION:
Action Chair: Prof. Claudia Wiegand
Action Vice Chair: Dr. Petra Visser
Grant Holder: Dr. Theodoros Triantis
Grant Awarding Coordinator: Dr. Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou
Science Communication Coordinator: Ms.Nikoletta Tsiarta
Working Group (WG) Leaders & Co-Leaders:
- WG1 (Early Warning Methods): Prof. Christine Edwards (Leader), Dr. Wannes van Hassel (Co-Leader)
- WG2 (Catchment Management): Ms. Zenepe Dafku (Leader), Dr. Jian Liu (Co-Leader)
- WG3 (Cyanobacteria Control Methods): Dr. Maria G. Antoniou (Leader), Prof. Blahos Marsalek (Co-Leader)
- WG4 (Decision Support Tools): Dr. Spyros Gkelis (Leader), Dr. Maura Manganelli (Co-Leader)
- WG5 (Dissemination & Communication): Ms. Nikoletta Tsiarta (Leader), Dr. Priit Tammeorg (Co-Leader)
Following the elections, participants were divided into five Working Groups (WGs) to initiate discussions on their respective focus areas. A dynamic and interactive session allowed attendees to move between groups, express their interest in joining specific WGs, and share their ideas on potential activities and objectives. This open exchange encouraged collaboration and set the stage for the Action’s upcoming work.
At the end of the session, each WG leader presented the outcomes of the roundtable discussions, summarizing key ideas, challenges, and opportunities identified by the participants. These discussions provided a strong foundation for the Working Groups, aligning their efforts with the broader goals of CYANOACTION.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for scientists and experts specializing in cyanobacteria treatment—whether through lake treatments or catchment management—to exchange knowledge and establish a strong collaborative network. With the support of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), CYANOACTION aims to create a lasting impact on water management policies and practices. By joining forces, the initiative strives to ensure clean and safe water resources for all, reinforcing the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
