b'NBIC WorkshopsKEY FINDINGSBIOFILM REGULATIONS AND STANDARDISATION IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE AND PHARMA SECTORSNBIC, in partnership with the USA Centre for BiofilmThe participants shared a plethora of different Engineering (CBE), organised a workshop on Biofilmexperiences, needs, ideas and unique views on the Regulations and Standardisation in the Medicalsubject. Nevertheless, several clear points emerged, Device and Pharma sectors, which took place inboth from the pre-work feedback and from the in-Birmingham, UK, on 29 April 2022. The meeting wasperson discussions:supported by a BBSRC Global Partnering Award.There is both the opportunity and desire from the The meeting was unique, bringing together over 40community to make progress in creating biofilm-representatives from industry, academia, metrologyrelated standards.and standardisation and regulatory bodies to map the current landscape, needs, trends and expectations inThere is a strong need for a comprehensive review of biofilm standardisation within the UK and to establishstandards, methods and practices that are currently industry and regulatory participation in a forwardin use by the community. Such a review would working group. Discussions were very candid, openprovide a basis for a gap analysis and identification and stimulating, with the aim of working together asof a pathway for biofilm standards development.a community to advance the field. The presence ofIt is clear that one size will not fit all due to diverse international delegates was very useful and providedsectors and applications and the complexity of the additional context to the discussions. Participants werebiofilms themselves. It would be more practical to asked to consider and debate two questions: build a component approach, consisting of a base What do you see as the current needs with respectset of standards and guidance on how and when to to standards and regulations in your setting anduse them.business relating to biofilms? It is crucial that regulators are part of the What do you believe should be (i) done in terms ofstandardisation activities and engaged from the concrete next steps by this group? And (ii) the overallbeginning. long-term goals?30'