b'NBIC is actively addressing this need by establishing networks and collaborations and engaging in a variety of initiatives and research projects with the aim of supporting academic and industry communities in developing biofilm standards and influencing regulations:NBIC is working with leading biofilm research centresNBIC is providing input to biofilm standardsin the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and Asia to supportunder the Association for Materials Protectionthe development of international standardisedand Performance (AMPP), currently working onbiofilm test methods. The International Biofilmthree biofilm-related standards in the fields of Standards Task Group (IBSTG) was formed in 2020 tobiocides, oil and gas systems and microbiologically guide the international development and acceptanceinfluenced corrosion.of standardised biofilm models and test methods in healthcare, natural and build environmentResearch collaborations with the UKs National and industry. IBSTG aims to enable informed andMeasurement System institutes include:consistent decision-making regarding international1. The development of biofilm reference materials, regulation of biofilm products. with the international life sciences measurement The Biofilm Alliance: A Network for Regulatoryand tools company LGC, funded by NBICs PoC 4. Science, Academic Research, and Industry2. Collaboration with the National Institute for Collaboration brings together a core team fromBiological Standards and Control (NIBSC), NBIC, Manchester Metropolitan University, Swanseapart of the Medicines and Health Regulatory University, and Industrial Microbiological ServicesAgency (MHRA), on the development of biofilm Limited (IMSL). Funded by Innovate UK, this initiativepreservation technologies. aims to unite experts from academia, industry, metrology, regulatory bodies, and standardisation3. Piloting the development of reproducible biofilm organisations to bridge the gap between cutting- models and analytical methods in collaboration edge biofilm research and effective regulation andwith the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). to foster innovation in biofilm technologies through coordinated, cross-sector engagement. Building awareness of biofilm standardisation through presentations and posters at conferences. Participation in, and a seat on the management committee of the EU COST Action: Euro-MIC EuropeanUndertaking reviews and gap analysis: In 2022, NBIC Microbially Influenced Corrosion NetworkNew Pathscommissioned a review of methods and standards for Science, Sustainability and Standards. to support anti-biofilm claims in the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. In 2024, as part of NBIC is playing a leading role in the EU COST Actionthe Biofilm Alliance, and in collaboration with the RegulatoryToolBox: Building Consensus on BiofilmFood Safety Research Network, NBIC conducted a Regulatory Decision Making, with Dr Paulina Rakowska,comprehensive review of the regulatory landscape NBICs Biofilm Standards and Regulatory Programmeacross the food sector, from farm to fork. This review Manager, as Co-Chair of the Action. Many membersis due to be published soon.of the NBIC network are also actively involved, holding key leadership positions across the initiative. Influencing policy:Co-organisation of sessions focused on biofilm1. In October 2022, NBICs CEO, Professor Jo Slater-standardisation, at the 18th InternationalJefferies, presented to the UK Commons Science Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Symposium atand Technology Committee at a My Science Montana State University, USA in September 2021 andInquiry event, highlighting the importance of at the 19th Symposium in Berlin, September 2024.biofilm standards and regulation. In July 2025, NBIC Edinburgh Co-Director, Professor Cait Dr Paulina Rakowska, NBICs Biofilms Standards andMacPhee, returned to the Committee as part of Regulatory Programme Manager, is chairing the BSIits Under the Microscope inquiry, emphasising CH/216/-/3 Committee on Biofilms and Products,the significance of biofilms and advocating for which is developing a guideline on Methodologiescoordinated global biobanking efforts.for Antibiofilm New Product Claims.2. NBIC has published a position paper, NBIC is actively participating in the Europeanrecommending actions for funders, Committee for Standardization (CEN) TC 216 WG 5standardisation organisations and regulatorsStrategy GroupBiofilm Task Force, concentrated onthat would support and enable the academicexploring possible new areas of standardisation work. and industry communities in pursuing standardisation initiatives.33'