News Archive

A publication with this title has been published in "The Journal of Hospital Infection", with Dr. Florian H. H. Brill as one of the contributing authors. The publication concludes that the virucidal 4-field test demonstrates promising applicability as a Phase 2/Step 2 method and represents a valuable candidate for incorporation into future European standards. The method is particularly relevant for assessing ready-to-use wipes, as virucidal efficacy depends on the combined effects of wipe material, released liquid, and mechanical action, which may substantially differ from results obtained in the absence of mechanical application. Representative-of-use validation methods are therefore essential for assessing disinfectant efficacy in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public spaces.

The abstract and all further details regarding this publication can be found here: LINK.

For the 21st International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling (ICMCF), the following presentations and poster presentations involving Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion have been confirmed. All abstracts submitted by our colleagues from Norderney have been accepted! Hydrotox Laboratory for Ecotoxicology and Water Protection GmbH from Freiburg is also contributing to the program:

Presentation: "North Sea – a perfect body of water for antifouling field tests"
Authors: Bernd Daehne, Soyla Kraus, Lukas Kuhn

Presentation: "Initial results of field and laboratory testing of non-biocidal and microplastic-reduced self-polishing and cleanable hard coatings (BioSHIP)"
Authors: Soyla Kraus, Elena Perabo, Bernd Daehne, Dr. Nina Winkler, Dr. Philip Kensbock, Dr. Dorothea Stübing, Tim Heusinger von Waldegge

Poster: "The Blue Angel Ecolabel DE UZ 221: Sustainable antifouling solutions for maritime and inland shipping"
Authors: Bernd Daehne, Stefan Gartiser, Soyla Kraus, Sascha Setzer

Poster: "In situ cleaning and disinfection process for aquaculture systems using underwater laser radiation"
Authors: Jan Leschke, Benjamin Emde, Johann Torno, Hendrik Wilke, Bernd Daehne, Lukas Kuhn, Soyla Kraus, David Maerkl-Bilger, and Alexander Rose

Poster: "Field tests and Machine Learning for adaptive cleaning with an autonomous robot (LABROID)"
Authors: Dr.-Ing. Florian Gerland, Thomas Schomberg, Dr. Christian Gruhl, Jens Decke, Bernd Daehne, Soyla Kraus, Adrian Beckmann

Dr. Brill + Partner Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion is therefore represented at ICMCF 2026 and will be contributing to the program. Please feel free to use your visit to ICMCF 2026 as an opportunity to meet with our institute - we would be delighted to see you! Venue: Henry Ford Building, Freie Universität Berlin. All further information on ICMCF 2026, including registration, can be found here: www.icmcf2026.com

ICMCF 2026 - the 21st International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling (ICMCF) - will take place this summer from 26-31 July 2026, in Berlin. Since its inaugural edition in France in 1964, the ICMCF has established itself as the leading international forum for scientific exchange on fouling and corrosion in the maritime sector. Over the decades, the congress has traveled the globe, bringing together researchers and experts from academia and industry. This unique mix fosters fruitful dialogue, strengthens collaboration, and supports the development of long-term professional relationships. True to this tradition, the upcoming ICMCF offers a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary program that presents the latest findings on biofouling and corrosion as well as innovative approaches to their prevention. The conference is organized by Fraunhofer IFAM, one of Europe’s leading research institutions in the field of applied materials science and surface technology.

The Hydrotox Labor für Ökotoxikologie und Gewässerschutz GmbH team was represented with a booth at the annual meeting of SETAC Europe (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, from May 17-21, 2026, together with colleagues from Dr. Brill Regulatory GmbH. Among the more than 2,500 participants from more than 60 countries, we were able to meet many of our long-standing customers and colleagues, but also make many new contacts.

The scientific program was again very comprehensive with several thousand posters and up to ten parallel sessions and included topics such as persistence assessment, animal-free replacement methods, endocrine effects and regulatory issues, which were particularly interesting for us.

Elena Perabo gave a presentation on our project on the sponge city, which is about to be completed, entitled "Sustainable green roofs for the implementation of the sponge city: Determination of ecotoxicologically safe construction products for green roofs", which met with great interest. Andrea Brunswik-Titze, together with Ulrich Jöhncke and colleagues from the Federal Environment Agency, presented a poster with the titel "Round Robin Test: consolidation of OECD ready biodegradability tests", which was also presented in a Poster Corner. It illustrated the actual status of our project to organize that round robin test. Furthermore, Andrea Brunswik-Titze, Jessica Bühler and Marie Canon presented a poster on methodological approaches in the testing of the biodegradability of polymers entitled "Biodegradability of polymers in aquatic test systems: ISO 14852 - feasibility study for different concentrations of test item and inoculum". In a third poster, first results of the project on the assessment of endocrine effects induced by construction products were presented with the title "Assessment of endocrine effects of construction products in the environment" by Elena Perabo and Martina Springmann together with Peter Behnisch from BioDetection Systems in Amsterdam. And in a fourth poster, Heike Schimmelpfennig, Andrea Brunswik-Titze, and Elena Perabo presented a comparison of exposure models used to simulate the entry of substances into various environmental compartments within the risk assessments under the legal frameworks of biocides, plant protection products, and chemicals under REACH, titled "Comparison of exposure modelling tools used in different regulatory areas."

We are very happy about the successful participation in this conference and look forward to next year, when the conference will take place in Geneva.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the topics presented in Maastricht or about the other services offered by our institutes, we would be happy to assist you! Contact: HERE

The SETAC Europe Annual Meeting is an annual conference of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe that brings together scientists, policy makers and industry representatives to discuss current issues in the fields of environmental toxicology, ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry.

Main features of the conference:

• Topics: Environmental risk research, life cycle assessment, regulatory developments and scientific policy advice
• Formats: Scientific sessions, plenary lectures, training sessions and networking events
• Participants: 2,000-2,500 experts from over 60 countries

The conference serves as a platform for the exchange of new findings and promotes cooperation between research, industry and authorities.

Link: SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting

On 1-2 October 2026, Norderney will once again become the gathering place for the antifouling community: That is when the third Antifouling Conference will take place there, an important industry gathering organized by the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland, MCN) in collaboration with the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie, BSH), the German Sailing Association (Deutscher Motoryachtverband, DSV), and the German Motor Yacht Association (Deutscher Motoryachtverband, DMYV). The event will focus on innovative, environmentally friendly strategies to prevent fouling on ship hulls or other underwater structures.

A special highlight is the field trip to the Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion at Dr. Brill + Partner, which is hosting an exclusive visit to Norderney. On site, participants will gain insights into test facilities, laboratories, and ongoing research conducted under real-world conditions in a maritime environment.

The conference is complemented by a diverse program of presentations featuring contributions from renowned experts from academia, industry, and associations. It also offers numerous opportunities for in-depth discussion and networking. This year’s venue is located directly at the head of the pier, offering the best views of the Wadden Sea and the harbor entrance. At the end of the first day, an evening cruise on the Frisia XI and a barbecue at Dr. Brill + Partner provide the perfect setting for successful networking.

The event is free of charge, but space is limited. We therefore encourage you to mark your calendars now. Registration is now open here:

>>> REGISTRATION <<<

Important note: Securing hotel rooms for one or two nights is proving to be a significant challenge, so we recommend that you book your accommodations as soon as possible. As of early June, the Jugendherberge Dünensender (Dünensender Youth Hostel) still has a limited number of rooms available for the period from 30 September to 3 October 2026. However, the minimum stay is 2 nights.

You can find our recap of the 2025 Antifouling Conference in Norderney, including the Biofouling Excursion, here: LINK

For the economic development agency Hamburg Invest, Dr. Florian H. H. Brill is the "Innovator of the Month". We are, of course, delighted to receive this award! Read more about it in Hamburg Invest's LinkedIn post - here: LINK.

Hamburg Invest is the one-stop agency for relocation and investment in Hamburg as well as the main partner of Hamburg’s business sector on all topics relating to business development. On their international LinkedIn profile, Hamburg Invest highlights innovation topics in industry clusters, demonstrates the future attractiveness of Hamburg as a business location, and seeks active exchange with decision-makers and experts from all over the world. In addition, Hamburg Invest presents exciting companies and innovation projects from Hamburg and acts as an interface to local institutions and associations.

Im letzten Jahr fand das Hamburger Hygiene Symposium am UKE im Rahmen des Innovationsnetzwerks HIHeal (Hygiene, Infection & Health) next level zum ersten Mal statt. Nach diesem sehr erfolgreichen Auftakt mit ~120 Teilnehmenden findet nun am 8. September 2026 das 2. Hamburger Hygiene Symposium statt - erneut unter dem Motto "Was die Hygiene-Welt bewegt". Eine Anmeldung ist schon jetzt möglich!

Viele hochkarätige Beiträge, u.a. von Asklepios, dem Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin, der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, dem LADR und dem UKE konnten bereits bestätigt werden.
 
Inhaltliche Highlights:

• Aktuelle wissenschaftlichen Studien und Praxisbeispiele
• Eine Podiumsdiskussion zur automatisierten Surveillance
• Thementische mit dem Motto Schulungsmaßnahmen in der Hygiene
• Networking mit Catering und Getränken

Über folgenden Link können Sie sich kostenfrei für die Veranstaltung anmelden:
 
>> Anmeldung <<

2. Hamburger Hygiene Symposium
Wann: Dienstag, den 08. September 2026
Uhrzeit: 09:00 – ca. 18:30 Uhr 
Wo: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Hörsaal Anatomie (Gebäude N61)

Hamburg intends to bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This bid goes far beyond sports. It is a strategic project for the future of the city of Hamburg and its development in the coming decades.

After thoroughly reviewing the concept, we consider the bid to be modern, responsible, and focused on opportunities. That is why, as a company, we expressly support the chosen path.

Hamburg is moving forward with its bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a concept that deliberately focuses on sustainability, practicality for everyday life, and genuine added value for the population.

Under the motto “An Opportunity for Everyone,” the city combines major sporting events with long-term urban development. The foundation is the Active City Strategy, which focuses on physical activity, health, and participation and aims to sustainably improve the quality of life in Hamburg.

Particularly noteworthy: The concept emphasizes short distances and a compact organizational structure. Around 85% of the sports venues are located within a radius of just seven kilometers. Many athletes can reach their competition venues quickly and efficiently. This creates “Games of Short Distances,” setting new standards both ecologically and organizationally.

Hamburg is also taking a clear approach to infrastructure. Most of the sports venues already exist or will be built temporarily and reused later. New facilities are being planned to provide long-term benefits for schools, clubs, and the wider community.

The concept views the entire city as a stage. Competitions will take place right in the heart of the urban landscape, ranging from existing arenas to innovative formats such as temporary sports areas in public spaces. The goal is an open, accessible sports festival that integrates people’s everyday lives.

Another focus is on social impacts. The Games are intended not only to be an event but also to provide impetus for:

• greater accessibility
• better mobility and infrastructure
• stronger participation in sports, especially for children and young people

At the same time, the process is designed to be transparent. Citizens have been able to contribute their perspectives through numerous participatory formats. On May 31, 2026, they will ultimately decide on an official bid via a referendum.

For businesses, this project opens up a wide range of opportunities, from economic dynamism and innovation potential to international positioning. At the same time, the goal remains clear: the Games are not meant to be just an event, but a sustainable project for the future of the entire city.

All information regarding Hamburg’s bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the upcoming referendum can be found on the official website: https://www.hamburg-activecity.de/olympia

"Clinical study on the influence of regular use of alcohol-based hand rubs on the skin microbiome" is the title of the poster that Dr. Florian H. H. Brill will present at ESCMID Global 2026 - the Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. ESCMID Global is the largest international gathering of clinical microbiologists and infectious disease specialists and will take place this year from April 17-21, 2026, in Munich. The full program and further information about the congress can be found HERE.

As always, Dr. Brill will be available for personal discussions at the event in Munich. If you would like to arrange an appointment in advance, simply send an email to info@brillhygiene.com. We look forward to getting to know you or seeing you again there!

• Session type: Poster session
• Poster number : P3852
• Poster title: Clinical study on the influence of regular use of alcohol-based hand rubs on the skin microbiome
• Authors: FHH Brill, M Alawi, JH Klock, D Prasse, L Passvogel
• Session title: 08h. Disinfection & sterilisation (incl medical device reprocessing)
• Session date: 21 April 2026
• Session time and location : 12:00 - 13:30 in the Poster Hall B3
• Link to this program item: HERE
• Abstract: HERE

Look forward to the first edition of the 2026 Online Update on Hygiene and Infection Prevention, focusing on AI and digital tools (in hygiene). As part of the HIHeal (Hygiene, Infection & Health) next level innovation network, this event is jointly organized by Life Science Nord, the Hospital Hygiene Department at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the DR. BRILL INSTITUTE.

Topic of this edition: AI and digital tools (in hygiene). You can look forward to two conventional presentations and a live demo of an AI assistant.

Presentations (in German) and speakers:

• Einsatz digitaler Tools im Hygienemanagement - Bettenaufbereitung und OP-Instrumente
  (The Use of Digital Tools in Hygiene Management – Bed Preparation and Surgical Instruments)
  Tobias Gebhardt / Hypros GmbH
• Corona-Pandemie, Hawthorne-Effekt und Gruppenverhalten – welche Einblicke in das Händehygiene-Verhalten erlaubt elektronisches Monitoring?
  (The COVID-19 Pandemic, the Hawthorne Effect, and Group Behavior – What Insights Does Electronic Monitoring Provide into Hand Hygiene Behavior?)
  Dr. Heide Niesalla / BODE Chemie GmbH
• Live-Demo des Biomed_Advisor – Der KI-Assistent für Spitzenforschung
  (Live demo of Biomed_Advisor – The AI assistant for cutting-edge research)
  Katrin Böhler und Michael Haag / GRAU DATA GmbH

We cordially invite you to this event and look forward to your participation and the opportunity to exchange ideas with you and our experts. The event will take place on Zoom. You will automatically receive the link to the meeting via email along with your registration confirmation. You can find all further information and the registration form HERE.

The revised Guideline on the Environmental Risk Assessment of Medicinal Products for Human Use (EMEA/CHMP/SWP/4447/00 Rev. 1 – Corr.) came into force in September 2024. For pharmaceutical companies, it introduces additional requirements for Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA). We can support you in meeting these expectations – efficiently, scientifically robust, and fully aligned with the latest regulatory standards.
 
Our Services for Pharmaceutical Companies

• Systematic literature review in accordance with the current ERA guideline
• Gap analysis: identification of missing studies and data gaps
• Evaluation and conduct of Phase I/II ERAs
• Support in responding to authority queries

Why choose Dr. Brill Regulatory Services?
With more than 20 years of experience in environmental risk assessment, Heike Schimmelpfennig brings extensive expertise from industry, regulatory authorities, and international regulatory frameworks – including over 10 years at ECHA and collaborations with EMA. You will benefit from a unique combination of regulatory know how, scientific expertise, and hands on dossier experience.
 
Want to Ensure Full ERA Compliance? We support you from initial screening to developing complete assessment documents – compliant, efficient, and strategically sound.
 
Contact us for a non binding consultation - here: Contact.
 
Dr. Brill Regulatory Services – Your Partner for Regulatory Excellence in the Pharmaceutical Sector

A research article titled "Testing the biodegradability of difficult compounds: a future challenge for OECD/ISO standardization" has been published in the journal "Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology", Volume 110, article number 122, (2026). Among the authors is Stefan Gartiser, Senior Scientist at Hydrotox Labor für Ökotoxikologie und Gewässerschutz GmbH. A PDF version of the publication is available for download on the Hydrotox website - HERE PDF - as well as online HERE (Springer Nature Link).

"Experimental approaches to data generation for REACH compliance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes: environmental fate" is the title of the publication that appeared in the journal "Environmental Science: Nano", Issue 3/2026. Stefan Gartiser, Senior Scientist at Hydrotox Labor für Ökotoxikologie und Gewässerschutz GmbH, is one of the contributing authors. A PDF download of the publication is available on the Hydrotox website - HERE PDF - as well as online HERE (HTML).