News Archive

With rich participation of the DR. BRILL INSTITUTES Group, the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting will take place in Vienna from May 11-15, 2025 - under the overall theme “Innovation for Tomorrow: Progress in Safe and Sustainable Concepts.” For our part, Dr. Brill Regulatory Services GmbH and Hydrotox GmbH are both involved, both in terms of personnel and content - and for the first time even with their own exhibition stand!

Our commitment in detail:

Session 6.07: “Environmental Risk Assessment under Biocides and other EU legislations” with presentation by Heike Schimmelpfennig, Dr. Brill Regulatory Services GmbH, on “Comparison of Environmental Exposure Assessment Strategies across Different EU Legislation”
Chair: Andrea Brunswik-Titze, Hydrotox GmbH
Co-chair: Aiga Latsone, ECHA, Heike Schimmelpfennig, Dr. Brill Regulatory Services GmbH

Poster contributions from Hydrotox GmbH:

• Elena Perabo, Dr. Christoph Hafner:
  "Sustainable green roofs for the implementation of the sponge city: Determination of ecotoxicologically safe construction products for green roofs"
• Andrea Brunswik-Titze, Stefan Gartiser:
  "Consolidation of OECD tests for ready biodegradability on the example of OECD 310"

Exhibition booth - Booth No. 3: For the first time, Hydrotox and Dr. Brill Regulatory Services will be represented with a joint booth at the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting.

Our colleagues on site are already looking forward to welcoming a hopefully large number of our customers and, of course, potential new customers to the beautifully styled stand - Booth No. 3. If you would like to make an appointment in advance, please contact us, e.g. by email here: info@brillhygiene.com

One-day free tickets: A small number of SETAC one-day free tickets are still available at Hydrotox, which we will be happy to pass on to you. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Christoph Hafner directly by email at hafner@hydrotox.de.

Use your participation in the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting for a personal meeting with us! The following colleagues will be present in Vienna: From Dr. Brill Regulatory Services Dr. Gunnar Kleist (Director Regulatory Services) and Heike Schimmelpfennig (Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs), as well as from Hydrotox Andrea Brunswik-Titze (Team Leader and Test Leader Biodegradability), Marie Bechstein (Test Leader Biodegradability), Elene Perabo (Test Leader Ecotoxicology, Third Party Research Projects) and Dr. Christoph Hafner (Head of GLP Test Facility, Customer Support).

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 35th Annual Meeting

Dr. Thomas Eberlein, pioneer of wound healing and valued mentor, has passed away at the age of 57. His work shaped generations - both professionally and personally.

Dr. Florian Brill: "For me personally, as for my entire team, Thomas was an extremely pleasant person. I don't know anyone who has been so approachable and always met everyone at eye level. His expertise is beyond question and he was a good friend to me for almost 20 years - it doesn't get any better than that. I'm still shocked and can't believe that we can no longer see and talk to each other. I love you forever, my dear Thomas."

Dr. Thomas Eberlein was 57 years old

Dr. Thomas Eberlein died on 21 March 2025 at the age of 57. As a specialist in dermatology and allergology, he was an important pioneer in the field of wound healing. He studied human medicine at the Technical University of Dresden and then continued to work as a doctor at the Clinic for Dermatology. He specialized early on in the field of tissue repair. He became a qualified dermatologist in 2000 and an allergologist/immunologist a year later.

In addition to his clinical work, Eberlein developed into a committed teacher and mentor. As medical director, he worked for several international training systems and played a key role in shaping the Academy for Certified Wound Management (ZWM) in Zurich. He was an integral part of the academy for over 25 years and taught generations of future wound management professionals. But he was a loyal friend and reliable partner of Gerhard Kammerlander, the Academy's Managing Director, for even longer.

Internationally influential work

His work extended far beyond the German-speaking world: with over 280 specialist articles, co-authorships in medical textbooks and more than 630 lectures - including around 150 at international congresses - he played a decisive role in shaping the scientific discourse on wound healing. He was a consultant, researcher, certified wound management expert and active member of numerous professional societies.

As a speaker, he was a welcome guest at the Interdisciplinary Wound Congress (IWC) in Cologne, where he always shared his expertise on an equal footing. He also repeatedly lent his weighty voice to the Rechtsdepesche für das Gesundheitswesen and contributed witty specialist articles on the subject of skin and wound healing.

Companions and companions describe Eberlein as “one of the most honest” doctors, full of “integrity and warmth”. He died suddenly after a short, serious illness. With his death, the medical world has lost a tireless pioneer whose work has left its mark.

The obituary and the photo are courtesy of Rechtsdepeche Portal für Politik und Recht im Gesundheitswesen. Link: Rechtsdepeche

For us as a testing laboratory, the wishes of our customers are of course always our top priority. Naturally, we want to continuously improve our service for you. To make this particularly successful, we have prepared a very short survey. We would like to know: What are the decisive reasons for customers to order from a service provider?

Link: SURVEY - We greatly appreciate your participation in the survey.

At the free Online Update Hygiene und Infektionsprävention #17 on the topic of “Multiresistente Erreger" (Multi-resistant pathogens) on 8 April 2025, Dr. Florian H. H. Brill will give a lecture in German entitled “Wirksamkeit von Flächendesinfektionsmitteln gegen klinische Isolate Multiresistenter Erreger" (Effectiveness of surface disinfectants against clinical isolates of multi-resistant pathogens). Use the Online Update #17 to find out about important questions on the topic of “Multi-resistant pathogens” and to exchange ideas with experts from clinics, research, politics and industry. You can find all information, including on the two other presentations, as well as for your registration under the following link:
#17 - Multi-resistant pathogens

The Online Update Hygiene und Infektionsprävention is organized as a cooperation event within the framework of HIHeal by Life Science Nord, the Department of Hospital Hygiene of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and DR. BRILL INSTITUTES.

“Effects of Antimicrobial Compounds in a Complex Biofilm Sink Drain Model” is the title of the presentation Prof. Bockmühl will give at BIOFILMS 11. The conference will take place from 13 - 15 May 2025 in Cardiff (UK). Prof. Bockmühl's presentation is part of the session “Preventing Biofilms: Design through knowledge-based approaches” on Day 2, Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 09:00-09:40.

The conference is showcasing the broad scientific and societal opportunities and challenges of microbial biofilms. A key objective is to capitalise on the interdisciplinary nature of this research topic by fostering discussion and catalysing the exchange of ideas across boundaries.

The entire program and all further details, also for your registration, can be found here: BIOFILMS 11

In addition to Prof. Bockmühl, Dr. Britta Brands from the Dr. Brill + Prof. Bockmühl GmbH Institute for Applied Hygiene will also be in Cardiff. You are therefore welcome to use the conference for a personal exchange with our colleagues on site. To arrange an appointment, please contact us by e-mail HERE.

We look forward to seeing you again or getting to know you for the first time in Cardiff!

The e-learning course “Biofouling Management for Recreational Craft” is now available online. The course was created on behalf of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH, Bundesamtes für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrografie) by our Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion on Norderney, in collaboration with Alex Jamil as film producer and Claudia James from HYGIENE COMPASS for making the course available on their online platform. For boat owners, clubs, associations and authorities, it serves as an awareness-raising, preventive measure with regard to the spread of non-native species, as well as to minimize the entry of harmful substances from antifouling coatings and emissions. In five chapters, the causes, development and effects of biofouling, protection against biofouling, alternative anti-fouling systems, cleaning technologies, biofouling management plans, regulations and further information options such as Fouling Atlas and Blue Angel are shown. Each chapter consists of a film followed by a questionnaire. The films last between 5 and 9 minutes, the questionnaires consist of 4 to 12 questions in multiple choice mode. The entire course takes about 45 minutes, but can also be completed in several stages. Participation is free of charge for everyone!

A short-term goal is to train “biofouling experts” in as many marinas as possible, who will inform users or club members about existing regulations and provide support, for example, in the choice of antifouling system (AFS) or the cleaning and maintenance of the AFS.

The long-term goal is to reduce the discharge of pollutants into the waters (inland, North Sea and Baltic Sea), CO₂ emissions and to minimize the introduction and spread of non-native species without negatively affecting the protection of fouling.

Detailed BSH press release in German languange - here: Link
Click here to go directly to the course in German language: E-Learning-Kurs "Biofouling-Management für Sportboote"

A version of the course in English language will follow within the next weeks.

We thank the partners involved:
BMDV-Expertennetzwerk
DSV Deutscher Segler-Verband
DMYV Deutscher Motoryachtverband
HYGIENE COMPASS
SportJobs Bildung und Bewegung

At this year's symposium of the German Society for General and Hospital Hygiene (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeine und Krankenhaus-Hygiene - DGKH) in Essen, our institute will be involved in the following four presentations (in chronological order):

17 May 2025, 08:00-09:30, Room Ruhr
Reinigung, Desinfektion, Sterilisation - Aufbereitung von Medizinprodukten
(Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization - reprocessing of medical devices)

​F. Brill (Hamburg):
Automatisierung der Aufbereitung semikritischer Medizinprodukte und Nachweis der Effizienz der Aufbereitungsverfahren am Beispiel transvaginaler Ultraschallsonden inkl. praktischer Implikationen
(Automation of the reprocessing of semi-critical medical devices and proof of the efficiency of the reprocessing procedures using the example of transvaginal ultrasound probes, including practical implications)

M. Wehrl (Krefeld):
Feldstudie 2: Bestimmung der Reinigungswirkung in Endoskopkanälen mittels Flush-Brush-Flush (FBF)-Verfahren
(Field study 2: Determination of the cleaning effect in endoscope channels using the flush-brush-flush (FBF) method)

17 May 2025, 12:00-13:30, Room Ruhr
Reinigung, Desinfektion, Sterilisation - Reinigung und Desinfektion
(Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization - Cleaning and disinfection)

K. Konrat (Berlin):
Einfluss von Zellkulturmedien und -zusätzen auf die viruzide Wirksamkeit chemischer Desinfektionsmittel
(Influence of cell culture media and additives on the virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants)

D. Paulmann (Bremen):
In-vivo Wirksamkeit von Händedesinfektionsmitteln gegen das Adenovirus in Anlehnung an EN 17430
(In vivo efficacy of hand disinfectants against the adenovirus based on EN 17430)

Regarding Field Study 2, we are a member of the methodology group that conducted this study. Dr. Andreas Kampe represents us there. And the presentation “Influence of cell culture media and additives on the virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants” is a joint project between our institute and the RKI.

We would of course be delighted to welcome you in Essen - and you are also welcome to use the symposium for a personal exchange with our colleagues on site. To arrange an appointment, please contact us e.g. by email HERE.

The entire conference program and all further information for your registration can be found at: https://kongress.krankenhaushygiene.de/

Conference venue:
Messe Essen, Congress Center Ost
Messeplatz 1, 45131 Essen, Germany

Dr. Florian Brill has been appointed to DIN's new SME Council, where he represents the testing and laboratory sector as Vice President of the German Association of Independent Testing Laboratories (VUP). The SME Council is a cross-thematic and cross-industry advisory body that supports the operational management level of DIN with regard to the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in standardization. The aim is to facilitate the participation of SMEs in standardization processes and to ensure that their interests can be represented in an effective and balanced manner, regardless of their sector and size. The SME Council's advisory focus is on
•    Identification of SME interests in standardization
•    Simplifying the standardization process, especially for cross-cutting issues
•    Simplification of standards and the reduction of their partial complexity for application in SMEs
•    Development and review of supporting instruments
•    Raising external awareness of important standardization topics
•    Recruitment and qualification of standardization experts
•    Development of SME training modules
The 25-member advisory board will hold its inaugural meeting on 19 February 2025.

DIN - Medium-sized companies: HERE

Do you have a PT6 product and need an efficacy test in accordance with the ECHA guideline? We are pleased to inform you that we now have this service in our program for you too. IBRG PDG16-001 and IBRG PDG16-007 can be ordered now. IBRG P16-001 will also be available soon, so that you can cover all PT6 applications in tier 1 with tests from us. We look forward to your orders and requests, e.g. by email: HERE.

In recent weeks, we have again been present at various expert groups on standardization.

Dr. Tilman Gehrke has been supporting the development of a test method for testing mortar and concrete formulations for their resistance to biogenic sulphuric acid corrosion, which occurs particularly in wastewater pipes and destroys the corresponding pipes, for over eight years now. The method is based on work carried out in the 1980s at the University of Hamburg by Professor Dr. Wolfgang Sand, Dr. Gehrke's doctoral supervisor, and also by Dr. Florian H. H. Brill. The next meetings of the DIN and CEN working groups took place here. We have been offering this procedure for many years with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT and Dr. Holger Wack, with whom we maintain a very successful cooperation (see here: LINK).

Dr. Florian H. H. Brill chaired the meeting of Strategic Working Group 5 of CEN TC 216 "Disinfectants and Antiseptics". The restructuring of the group is working. We have established various task forces that have started their work, e.g. Airborne disinfection, Biofilms, Ring trials, Resistance. A new task force on harmonization is in the start-up phase and is intended to significantly reduce the complexity in CEN TC 216 and at the same time promote harmonization. To this end, a task force has been set up to optimize reproducibility in the test principle of surface disinfection without mechanics. There was also a meeting of Working Group 1 "human medicine" in CEN TC 216 and the corresponding German mirror committee at DIN: Dr. Florian H. H. Brill also represented us here, and we are heavily involved in the following projects:

• Anna Ulatowski and Dr. Florian H. H. Brill: Revision of EN 14348 based on our paper https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33582203/
• Dr. Dajana Paulmann and Dr. Britta Becker: Development of the standard for the 4-field test in virucidal testing. See our paper https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31346462/
• Dr. Dajana Paulmann and Birte Bischoff: Revision of EN 14476 with the increase of the test temperature to 25 °C for hand hygiene products
• Dr. Florian H. H. Brill and Dr. Britta Becker: Replacement for the poliovirus under pressure from the WHO. We have already published a paper on this topic: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35033614/
• Henrik Gabriel and Anna Ulatowski: Revision of EN 14561/2/3
• Dr. Jan Klock and Anna Ulatowski: Revision of EN 16615, also based on our paper https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37598903/

WG 3 "Food, consumers, industry, institutional sector" and the mirror committee at DIN also had their meetings, in which Dr. Florian H. H. Brill took part. We are involved in the development of the following standards:

• Dr. Britta Becker and Dr. Dajana Paulmann: Development of EN 17914, EN 17915
• Dr. Florian H. H. Brill and Anna Ulatowski: Method for efficacy testing of surface disinfectants with mechanics.

The ISO TC 330 "Antimicrobial Surfaces" also had both the Working Group 2 meeting, where we are involved in the development of a test method for the efficacy evaluation of antiviral hand contact surfaces with a novel "touch transfer method". In 2021, we published an exciting paper on banknotes, coins and credit cards: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34337354/. The first draft standard was discussed here. The plenary meeting also took place in December to discuss the strategic direction. Dr. Florian H. H. Brill represented us at both meetings.

We are also active at ECHA level. Heike Schimmelpfennig represented us for the first time at the various committee meetings of the Biocidal Product Committee (BPC).

Our Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion on Norderney has updated the market transparency study “Biofouling - Solutions against biofouling on ship hulls” (Biofouling - Lösungsansätze gegen Biofouling an Schiffsrümpfen). The Competence Center GreenShipping Niedersachsen, together with the Maritime Cluster Norddeutschland e.V. (MCN) and EurA AG, had compiled this German-language market overview for the first time in 2020. Now, Bernd Daehne (Director of Antifouling Research Station) and his team have updated this overview. It presents players who offer solutions to combat biofouling on ship hulls or who are conducting research in this area. Companies, universities and institutions can thus find suitable cooperation partners for various projects in the field of anti-fouling technologies and techniques more quickly and easily. The aim of the overview is to increase market transparency and to support research and development, thereby driving it forward in a faster and more targeted manner.

The market transparency overview "Nachhaltige Lösungsansätze gegen Biofouling - eine Stakeholderübersicht" (Sustainable solutions against biofouling - a stakeholder overview) is made available for download on the websites of the Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland e.V. and the Competence Center GreenShipping Niedersachsen. LINK

On 28 and 29 November 2024, Dr. Florian H. H. Brill and Alexander Brux welcomed over 100 international guests to the 10th anniversary of the Conference of Applied Hygiene, Microbiology and Virology in Hamburg. The conference was organized for the first time in cooperation with our partner BioGenius, who celebrated their 20th company anniversary at the same time. 

The following highlights stood out in a rich scientific program:

• The panel discussion “25 years of biodical regulation”, which was held for the first time
• The interesting perspective of hospital management on infection prevention from our key note speaker Professor Dr. Ojan Assadian
• The session “Hot topics infection prevention & control” with the talk of Dr. Toni Meister on (re-)emerging viruses
• The wonderful keynote lecture from Professor Dr. Rasmus Leistner on the successful integration of probiotic-based cleaners in a hospital environment
• The traditional Keynote lecture on day 2 from Dr. Florian H. H. Brill on developments in the field of efficacy testing of antimicrobial products
• The two sessions on the hot topics of resistance development through biocides and efficacy testing in biofilms were held in parallel and did not make it easy for participants to decide which session to attend. The presentation on the development and testing of resistance by Professor Dr. Laurent Piorel was just as much a highlight as the presentation of the new COST action “Regulatory Tool Box” (LINK) on biofilm methods by Dr. Paulina Rakowska. 

We received very positive feedback from the participants. They liked the scientific content, but also the opportunity to network, e.g. during the harbor tour on Thursday evening. We are therefore already looking forward to the next, then 11th Conference of Applied Hygiene, Microbiology and Virology, which will take place on 27 and 28 November 2025, again in Hamburg (see "Events": HERE). Please save the date in your calendar now.