TEAR-PRECISION COST Action officially launched with a Kick-off Meeting in Brussels

21 October 2025 marked the official launch of the COST Action CA24112 – TEAR-PRECISION (Implementation of Tear Fluid Biomarkers in Precision Medicine), an international network dedicated to advancing tear fluid research and its clinical applications. The Kick-off Management Committee Meeting took place in Brussels and brought together researchers and clinicians from across Europe and beyond to begin four years of collaboration funded by the COST Association – European Cooperation in Science and Technology.

The opening meeting set the stage for the Action’s scientific and organizational framework. The agenda included a welcome and introductory presentation from the COST Association, the election of leadership positions including the Action Chair, and the establishment of the Management Committee. A highlight of the day was an interactive session designed to foster open discussion, idea exchange, and networking among participants as they began shaping the Action’s Working Groups and initial plans.

TEAR-Precision addresses one of the most pressing challenges in tear research — the lack of standardized methodologies for collection, normalization, storage, and reporting of tear fluid data. These inconsistencies currently limit comparability between studies and hinder the development of clinically applicable tear-based diagnostic tests. By creating consensus-based best practices and recommendations, TEAR-Precision aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical implementation.

The Action will bring together experts in ophthalmology, proteomics, metabolomics, biobanking, and clinical research to harmonize approaches across laboratories and institutions. A strong focus will also be placed on training, knowledge sharing, and public outreach. The consortium will prepare instructional videos, organize training schools, and publish recommendations to ensure that standardized practices are widely adopted within the research community.

TEAR-Precision will act as a sister project to the Tear Research Network, expanding existing collaborations and supporting the development of novel diagnostic tools and technologies. The project will also engage with industry partners, patient organizations, and regulatory authorities to accelerate the translation of tear biomarker research into clinical and public health applications.

The atmosphere at the Brussels meeting was highly enthusiastic, with participants eager to contribute their expertise and ideas. The positive discussions and collaborative spirit demonstrated during the kick-off event have set a strong foundation for the years ahead.

Over the next four years, TEAR-Precision led by Action Chair Dr. Marlies Gijs, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University Eye Clinic Maastricht, will coordinate Working Group activities, host workshops and conferences, and publish regular updates on its outcomes and training opportunities. The network’s collective efforts aim to position Europe at the forefront of tear fluid biomarker research and strengthen its role in the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine.