The FORGENOM II project proudly co-organised the 7th Central & Eastern European Congress on Free Nucleic Acids (CEECFNA 2026), which took place on 10-11 September 2026 in Bratislava, Slovakia. The congress brought together leading researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and young scientists working in the fields of cell-free nucleic acids, genomics, liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, and translational medicine.

Hosted in Bratislava, the congress continued the CEECFNA tradition of fostering scientific collaboration across Central and Eastern Europe. The two-day scientific programme featured internationally recognised experts from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Oslo University Hospital, and Copenhagen University Hospital, who presented the latest advances in liquid biopsy, fragmentomics, prenatal testing, oncology, and molecular diagnostics.

The scientific programme covered six major thematic areas:

• Biology of Cell-Free Nucleic Acids

• Emerging Topics in Cell-Free DNA Research

• Oncology and Liquid Biopsy Applications

• Disease Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications

• Immunology and Inflammation

• Reproductive and Prenatal Medicine

A particular highlight of the event was the Young Scientist Session, which provided an opportunity for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists to present their research to an international audience. Through oral presentations and poster sessions, young researchers showcased innovative work ranging from cancer liquid biopsy and prenatal diagnostics to extracellular DNA biology and inflammatory diseases.

The congress also created valuable opportunities for networking and future collaborations. Participants engaged in scientific discussions, exchanged knowledge across disciplines, and established new international partnerships that may lead to future research projects and innovations in genomic medicine.

FORGENOM II played a visible role in the organisation of the congress through its support of the event and participation in the organising committee. The project was also acknowledged among the conference partners and sponsors, highlighting its commitment to strengthening research excellence, international cooperation, and development of young scientific talent in Slovakia and beyond. By supporting CEECFNA 2026, FORGENOM II contributed to creating a platform where cutting-edge research can be shared and translated into future clinical applications, ultimately advancing the fields of genomics, precision medicine, and molecular diagnostics across Europe.

For more information about the congress, visit the official CEECFNA 2026 website: https://www.ceecfna2026.sk/.