On November 6, 2025, the 4th network meeting of the FireFighter Cancer Network took place at the ITA Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University at RWTH Aachen University. The evening before, we got together for dinner at the Ratskeller Aachen, which served as a successful preliminary event and laid the foundation for an open and personal exchange.
The actual networking day was marked by intensive discussions and exciting ideas. After a welcome and an overview of the current status of the network and the working groups by HeiQ RAS AG, Dr. Stephan Koslitz (DGUV) gave a particularly insightful presentation on the cancer risks during firefighting operations. This is a topic that concerns us all and underlines the importance of our work. Afterwards, we were given a guided tour of RWTH Aachen University, where we gained exciting insights into current research projects.
After the lunch break, the focus shifted to discussions in the individual working groups, where specific projects and challenges were explored in greater depth. Another highlight was the presentation by Dr. Jeff Burgess (Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research) on the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, which provided valuable international perspectives. Finally, the next steps for the network were discussed together.

A big thank you to all participants, speakers, and organizers for the lively exchange and inspiring collaboration. Also, many thanks to the ITA for their hospitality. Together, we are committed to the health and safety of firefighters!

Birnthaler Chemisch Technische Produkte, Darmstädter GmbH, Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West, Empa, Norafin Industries (Germany) GmbH, Pyrex Industries GmbH, RWTH Aachen University, SINTEX a.s., Texport Handelsgesellschaft m.b.h., Trans Textile Co.,Limited, Application Lab Weber & Leucht, Werkfeuerwehrverband Bayern
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