The FEES Council gathered in Naples on 7 October 2025 for a productive and forward-looking meeting, bringing together representatives from across Europe to discuss current projects, future initiatives, and the evolving role of ergonomics in the age of Industry 5.0.
A special thanks goes to Francesco Draicchio for the excellent organization of the meeting and the warm hospitality in Naples. His efforts ensured that the council could work effectively and exchange ideas in an inspiring environment.
European Conference and Project Updates
The meeting opened with confirmation of attendance and adoption of the draft agenda. Updates were shared on upcoming European conferences and projects, including a new initiative supported by Tihomir. The group reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting and discussed preparations for future events.
Ergonomics in Standardization Processes
A central theme was the role of ergonomics in European standardization. Participants underlined the importance of involving more ergonomists in revising machinery standards, building on the achievements of the new Machinery Regulation. A community of practice will be established to coordinate efforts and ensure ergonomics remains visible in technical standards, bridging regulation and workplace application.
FEES – EU-OSHA Collaboration
The council reaffirmed FEES’ role as an official partner in EU-OSHA campaigns, including past work on Digitalization at Work and the upcoming campaign on psychosocial risks. Members agreed on the importance of engaging national focal points and strengthening cooperation with European safety organizations.
Website and Financial Updates
Website updates were discussed, with societies encouraged to send in information for publication. Options for closer integration with national society websites were explored. The financial report showed a healthy situation, with recovery since the COVID period, new budget forecasting methods, and a reserve fund in place.
Education, Training, and Professional Development
The council addressed challenges in ergonomics education and certification, particularly in Italy where programs remain fragmented. Comparisons with other countries highlighted the need for structured training pathways and stronger professional recognition. The importance of promoting ergonomics in universities, industry, and public life was stressed.
International Cooperation and Initiatives
Updates were presented from several national societies, including Portugal, Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Hungary. Activities ranged from postgraduate ergonomics courses and certification protocols to webinars, congress planning, and initiatives for school ergonomics. The council also exchanged views on Industry 5.0, emerging European projects, and the development of presentation materials to showcase the value of ergonomists and human factors specialists.
Looking Ahead
The council also discussed the upcoming IEA conference, future collaborations, and the importance of maintaining unity within the European ergonomics community. Plans for the following day’s seminar were finalized, with a focus on French organizations as a case study for professional cooperation models.
The Naples meeting demonstrated once again the strength of the FEES network, the value of collaboration, and the shared commitment to advancing ergonomics and human factors across Europe.
