SRNT-E 2025

From September 10 to 12, 2025, the city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, became the center of international dialogue on nicotine and tobacco research as it hosted the 2025 Annual SRNT-E Conference. More than 170 academics, researchers, students, and practitioners from 24 countries, including Germany, Malaysia, and Colombia, gathered under the theme Navigating Inequities in the Evolving Nicotine and Tobacco Landscape.

The event was hosted by the Department of Public Health at Babeș-Bolyai University, under the auspices of the European Chapter of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT-E). The venue for the conference was the elegant Grand Hotel Napoca, a five-star hotel situated on the banks of the Someșul Mic Canal, providing participants with a professional and scenic setting for three days of knowledge exchange and networking.

Professor Oana Blaga, who served as the Local Organizing Committee Chair, welcomed participants warmly and expressed gratitude: “We are deeply thankful to all participants for their enthusiasm and contribution. This conference underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing inequities and challenges within the evolving nicotine and tobacco landscape. It is through such collaboration that meaningful progress is achieved.”

The academic leadership was further strengthened by the dedicated Chairs and Co-Chairs of the Scientific and Local Committees, who ensured the program’s quality and smooth delivery. These included Dr Cristian Meghea as Scientific  Program Chair, along with Prof Irina Stepanov, Prof Daniel Kotz, Prof Leonie Brose,  Prof Lukasz Balwicki,  and Dr Sarah Jackson, who played a vital role in shaping the event.

Programme

At the opening ceremony, welcome addresses were delivered by Irina Danielescu, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Education and Research of Romania, Dr. Sarah Jackson, President of SRNT Europe, and Emilia Botezan, Head of International Affairs for Cluj-Napoca.

The academic programme featured a broad spectrum of presentations and lively Poster Sessions, which allowed early-career and established researchers to showcase their latest findings. The keynote lectures provided inspiring insights from internationally recognized experts. Professor Caitlin Notley from the University of East Anglia addressed “Reducing smoking in pregnancy and postpartum – progress and remaining challenges”. Dr. Deborah Robson from King’s College London presented “Tobacco harm reduction: seeing the unseen”. Professor Maciej L. Goniewicz from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center explored “How basic science research can advance health equity related to nicotine and tobacco use”, while Professor Florin Dumitru Mihălțan from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” gave speech on “The First Tobacco Free Generation by 2030 – Dream or Certainty?”.

The closing ceremony celebrated excellence within the nicotine and tobacco research community. Travel Awards were presented to Amal Khayat, Milou Hendriks, Luz Angela Tórres Lopes, and Angela Wu. Nathan Davies received the Highest Scoring Abstract Prize 2025. The SRNT-E Conference Poster Prize 2025 was awarded to Carmen Lim, while Caitlin Thompson was honored with the Mateusz Zatoński Early Career Poster Prize 2025.

Beyond the lecture halls, the social program offered memorable opportunities to connect. The welcome reception at the Grand Hotel Napoca, set beside the picturesque Someșul Mic Canal, gave participants a chance to mingle over canapés and local drinks while enjoying the charm of Cluj Napoca’s historic setting. The conference dinner at Chios Event Hall, located by the lake in Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park, featured traditional food, drinks, music, and fokloric dancing. The serene lakeside views and lively atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for networking, relaxation, and celebration of shared achievements.

Next Location

The 2025 conference in Cluj-Napoca concluded with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose for the SRNT-E community. Looking ahead, the next Annual SRNT-E Conference will take place in Paris, France. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris offers an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and innovation. From world-class museums and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, to its vibrant academic and scientific community, Paris provides an inspiring backdrop for the next chapter of SRNT-E. Participants can expect an exceptional combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and international collaboration in one of the world’s most celebrated cities.

Acknowledgements

The European Chapter of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT-E) is a network of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers dedicated to promoting the scientific understanding of nicotine and tobacco use. SRNT-E provides a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, with the aim of reducing the health burden of nicotine and tobacco across Europe and beyond.

The Department of Public Health at Babeș-Bolyai University is a leading institution in Romania, dedicated to advancing health through education, research, and community engagement. Its mission is to improve population health by addressing pressing public health issues through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international partnerships.

EasyConferences supported the conference with its Online Registration System, its Abstract Submission Platform,  Conference Coordination Services; and the dedicated Conference Application, which kept attendees updated and connected throughout the event.