On Friday, 25 September 2026, the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano) hosted the second Cluster Meeting of the Lombardy Cosmetics Cluster (Cluster Cosmetico Lombardo). Members, prospective members, and stakeholders convened to review key developments from recent months and collaboratively shape the Cluster’s Strategic Roadmap.

A Roadmap Co-Created with the Community

The event built on the momentum generated in July, transitioning into a more operational phase. Findings from the initial scientific coordination among research groups across member universities provide the foundation upon which the Cluster is structuring its Strategic Roadmap. Through this roadmap, Lombardy’s cosmetics sector will establish a shared vision for research and innovation, structured around the Cluster’s three strategic pillars:

• Digitalisation of processes and supply chains

• Circular and traceable value chains

• Awareness of the sector’s industrial and societal value

From Research to Collaborative Projects

A central theme of the meeting was translating ideas into concrete projects. The Cluster outlined progress on collaborative proposals developed in synergy with its members, alongside key regional and European funding opportunities. The overarching message remains clear: the complementarity between industry and academia becomes a decisive competitive advantage when channelled into joint partnerships and shared grant applications.

A European Dimension

Discussions also focused on the Cluster’s positioning across Europe. Through the GO4Cosmetics network—uniting 12 European regions with a strong cosmetics focus and celebrating its fifth anniversary this year—Lombardy projects the voice of its industrial value chain and manufacturing excellence onto key European policy and innovation platforms.

Building the Roadmap Together

The participatory workshop offered members an open floor to lead the dialogue. Participants reviewed ongoing progress, submitted strategic inputs for the roadmap, and tackled critical supply chain challenges, ranging from sustainability to process innovation. These exchanges will directly inform the joint initiatives planned for the coming months.

The meeting concluded with a guided tour of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences laboratories—demonstrating firsthand how academic research closely intersects with the practical needs of the cosmetics industry—followed by a networking lunch among Community members.

To join the Cluster or request further information: hello@cosmeticscluster.it