The second meeting was held on 13 February 2026 and was chaired by Aikaterini Iliopoulou. The WG2 meeting brought together 72 registered members to review progress across research topics, finalize subgroup structures, clarify publication policies, and discuss upcoming COST funding opportunities. A key focus of the meeting was the finalization of research subgroups. Members were asked to select a single primary subgroup to ensure active engagement and balanced workloads. Ideal subgroup size was recommended as 6–8 contributors plus WG governance members. A centralized participation table will be circulated to confirm final group allocation. Updates on COST funding opportunities were presented, including an increase in Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) grants to five awards. Additionally, a new ITC conference grant and a virtual mobility grant were announced. Several research topics and subgroup leadership roles were confirmed, including work on HAI surveillance definitions, CLABSI definitions, ICU process and structure indicators, CAUTI indicators, environmental sustainability of infection prevention practices, and behavioural factors influencing infection prevention and control.