Dear Colleagues, 

I am greatly honoured to be the new EWRS president. I will try to be worthy of this nomination by dedicating myself to the Society’s activities during the next two years in which I will be in charge. 

Research in our sector in recent years had seen a progressive loss of interest from operators, public opinion, agrochemical companies, and a progressive decline in the number of researchers in universities and research centres. 

However, weeds have not lost their importance and the need for their management is becoming increasingly urgent, and not only in agriculture, but also in natural environments, as well as in anthropized and archaeological ones.  The need and request for more sustainable agricultural practices, with the further diffusion of organic farming or agroecological systems, as well as the banning of some herbicides, or the lack of new active ingredients, have exacerbated the need for efficient and environmentally friendly systems for weed management.  Climate changes, the increasingly intense movement of goods and people, as well as international events that are modifying trade exchanges, are further changing the global scenario, causing the spread or introduction of new and increasingly invasive plant species. 

On the other hand, technological advances in the field of genetics, plant physiology, modelling, robotics, or chemistry, just to give some examples, are opening up innovative possibilities in weed management, not foreseeable just a few years ago.  And the renewed interest in research in this field is also demonstrated by the numerous calls for research projects, primarily at EU level. 

 Therefore, the EWRS can act as a fulcrum and polarizer for cutting-edge research in our sector.  To do this, our Society is taking action to promote greater participation of members, deeper involvement of young people, a reorganization of thematic working groups, and a turnover of social positions.  In particular, in the near future, we plan to: launch a series of webinars on both specific and informative topics; finance some scholarships for visits abroad to young researchers; increase visibility on the media by more capillary communication; and promote greater participation of members in the society activities.  We have expanded and will continue to modify the number of working groups, introducing cutting-edge topics that are more in step with the times.  It is also necessary to recruit in our Society researchers and scholars who are experts in other disciplines, who can give innovative contributions and integrate with our research topics.  Increase the number of members is indeed another priority of the Society.  Furthermore, considering the EWRS revenues, we will also try to optimize the management costs of the Society.  

I am sure that all the EWRS staff will put their utmost commitment and enthusiasm, as they have always done, to achieve these ambitious goals. 

 The Journal ‘Weed Research’ deserves a separate discussion. Indeed, it is not only the official Journal of the Society, but it is also the major economic income for the same.  In recent years, due to the widespread diffusion of so-called ‘predatory Journals’, but also due to some internal management problems, the Journal has lost its attractiveness, especially for members of Society.  It takes an effort from all members (and it is a personal invitation that I address to all of you), to try to publish as much and best as possible in our journal, and to make yourself available as qualified referees, or even as subject editors.  We must all together maintain high the quality and reputation of the Journal, because the society cannot survive without a good Journal. 

It is with this ‘load’ of commitments and optimism for the future that I send you, your loved ones and EWRS my best wishes for the new year. 

Yours sincerely,

Maurizio Vurro

4th January 2024