Dear Colleagues,

As I step into the privilege of serving as the President of our European Weed Research Society (EWRS) after this landmark 50th-anniversary year, I am filled with optimism and a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. Our journey forward is built on the dedication of those before us. I wish to acknowledge the efforts and the contribution of our previous President Maurizio Vurro and all the Board and Scientific Committee members. Together we have confirmed the society's revitalization and our 20th EWRS Symposium in Lleida last summer highlighted the increasing interest in weeds and their management. 

We currently stand at a defining crossroads. The paradigm of weed management is shifting from a reliance on chemical solutions toward a holistic, agroecological, and sustainable approach. The challenges we face - from climate change and biodiversity loss to the critical need for food security, investments, long-term strategies, sustainability and reduced production costs and chemical inputs - are too complex for any single discipline to solve alone. We envision the EWRS as the connective tissue of our discipline - uniting farmers, advisors, industry leaders, and the public to tackle real-world issues head-on. To lead in this new era, we must champion a culture of inclusive innovation and serve as a powerful voice for sustainable weed science across Europe

EWRS has recently completed a round of elections for new Board members. I would like to welcome Husrev Mennan (Vice President), Lynn Tatnell (Scientific Secretary), Zahra Bitarafan and Rebecka Duecker (additional Board members), and to congratulate them on their success. I am looking forward to efficiently working with all of them for the mission of EWRS. I also encourage every member of the EWRS to reach out, share ideas, and stay in dialogue with the Board; your voice is the heartbeat of this society.

Furthermore, we have recently reorganized our ten Working Groups, introducing new Coordinators and Deputies to lead our scientific efforts. As we move through this "transition year" between Symposia, many initiatives, webinar series and meetings are already in motion. I invite you to explore the latest updates on the EWRS Working Groups page: https://ewrs.org/en/info/Working-Groups

Looking ahead, the countdown to our next great gathering has begun! The 21st EWRS Symposium will be held in Uppsala, Sweden, from 29 June to 2 July 2027. Under the leadership of Alexander Menegat, Goran Berkvist and the local committee, the planning is already well underway. Having visited the venue, I can promise you an exceptional setting and a perfect backdrop for networking! 

Weed science is no longer just a technical discipline; it is a pillar of European security and agricultural productivity. With the Green Deal pushing for drastic pesticide reductions and geopolitical unrest threatening global supply chains, our work is more essential than ever. Weed science remains the linchpin for achieving sustainability goals while ensuring the economic resilience of our food systems.

I encourage all members to engage actively in our working groups, contribute high-quality research to Weed Research, and help shape the future of our discipline. By opening our doors wider and embracing collaborative approaches, we can ensure that the EWRS remains the vital, respected voice guiding European agriculture toward a sustainable and prosperous future. What I can promise is that we will further support early-career scientists, diverse perspectives and any initiative fostering inclusivity, bridging research and practice and strengthening our voice.

With best wishes for a peaceful and fruitful year ahead,

Ilias Travlos

travlos@aua.gr

08 January 2026