Dear members of the EAFE,

I am writing you this letter on my way back from Coimbra, my eyes still filled with the images of Portugal, my mind in ebullition with all the scientific talks I listened to.
First, I find it important to thank you once more for the trust you put in the new board.  In the name of this board, I would like to gratefully thank the organizers for their efforts in making the 10th meeting of the EAFE a real success. 
We had our first board meeting on Friday, during which we exchanged ideas about what we think the future of the EAFE should be.  The results of the recent poll will also help get us going in the directions you voted for. 
I believe the life of a scientist has more meaning when one is engaged rather than sitting on the sidelines.  It is not different with our association.  That is why in the next few weeks and months, you will be asked to participate in various activities.  Participation will be voluntary, but the more participants who join, the more interesting the results will be.  The next AGM in Lille will be the perfect place to present the outcome of these projects and decide -together- for the future.
In the letter of our previous president, he pinpointed the complexity of the moment.  Despite the changes already made, we are still facing […] important times for the association [where] we need to grow and change in a sustainable way but in doing so, not lose those things that attracted people to join the membership of EAFE in the first place. 
A first symbolic action is restoring a bit of prestige to the term “member”.  We have a list of names that has become inaccurate, as some members change paths and leave forensic entomology for new horizons.  From now on, correspondence will be sent yearly asking if you desire to keep your membership status. 
What will come next?  Keep in touch, check your e-mails regularly, and look forward to more involvement within the association.  Your association. 

Luc Bourguignon
April 2013