Dear ALERT community,

In June 2021, I assumed the role of scientific secretary from François Bertrand. After more than three years in the role and 538+ announcements posted (which is an all-time record, by the way), it is now time for me to retire from this function.

It was a privilege to organise our annual meeting for four consecutive years, despite the occasional challenges. These meetings provided the opportunity to connect with many of you. I am also pleased to see an increase in the number of participants attending both the workshop and doctoral school since I started.

I would like to thank Frédéric Collin, our previous director, for giving me the opportunity to manage both the website and many other aspects of ALERT Geomaterials. It has been a thrilling experience that I was lucky enough to share with you.

I am now handing this position to David Riley, from EC-Nantes, who I am sure will do this job with commitment.

Thank you everyone, and see you next year in Aussois,

Arthur Fanara.