Dear PYRN members,

Our network has grown over the past three years from a dozen of members to about 600, bringing around 40 countries around the table. We have gone a long way since November 2005, organizing events, meetings, awards, etc. and for some of us, it is time to move on towards new challenges. The current core group made of Margareta Johansson (Sweden), Oliver Frauenfeld (USA) and myself will progressively be replaced by a group of four dynamic new members, namely Andrey Abramov (Russia), Philip Bonnaventure (Canada), Sonia Hachem (Canada) and Isabelle Roer (Switzerland). You can also look at it here: http://pyrn.ways.org/core-group Towards the end of the year a coordinator will be chosen to oversee PYRN activities.
I am glad to welcome these four new members to the group. A network of young researchers must renew its leadership and explore new paths. It is crucial to promote the involvement of all PYRN members in the decision making, which the new group will do in a great manner.
I would like to thank Margareta Johansson, Oliver Frauenfeld and all national representatives that have committed to the network over the past three years. They have been the cornerstone of the network and allowed us to go beyond our most adventurous expectations.
The new core group will be eager to foster the development of PYRN, to ensure its activities are run in the most efficient way and will make sure you are be able to get involved in the events already planned for the rest of 2008 and 2009.
Welcome to the new core group and best wishes.

Permafrostly yours,

Hugues Lantuit