Dear colleagues, 

I have just returned from Athens where the EWRS team (represented by Dr. Maurizio Vurro, EWRS Vice-President and Chairman of our 19th Symposium Programme Committee, Prof. Husrev Mennan, having the responsibility for the preparation of the scientific part of the Symposium, and myself representing the EWRS) had a face to face meeting with the Local Organization Committee to clarify the remaining unfinished items before the Symposium.  

Thanks to your positive mindset and hunger for scientific gathering, we have now 241 accepted abstracts! This signifies promise for a high quality and exciting programme. A lot of credit must be given to the session organizers who dedicated their time to abstract revisions, author communication and session design; I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them. We can anticipate a programme infused with modern organization and new ideas as younger, but already prominent scientists have stepped up to lead. Additionally, all invited speakers have accepted and we look forward to hearing their broader view on different aspects of sustainability in agriculture and food production, and new scientific approaches which can help us to better understand biological processes. 

The meeting with the local organising committee, led by Dr. Demos Chachalis, resulted in the completion of the scientific programme and preparation of our other traditional EWRS events, including workshops, working group meetings, student competition, meeting with EWRS officials, and excursions. We also visited the venue, which provides excellent conditions for an event of our size. The good news remains that current COVID regulations will not restrict the number of participants and therefore there will be no apparent inhibition to our Symposium programme and planned events.  

The local group has promised to open the registration webpage immediately after Easter holidays. It is anticipated that prices in Athens will increase with coming summer season, so do not wait to register and book your hotel in time!  

With Easter approaching, I would like to wish you, and your nearest, sunny days and plenty of rest. We look forward to meeting many of you in Athens! 

Best Regards 

Josef Soukup, EWRS President 

April 13th, 2022