We are writing to inform the ESRA membership of recent changes in the Society’s leadership and the measures being taken to ensure stability and continuity.
The four Major Officers of ESRA — the President Eleni Moka, Secretary General Luis Valdes, Treasurer Philippe Gautier and President-Elect Sebastian Bloc — have stepped down from their positions. In addition, two members of the Board (Fatma Saricaoglu and Fani Alevrogianni), have also stepped down from their roles.
These changes follow a period of internal review concerning our work environment.
To ensure continuity in the governance and activities of the Society during this period, an interim leadership structure has been established which will be in place until our Annual Meeting in Lisbon and the Annual General Assembly held during the Lisbon meeting.
The interim appointments are as follows:
These decisions have been taken in the interest of orderly governance and operational continuity.
This interim leadership structure will be presented for ratification by the ESRA General Assembly. An Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) is being planned to take place online on 18 May 2026, and further details will be communicated in due course.
During this transition period, the interim leadership team, together with the ESRA Board, Council, ESRA Committees and Working Groups will continue to support the ongoing educational programmes, research initiatives and international collaborations so that all the activities of the Society can move forward smoothly and constructively.
Upholding a professional, supportive, and respectful environment for all our members, collaborators, and staff remains a core value and a constant priority for the Society.
We recognise that periods of transition may raise questions, and we sincerely appreciate the continued trust, professionalism, and engagement of the ESRA community and its partners.
Further updates will be shared as appropriate.
With kind regards,
Marc Van de Velde, Interim President, ESRA Thomas Volk, Interim Past President, ESRA Geert-Jan Van Geffen, Interim Treasurer, ESRA Clara Lobo, Interim Secretary General, ESRA
Eric Albrecht, Andrzej Daszkiewicz, Dan Sebastian Dirzu, Dmytro Dmytriiev, Alan Macfarlane, Axel Sauter, ESRA Board members
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