Dear ELI Members

We are presently facing unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic and are mindful of the havoc it has wreaked across families, communities and businesses globally. ELI wishes to express its sympathy for those of its Members that have been worst hit by the crisis and to offer its solidarity in this hour of uncertainty.

The pandemic has caught everyone off guard and has shaken us all to the core. Several adjustments have and will have to be made by us all but we have every confidence that the ELI community will stand firm together in weathering this unprecedented storm.

The pandemic has had an impact on ELI. Several physical Project Team meetings are now being conducted remotely, with Team members remaining admirably resolute to their commitments to making progress on projects. We are also mindful of the potential implications of this crisis on our planned Annual Conference and Meetings, scheduled for 9–11 September 2020 in Budapest. We  hope that the pandemic will have been brought under control in sufficient time for us to hold the Budapest Conference, but ask for your patience and understanding in the meantime as we continue to re-evaluate its fate in light of the advice of global governments. Needless to say that the safety of our Members and other Conference participants is paramount. We will return to you on the point as soon as the position is clearer.

Many thanks in anticipation and do keep safe.

Christiane Wendehorst, ELI President

Lord John Thomas, ELI 1st Vice-President      

Pascal Pichonnaz, ELI 2nd Vice-President