During our last meeting I presented a vision of a European Network of Forensic Biology, which would cover the analysis of non-human biological evidence. I am quite sure that EAFE has the expertise and alliances to start, promote and establish such a network. This should not lead to the termination of EAFE but, instead, improve the acceptance of forensic entomology as an important part of forensic biology, especially in academic institutions. Last, but not least, it might open up new possibilities for grants and funding as well. Let’s vitalise this vision, maybe through e-mail discussions in the run-up to the next meeting in 2009, which will be held in Uppsala, Sweden. We will have elections at that meeting, not just for the new associate representative mentioned above, but also because some terms of office of present Board members will end then. We will inform you in good time about the specific positions and also ask for proposals for new candidates.

                How often should we meet? It is always a popular topic to question the need for annual EAFE-meetings. It is my personal belief that one major prerequisite for being a living and active association is a yearly meeting, which not only offers the opportunity for presenting and discussing scientific results, but also ensures the development of a community with a familiar atmosphere. This might be essential for generating an atmosphere of trust, which will support future challenges of the EAFE, like establishing a system of interlab-tests and promoting the process of quality assurance. Moreover, I specifically ask for and encourage international cooperation between the members of our association. Our annual meetings are a perfect opportunity for starting such interactions which would improve the quality of forensic entomology.

                I would like to finish this letter with a very special THANK YOU to Alejandra Perotti and Smaro Sotiraki. It was a pleasure to organise EAFE 2008 on Crete together with them - their dedication during the last 12 months was absolutely fundamental for this fantastic meeting at the Orthodox Academy!

Efcharisto!