Working together in response to COVID-19

Dear FEMS Member Society,

I write as President of FEMS to offer support to you and your members in these exceptional times. Although the consequences of this pandemic are severe and will be with us for a while to come, I am heartened by the swift and united response from the scientific community.

At this time, collaboration and connection are more important than ever, and as a Member of FEMS, I hope that it is helpful to be part of this larger federation of societies across Europe. If there is any way we can work with you and your members, to share knowledge, promote best practice or invite collaborative projects, please do get in touch. We will also consider requests for other support, including financial, if you have been impacted as a consequence of the outbreak.

We also want to recognise those in our communities who are working hard on the frontline to greatly improve our understating of the virus and would welcome nominations of individuals that we could promote and acknowledge in some way.

Like several others, FEMS has subscribed to the Wellcome Trust statements on the novel COVID-19 virus and will make all research in FEMS journals related to the COVID-19 outbreak fully Open Access. This event has the potential to show the value and impact of scientific collaboration in understanding and countering the SARS- CoV2 virus.

These are exceptional times, but I hope this spirit of collaboration will continue long after this current emergency. We look forward to keeping in touch.

Yours faithfully

Prof. Hilary Lappin-Scott President, FEMS