Dear Fellow Neuroendocrinologists and Friends,

Since 2019, the world has been relentlessly lashed by successive waves of the coronavirus pandemic, and no part of our lives, personal or professional, has escaped untouched. In these troubled times, it is both a privilege and a challenge to serve as President of the INF, a task at which I am admirably aided by Sue Moenter as Treasurer and Ai-Min Bao as Secretary. Our goal has effectively been complicated – not only must we continue to advance the interests of, as well as interest in, our chosen discipline, we must do so while overcoming the constraints imposed by pandemic conditions, restrictions on travel and meetings, and evolving work, research and learning practices. These same conditions and practices also provide an unprecedented opportunity: to render the INF fit for purpose in a more active, modern and connected world, and project an image for neuroendocrinology that underlines its importance and pertinence to human health today.

In light of these evolving goals that we have completely revamped the website of the INF, started a Twitter feed that already has 183 followers, and adopted a new logo, one that reflects the growing importance of neuroendocrinology as a handle with which to grasp the workings of the brain as a whole. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly apparent over the past few years that the role of the hypothalamus as an integrator of peripheral signals and regulator of homeostasis is not only key to normal physiological function, but that its dysfunction could underlie major neurological and psychiatric disorders and even pathological aging. In addition, its position at the interface between the brain and the periphery make it particularly vulnerable to peripheral insults such as infections and toxins, with the potential for long-term adverse consequences affecting a wide range of brain and bodily functions that will only become apparent in the months and years to come. Promoting awareness of neuroendocrinology as a central player in predicting and addressing major physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions is therefore essential. This can only come about through increased cooperation among neuroendocrinologists and concerted efforts to communicate with the scientific community and society at large.

With warm wishes for a speedy return to normalcy and groundbreaking science,

Lille, France, August 10, 2021        

Vincent Prévot, Ph.D.,

President of the International Neuroendocrine Federation (INF)