Dear Colleagues,

As we approach Christmas and the end of another year of our project, I feel the need to reflect on what we have shared, on what we have achieved together, and on the path that still lies ahead.

Our work in the OnFoods project reminds us every day of the value and responsibility of what we do: promoting food sustainability. This is not just a scientific challenge but a concrete hope for the future. In a world that, as we are well aware, faces pressing environmental, social, and economic emergencies, our commitment to fostering a fairer, more respectful, and resilient food system is a beacon of light for which we are all custodians.

Our research towards a more sustainable, healthy, and safe food system is also a profound act of responsibility towards our planet and its people. Every project, every piece of data collected, and every model developed contributes to a larger mosaic built on awareness and possibilities. With this perspective in mind, I wish to thank you for your talent, dedication, and ability to look beyond the immediate, imagining a future that, though complex, can indeed be better.

Yet, even at the close of this second year, we cannot ignore the broader context in which we operate. We live in a time when, in too many parts of the world, the sound of weapons has replaced dialogue and understanding. Today, peace, which should be the foundation of every society, feels like a distant goal. Against this backdrop, our role as researchers takes on an even deeper meaning. We have the privilege – and the duty – to work towards a
future beyond conflict, contributing our ideas and knowledge to building a fairer world where resources are accessible to all and divisions can be overcome.

Let us never forget: conducting research is a privilege! A privilege that allows us to explore, understand, and propose solutions. Research is an act of trust, an investment in the future, especially at a time when trust itself seems to falter. Through our work, we can offer a different narrative – one of hope, which stands in opposition to cynicism and resignation.

In this spirit, I invite you to celebrate the holidays with gratitude. Gratitude for the well-being we enjoy, so far removed from the reality faced by so many around the world – including many fellow researchers living in war zones. Gratitude for the journey we have undertaken so far, dotted with obstacles that, in hindsight, pale in comparison to the challenges faced by those less fortunate. Gratitude for the opportunities we have and the contributions each of us can make. Let us never underestimate the power of small actions – a word of encouragement, a gesture of support, or a shared idea can make a difference, not just in our laboratories but also in the lives of those around us.

I close with the heartfelt wish that the warmth of this festive season may reach each of you, bringing serenity, joy, and – why not? – a touch of scientific inspiration to make the final year (but will it indeed be the last?) of our project even richer with novelties and unexpected, innovative paths to follow. May the Christmas break bring you rest, and may the new year bring renewed energy, collaboration, and personal and professional successes. My wish for
us all is that we may continue working together to bring our project – and, ambitiously, the world – closer to the ideals of equity and sustainability that guide us.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families.

With immense appreciation and warm regards,

Daniele