I can't believe that my two years on the Executive Committee are now complete – what a journey from Manchester and Barcelona in 2013, Budapest and Florence in 2014, and finally Dublin in 2015. Apart from travelling many miles, I have had a great experience and have worked with some quite inspirational individuals.

Over the past two years I have been involved with all the aspects of EMWA: the finances, education, PR, website, journal, conference, constitution and head office. Until I became Vice President, I had no idea just how much goes on behind the scenes, or indeed how many volunteers are involved with seamlessly delivering the EMWA institution. I am particularly proud of the new website that was introduced last year and the fruition of the webinar programme. Personally, I have enjoyed working with other professional bodies, and am delighted to see our collaborations increasing. From presenting at SfEP (Society for Editors and Proofreaders), PharmaNetwork Careers fairs, a joint ISMPP, EMWA, AMWA webinar, and the 2nd International Congress on Medical Writing in Ajman. We now have reciprocal agreements to advertise future conferences with ISMPP and DIA and have worked with ISMPP and GAPP to distribute relevant surveys which will help to promote our profession. The Budapest Working Group (BWG) is an expert collaboration, and the EMWA-AMWA all-new CORE Reference is a huge undertaking with an ambitious goal.

I have enjoyed the past two years far more than I had expected, and I encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved to make contact. Finally, I would like to thank Andrea Rossi my predecessor and wish Sam Hamilton every success; I know she is going to be a wonderful president!

Best wishes,

Julia

Thank you Julia and the Executive Committee for making my busy year as Vice President so enjoyable.

EMWA's future will build on a solid 22-year foundation; our modern public face – through a strong social media presence – has paved the way for a lasting global identity. As incoming President, I will guide EMWA to live up to all our expectations, some of which were already realised in Dublin.

Our 3rd Symposium Day nudged educational content beyond the advanced workshop programme, by introducing developing topics. Spurred on, we devised and delivered the inaugural Expert Seminar Series (ESS) to further extend learning opportunities. Six experts presented diverse cutting-edge topics tailored for the more experienced medical writer. We are already working hard to develop the 2017 ESS programme, and we welcome ideas and contacts for the topics that interest you.

Julia's penchant for new collaborations has infiltrated my work too, with the blossoming of the EMWA-AMWA BWG partnership to develop the CORE Reference. Our resource for authoring ICH-compliant clinical study reports aligned with the principles of responsible clinical trial data sharing is under development. Our BWG representative is part of an established industry effort to develop clinical study protocol guidance. These two projects should bear fruit by May 2016. Similar projects are planned, opening doors for experienced members – I encourage you to volunteer.

EMWA is a diverse organisation mindful of all its members' needs. A medical communications-focussed 2017 Symposium Day is planned. Individuals contribute their personal knowledge, so if you have a particular expertise, then please step forward and make the difference.

I hope you'll agree that member experience is continually being enriched. Together, we will professionalise and shape our industry. I look forward to the challenges of the year ahead, and to meeting many more of you in The Hague in November 2015.

Best wishes,

Sam Hamilton