Didier Andrivon is retiring and wish you all the best

Dear EuroBlight colleagues

After some 30 years exchanging about blight and its control within what has become one of the most successful thematic network in the field of plant pathology, it's time for me to step out and move on to other ventures, probably less scientific but nonetheless rewarding and stimulating. 

Little did I know, when I arrived in Lelystad on a gloomy autumn night in 1995 for the first EU.NET.ICP workshop, that I was embarking in such a long lasting and satisfying adventure. The ambition was already high, and went growing with the further concerted actions that finally led to the setup of EuroBlight. There has been a tremendous amount of commitment, knowledge sharing, organisation and communication going on within this network, which has made it what it is today: a reference organisation on how to deal internationally with a massive plant pathology challenge. 

Over the years, I've taken part in many of the developments of EuroBlight, and even fostered some of its initiatives ( not least the production of Statements during each workshop, which I think are  still useful policy tools and enhance the visibility and the credibility of our community, or that of the strategic documents that now ground EuroBlight and its ambitions, activities and achievements). I've met a number of fascinating people, each sharing their own knowledge and confronting it with that of other participants to help figure out what might finally become lasting, low pesticide management of that fiery pathogen Phytophthora infestans. We had many hot debates, many friendly dinners and meals, a few great beers, and nice visits to places I might never have been to unless EuroBlight chose them for one or another workshop. I keep keen memories of those of us that letft along the way, but also of all those who are still active and make this network a unique organisation.

As I end my professional career ( I'm leaving the lab this Friday, July 10th 2026, and will be officially retired on Feb 1st, 2027), it's thus most fitting for me to say both 'thank you' and 'good bye'. 'Thank you' for all the stimulation, scientific buoyancy and friendly atmosphere that make EuroBlight so special. 'Good bye', as I now head to another set of things I'd like to do, away from late blight and plant pathology but close to other persons dear to me. 

I wish you all, and EuroBlight, the best for many years to come, as the challenge is not over yet!

Best 
Didier

From EuroBlight: Didier you are widely regarded as one of the leading "dinosaurs" and foremost experts on Phytophthora infestans, your 30-year academic career has profoundly advanced our understanding of the pathogen's epidemiology, evolutionary biology, and sustainable management. You did your homework! 

We wish you all the best
Alison, Mout, Geert and Jens