October 3, 2025 | This article appears in Volume 61, Issue 3
Thank you for your dedication to our field and to this remarkable society. Each and every one of you is the heart and future of our community.
Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. Our society’s membership and participation have waned, not because of a lack of exciting science, but because the landscape of natural products research and the innovators who drive it have profoundly expanded the scope of our scientific field. Genomics, metabolomics, microbiome science, synthetic biology, and many other disciplines now intersect with our work, continually redefining what it means to be a natural product scientist. The possibilities are greater than ever, but so too is our challenge to remain vibrant, relevant, and united as we move forward.
As your president, I am calling upon all of us to embrace this moment of transformation through bold action. My vision for our society is anchored in three central goals:
1) Deepening our sense of community by broadening the pool of member involvement and innovating how we communicate. Our society thrives on diverse perspectives and energetic engagement. I encourage you, whether you are an established expert or an early-career scientist, to step forward, share your ideas, and connect in new ways. We will open fresh pathways for collaboration, networking, and communication to ensure that our members feel both welcomed and heard.
2) Elevating the value of membership so that being part of the society is not just an affiliation but a source of tangible benefit and inspiration. We will expand our professional development offerings, strengthen mentorship initiatives, and create opportunities that help every member not only succeed but also lead. Our meetings and programs will be reimagined to foster innovation, celebrate member achievements, and spark the collaborations that drive discovery.
3) Reaffirming and evolving our identity as a society. We are scientists united by our passion for natural products and by our shared devotion to truth, curiosity, and scientific rigor. Our identity is not static. As our science evolves, so must we. This means welcoming those working at the frontiers of our discipline, championing inclusivity, and ensuring our name, image, and mission authentically reflect who we are and whom we aspire to welcome as fellow scholars and visionaries.
This journey will require creativity, energy, and commitment of our entire community. In the coming months, I will seek your input, your voices, and your guidance. Your elected leadership is committed to listening, adapting, and growing together with you. 