Dear friends and colleagues,

As our conference had to be held online, and as I was unable to thank you in person for your support following the elections, I am addressing you in this way.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your trust, which I take very seriously.
I accept the result of your vote with humility and an awareness of my own weaknesses. I am, however, determined to do my best to serve the IATS, so that we may meet in person next time in the renowned spirit of cheerful companionship and enthusiasm for our field of research.

I would like to thank Françoise Robin and Ulrike Roesler for facing difficulties with courage, grace, and determination. They, in turn, were supported by many mostly local people who remained unseen. It is thanks to them that we were able to hold our IATS Seminar, albeit in an unconventional and almost underground format.

The IATS was not deterred by difficult circumstances. Let us hope that it will emerge from them stronger than ever.

With thanks, and with the wish that “May Tibetan studies flourish!”

Daniel Berounsky

newly elected president of the IATS