Incoming IFRF Director Tomasz Klajny launches the first issue of 2014 with a greeting and welcome.  Tomasz will contribute a monthly comment in MNM with a general update on IFRF activities in Livorno.

Hello!!
With my new mandate at IFRF also begins a new three year administrative cycle for the IFRF Executive Committee.  Thus to my own warm greeting, I add a hello on behalf of incoming IFRF President Hartmut Spliethoff of Technische Universität München…and another hello from previous IFRF Director Leo Tognotti who has taken up his responsibilities as IFRF Superintendent of Research.

At the same time, I say thank you but not goodbye to their predecessors, former IFRF President Jacques Dugué of TOTAL and former Superintendent of Research Neil Fricker.  That both of these gentlemen will continue to contribute their expertise to the Foundation is fortunate for our Membership group and also for me as the new Director.  May I say that I am very enthusiastic about the challenges that lie ahead for me and honoured to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of such capable and inspiring leaders – and in the company of the Executive and Joint Committee members who have already made me feel so welcome!  

In the coming weeks, IFRF Members can expect to see the publication of one or two new technical reports linked to the EU co-funded BRISK and RELCOM projects.  There will also be a great deal of communication about upcoming technical meetings.  We will be organising no less than three TOTeMs this year, in Sweden, in Poland, and at IJmuiden, and are kicking off here in Pisa with a combined meeting of the Italian and French National Committees in April. 

These and other projects and commitments will take me away from Livorno in all directions this year and it is my hope that my travels will enable me to meet as many IFRF Members as possible over the next twelve months. 

My primary focus at this point is understanding your needs and requirements.  Please contact me directly if I can be of assistance.  I am here to serve!  Meanwhile, I invite you to keep a close eye on every issue of MNM.  We will continue to feature updates on IFRF Members, both new and existing, news from the National Committees and our regular round up of international combustion news.  My own contribution will alternate with updates from the research area to ensure the highest possible level of awareness regarding all of the activities at Livorno.