Dear readers,

As most of you will know, a few months ago Ecsite gave itself a new strategy, a process in which dialogue between the Ecsite Board and the network’s members played a central role. This new strategy is sparking changes to the way we work, allowing us to achieve our mission better. In a nutshell, it takes into account changes in the science engagement field and society at large, for instance addressing global challenges such as the climate and biodiversity crisis; misinformation and trust in science; 21st century skills; inclusion and equity; and health and wellbeing. It takes stock of the increasingly multifaceted and interdisciplinary science we are working with and of the new partnerships this opens up and strives to keep providing frameworks through which professionals in science engagement organisations can share their experiences and inspire each other.

the new Ecsite strategy helps us channel our resources & focus our energy

This new strategy helps us channel our resources to focus our energy. With the Ecsite Conference, Spokes is one of the main avenues to relay and help deliver it. For this reason, the Ecsite Board decided to pause and reflect on the role & form of our ten-year-old magazine and asked the Spokes Editorial Committee to develop, in the coming months, two scenarios for the future of Spokes.

For the past decade we hope that Spokes accompanied you in your work, inspired you and helped you deepen and reflect. It transformed from the initial paper newsletter to a digital monthly digest, and then to a quarterly magazine and monthly newsletter ; and is by many seen as the place to read important topics and the source of discussions and debates, as well as providing with good reads, book reviews, news from our members and countless opportunities.

time to step back & re-invent the role and form of our magazine

It is now time to step back, reflect and re-invent. The Ecsite Board has given the Editorial Committee that most precious of gifts; time. We also have precious feedback received from those of you who completed our survey in 2021 and insights from previous Committee members. We will pause Spokes mag for the coming months, while we will continue to produce Spokes news each month, keeping you connected to news from Ecsite, other members, top tips, project news, good reads and opportunities.

Different scenarios for Spokes will be shaped over the coming period, with input from our readers and those attending this year’s Conference. As Spokes readers, your input is valuable to us. Spokes is a tool for the science engagement network as a whole: rest assured that the next evolution of your beloved magazine will be something you will be proud of and will benefit from.