I am deeply honoured by the trust the community has placed in me to serve as the new Chair of ICUIL. Let me begin by expressing my gratitude. On behalf of our community, I extend sincere appreciation to Dino Jaroszynski for his outstanding leadership as Chair and to Chang-Hee Nam for his dedicated service as Co-Chair. Their commitment has kept ICUIL vibrant, collegial, and impactful. I will rely on the knowledge and experience of our returning Board - co-Chair Sylvie Jacquemot, Secretary Jake Bromage and Treasurer Vincent Bagnoud, and of course, of all members of the ICUIL community.

ICUIL’s strength has always been its people - scientists, engineers, students, and partners across facilities and industry - working together across borders. Building on that spirit, we will continue our core work: promoting and connecting ICUIL facilities; extending our reach in the Global South; advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); training talent; engaging industry; and supporting successful ICUIL conferences. ICUIL is also entering a new stage: in consultation with IUPAP leadership, we will pursue a transition from a Working Group to a more permanent arrangement that secures long-term stability, recognition, and service to our community.

I look forward to working closely with the Board, the General Assembly, and all members of the ICUIL community. Your ideas and participation will shape our next chapter. Together we will advance ultrahigh-intensity laser science, support the facilities and people who make it possible, and keep ICUIL an impactful, open, inclusive, and collaborative home for our field.

Tsuneyuki Ozaki