Letter from the New President of T21RS

Dear Members and Colleagues,

It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I begin my journey as President of the Trisomy 21 Research Society. I am truly honored by the trust you have placed in me, and I embrace this role with enthusiasm, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility toward our shared mission.

Over the past few years, our Society has grown into a dynamic network of researchers, clinicians, and professionals committed to advancing knowledge, promoting collaboration, and improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through science. As I take on this role, I am inspired by the incredible dedication I see every day among our members — researchers, clinicians, educators, and advocates — all working to build a more inclusive and promising future. I also wish to express my warmest thanks to my predecessor, Dr. Marie-Claude Potier, for her inspiring leadership and dedication, which have strengthened our Society and expanded its reach.

As I look to the future, my vision is to build on this strong foundation by fostering inclusivity, encouraging the active participation of young scientists, and promoting open and interdisciplinary dialogue. One of the challenges ahead is to enlarge our community. The greater the number of researchers worldwide who work on Down syndrome, the greater the chances of developing new treatments and raising awareness among stakeholders. Together we will continue to support high-quality research, create new opportunities for learning and collaboration, and advocate for the role of science as a force for progress and understanding.

The challenges before us are complex, but they are matched by the incredible commitment of those who make up our Society. I warmly invite each of you to take an active role in shaping our shared path through your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your commitment to excellence. Our strength lies in our community, and it is through collective effort that we will continue to grow and make a lasting impact. Every contribution brings us closer to a world in which people with Down syndrome can thrive, and in which science continues to illuminate the beauty of human diversity.

Thank you once again for your confidence. I am deeply proud to serve this extraordinary community, and I look forward to working with all of you in the coming years to advance the mission and values of the T21 Research Society.

With warm regards,

Renata Bartesaghi 
Professor Alma Mater, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
President of Trisomy 21 Research Society