With regard to the escalation of the coronavirus pandemic and the drastic measures taken in France and many other European and non-European countries, we are sorry to announce the cancellation of the 2020 HFSP Awardees Meeting in Leuven, Belgium, 5 to 8 July.
It seems unlikely that the current circumstances worldwide will be resolved by early July and we do not want you to commit to international travel in this critical period. Furthermore, it seems likely that the strict limitations in border crossing may still be in place, including in Belgium and the EU/Schengen countries. In addition, even when trying to return home, you may still be subject to 14 days of self-quarantine.
We very much regret this and realize that our decision may disappoint our awardees. However, as organizers of an international gathering we think that these are not the times to invite scientists to a face-to-face meeting.
All current awardees will be reinvited to the 2021 meeting, including those whose funding will end beforehand. In this way awardees who had planned Leuven as their last HFSP meeting will be able to join us for the next meeting.
Eligible awardees will be kept informed of plans for the next HFSP Awardees Meeting.