Editorial - All the good things. Farewell message from the former Editor-in-Chief

Little did I know, I would become much more deeply involved than I ever expected. What began as a casual contribution quickly evolved into something much more meaningful. The MCAA Newsletter editorial team turned out to be an incredibly creative and inspiring group. Working alongside them, I not only learned how to operate effectively within a volunteer organisation—an invaluable skill transferable to any professional association—but I also discovered how much perspective and communication matter. Issue by issue, I learned more about clear, effective communication, both through writing and in giving feedback on articles, than I ever had in any formal writing courses during my postdoctoral training. About a year into my work with the Newsletter, I noticed a shift in myself: my academic writing became more natural, flowing with an ease I hadn’t experienced before. I began to see the impact of "soft skills" like writing and communication, which I had previously regarded as secondary to my technical expertise. As a clinical physicist, I had once viewed non-scientific communication as a mere obligation. Now, I had come to understand it as a skill that could shape and enhance my abilities as a professional and a communicator. Around that time, I also felt the creative possibilities open up within the team, especially as we began working on our first special focus issues in 2019 and 2020. At the back of my mind, I had started to dream of leading an editorial team, inspired by how Gian Maria led the MCAA Newsletter team with such skill and dedication. As a long-serving editor-in-chief, he eventually joined the MCAA board in 2022, leaving a strong legacy for those of us who had the privilege of working with him. When the opportunity to step up as editor-in-chief arose in March 2022, it was both thrilling and overwhelming—the timing was anything but ideal. Only a few weeks had passed since the start of the war in Ukraine, my home country, and I was already stretched thin, balancing the end of my medical residency with plans to relocate across the Netherlands for a demanding new role I’d been dreaming of.

Alongside these challenges, I had just begun coordinating the volunteer organisation Science for Ukraine, now an NGO, to support academic refugees, handing over a hundred support requests weekly.

I had also just embarked on an MBA program, initially a source of excitement, but one that had taken a back seat given the stress and unpredictability of the times. However, the MCAA’s strong support for Ukraine and its welcoming, understanding community felt like a safe haven during a vulnerable period. I took a deep breath, let my worries about logistics go for a moment, and in true “Gone with the Wind” spirit, told myself I’d “think about it tomorrow.” And so, I applied. To my surprise and joy, my application was accepted, and two years ago, I stepped into the role Gian Maria had left behind.

Reflecting on these past two years, the first and perhaps most important lesson I’ve learned is the strength of community. The MCAA Newsletter is a collective achievement that relies on a dedicated editorial team whose passion and commitment keep everything moving forward. People may come and go, but my goal has always been that, regardless of their length of time with us, every team member leaves feeling that their contributions mattered. I am deeply grateful to Andrey, Pooja, Namrata, Ana, Sugosh, Pradeep, and Christina. No matter the hurdles, knowing you were part of the team always reassured me that we would make each issue a success, and you consistently exceeded my expectations.

A heartfelt thanks also goes to the authors who contributed to the Newsletter. Writing for an audience of more than 20,000 can feel intimidating, yet we’ve seen our pool of active contributors grow alongside a rising awareness of the importance of science communication. Special issues especially highlighted the creativity of scientists across fields, from STEM to the humanities, and it was rewarding to see such diverse voices resonate within our community. To every past, present, and future author—thank you.

Additionally, I've come to appreciate the impact of a strong support system. From my first day as editor-in-chief, I have been fortunate to work alongside Eliska, whose reliability, organisation, and commitment have been truly invaluable. Despite joining as associate editor with a young family and minimal prior experience, she has become an anchor for the team, asking thought-provoking questions that have only strengthened our work. Now, knowing she will step into the role of editor-in-chief, I am confident the Newsletter is in the best possible hands.

Lastly, I’d like to thank Ruben and Gian Maria. You both embody the spirit of MCAA with your professionalism, dedication to the community, and exceptional communication skills. I know I haven’t always been the easiest to work with, and I’m grateful for your patience and support as we worked together on the vision and direction of the MCAA Newsletter.

So, why leave if I’ve loved it so much? By chance, luck, and a growing confidence in my skills as a communicator and leader—thanks largely to the MCAA—I’ve also progressed more rapidly in my professional career than I would have thought possible. I now lead a team of ten, support a busy clinical department, advance my research, and serve as the youngest board member of the European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics while coordinating a wellestablished NGO. Above all, I am a proud mother to a joyful 1.5-year-old boy. As much as I’ve cherished my time as editor of the MCAA Newsletter, my plate is full, and it’s time to step back and let the team continue to evolve and thrive without me.

Thank you to the entire MCAA Newsletter team and everyone at the MCAA for the inspiration, the opportunities, and the support. This chapter may be ending, but the lessons and friendships will stay with me.

Kind regards,
Sasha
Outgoing Editor-in-Chief of the MCAA Newsletter