As the principal investigator and founder of this research group, I genuinely believe that the events of these past years have been extraordinary, to say the least. We've experienced joy, hardship, shared struggles, moments of lost and found motivation, and an unwavering trust in Science—though, at times, Science might have questioned its trust in us! I carry incredible memories of all the scholars who have been part of this journey, and none will be forgotten (or forgiven!).

My gratitude extends to numerous individuals, making it impossible to thank everyone. However, some deserve a special mention: Rossano Schifanella (my lifelong companion with whom it all began), Marco Milanesio (whose brilliant eloquence, vast culture, and superb humor are missed), Luca Aiello (who flipped the meaning of Leonardo Da Vinci's motto “Tristo è quel discepolo che non avanza il suo maestro,” making me the happiest advisor in the world), André Panisson (arguably the most talented programmer and applied scientist I've encountered), Martina Deplano (whose ethical attitude and love for nature have been inspirational), and Marcella Tambuscio (my co-author on our most cited paper to date!). Special mentions also go to Johan Bollen, and Alessandro Flammini, my Indiana University comrades who co-taught “Complex Networks” in Turin, and Leo Ferres, who unknowingly managed an unofficial branch of the ARCS group in Chile! Also, even if the time we spent collaborating with each other was definitely too short, Edoardo Galimberti, Alessandro Basso, Narges Azizfard, Mario Giacobini, Emilio Sulis, and so on and so forth.

I had the privilege of collaborating writing scientific papers with incredible colleagues in my former department: Francesco Bergadano, Cristina Bosco, Federica Cena, Rossano Gaeta, Michele Garetto, Viviana Patti, Matteo Sereno (in meticulous alphabetical order!), just to name a few. Their contributions are a testament to why working at the University of Turin remains one of the most enriching experiences I never anticipated having in my life.

What next? I always expect that the best has to come. So we welcome Anna Sapienza that just joined UPO and our group. Stay tuned for this new beginning!

(credits for the featured image to Mirko Lai!)