Dear DMG Members,

As President of the DMG, it is always a pleasure to see how many people volunteer their time and energy to support our Society. Every single contribution helps to make the DMG what it is. Much like the finely crafted mechanism of a mechanical wristwatch, which consists of many small, precisely manufactured components, the DMG functions only through the combined efforts of many individuals. The many functions of a mechanical watch rely on the interaction of gears, springs, a balance wheel, and bearings designed to minimize friction. One hallmark of a high-quality timepiece is the number of jewels it contains. Particularly hard minerals, such as rubies, reduce friction to a minimum—as those among us working in tribology could explain in far greater detail.

The DMG's mechanism is distinguished by its many valuable "jewels," quietly working in different places to keep our Society running smoothly and with minimal friction. Time and again, new "jewels" step forward, willing to contribute so that the Society's many activities remain visible, vibrant, and effective. Whether in doctoral courses, section meetings, museums, public outreach, the European Journal of Mineralogy (EJM), the YoungMins, international committees, or award commissions, they make our community thrive.

The more I reflect on this, the more grateful I become for the many helping hands behind the scenes. I should really take the time to thank Horst Marschall, Ina Alt, and our outgoing Section Chairs Audrey Bouvier, Esther Schwarzenbach, Daniel Vollprecht, and Uta Helbig, as well as their newly elected successors Claudia Weidenthaler, Michael Fischer, Jörg Elis Hoffmann, Oliver Plümper, Kerstin Hauke, and Susan Schorr. Today, however, I will simply say: thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

I would also like to use this opportunity to express my special gratitude to everyone who does not usually stand in the spotlight but whose dedication keeps the wheels of the DMG turning. To all these remarkable "jewels" of our Society, who have worked quietly and tirelessly for many years to sustain the vibrant life of the DMG: thank you very much for everything you do.

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Happy researching,

Frank Schilling