INSciTS is excited to feature Gaetano Lotrecchiano as the 2025 Program Chair! Below, Lotrecchiano talks about what INSciTS means to him, what he is looking forward to about next year's conference and more!

What does INSciTS and being a part of the organization mean to you?
I’ve been involved in leadership training and Team Science for over 25 years now way before a society for Team Science was ever conceived. The foundations of the Science-of-Team-Science was formed out of a close-knit community of colleagues each with different sets of skills and contributions to form the inter-discipline we know today as The Science of Team Science. Our society is an extension of that community spirit that is boundless and allows practitioners, scholars, industry representatives, leaders in commerce, and policymakers to interface to solve wicked problems. As a founding member and past president of the society, I am glad that the society is the place where different sectors and disciplinary contributors can find a home to explore how teaming is critical to solving the global problems we are faced with today. 

Why do you think membership in INSciTS is valuable?
INSciTS membership allows one to interface with others who have similar goals for teaming, no matter if they are separated by academia, federal interests, or as practicians. In addition, I am acutely aware that many members are charged with team science efforts in an institution but may lack other colleagues with similar training or opportunities to grow in their institution. No team science professional needs to feel isolated.  INSciTS members always have a colleague that they can depend on no matter if they in their region, across and country, or the world. 

What do you enjoy most about being the lead on planning for next year's SciTS Conference/working with the committee on the next conference?
One of the most important and exciting aspects of leading with others the 2025 Conference is that we will be able to enjoy our time together in person and in a state-of-the-art facility. In many ways, attendees should expect a Paris 2024 experience with hoteling, conference activities, and leisure time occurring in the Silver Spring area of Maryland. The FDA central campus, Children’s Research and Innovation Center, and vibrant downtown Silver Spring with its global cuisine will make for a conference within a conference feel. Planning the conference with our colleagues at the Food and Drug Administration is yet one more way INSciTS can focus on the role of teaming in an ever-changing environment. Regulatory affairs and drug development are emerging and complex areas where INSciTS can grow in its impact.

What are you most looking forward to about next year's SciTS Conference?
I am most forward to seeing my colleagues again, playing games, enjoying the network, and even having some outings that, as we all know, strengthen, and bind communities. As a community of team science professionals, we need to lead by example and value what some teams forget to value: community, trust, and FUN! In addition, as we were able to celebrate the last 15 years of the conference in the summer of 2024, I look forward to working with our planning committee to look ahead to the next 15 years of the conference, identifying new territory and tackling new issues and topics not yet realized I our communities’ efforts to date. 

Anything else about yourself, or anything else that you would like to add?