Dear colleagues, friends and members of the global leather science community, It is an honour—and I admit, a little daunting—to take on the role of President of the IULTCS. This Union represents a remarkable breadth of talent, experience, and perspectives from around the world. To be entrusted with guiding it for the coming term is a responsibility I take seriously.
The IULTCS provides governance for member societies and supporting members. National participation strengthens our global community through education, science, publications, communication, and leather industry promotion. We appreciate your contributions as the new IULTCS administration begins and thank the Executive Committee and Assembly representatives for their ongoing engagement.
Before moving forward, I want to thank our outgoing President, Dr. Joan Carles Castell, for his dedicated leadership and lasting contributions, especially his efforts with ISO and CEN workgroups for leather. His impact will be felt for years.
I would also like to welcome Dr. Giancarlo Levato as our new Vice President and thank him for his early support particularly with regard to the re-engagement with ISO and the CEN workgroups for leather. Leadership is a shared responsibility, and I look forward to collaborating with him.
Thank you to our Secretary, Dr. Luis Zugno, whose organisation, communication through the IULTCS “Newsleather,” coordinating our meetings, managing our connections with other organisations, and ensuring that things happen when and how they should do are vital to the Union’s smooth operation and strong governance.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Chairs of our IULTCS Commissions, including those for Environment, Normalization, Training and Education, Sustainability, Liaison, IUC, and IUP-IUF Test Methods. Their ongoing efforts in developing methods, providing technical guidance, shaping sustainability frameworks, and preparing our external position statements are foundational to our impact on the global leather industry. Thanks to their commitment, the Union continues to be respected, reliable, and progressive.
As I step into this role, I want to be transparent: my perspectives are not always the mainstream ones within our field. I come to this position not because I have all the answers, but because I believe the IULTCS must be a place where we can openly discuss ideas—even uncomfortable ones—with rigour, respect and scientific integrity. Leather science has always advanced through challenge: of assumptions, of methods, and of the status quo. If my contribution is to encourage that spirit of honest inquiry, then I will consider my term a success.
I cannot promise perfection, but I can promise sincerity, effort and a commitment to ensuring that this Union remains a trusted, forward-looking voice for leather science globally.
Thank you for your confidence in me. I look forward to the work ahead.
Geoff Holmes
IULTCS President 2026-2027