To all eScience 2020 contributors,

We regret to inform you that because of the evolving COVID situation, we have decided that it is no longer tenable to run eScience 2020 this September. We have considered a number of possible implementations, but even if the world situation has improved dramatically by then, it is now clear that we will not attract sufficient papers to run a viable event. Accordingly, we have stopped accepting paper submissions for eScience 2020.

It was a very hard decision to make. We understand many people have been making great efforts to make eScience 2020 successful and fruitful. However, the situation is still developing, and the future is quite unclear. Safety of participants and their families is our primary concern as well as delivering a successful event.

From all aspects, we have carefully sought other options including a virtual conference and proceedings only. We concluded that skipping this year’s event is the only that minimizes disadvantages for all stakeholders, including authors, presenters, attendees, sponsors and supporting personnel and organizations. We value face-to-face discussions and offline networking opportunities. We concluded that holding eScience 2020 without such opportunities will not worth conducting at the cost of efforts all stakeholders going to make.

In skipping this year’s event, we are sure that the next eScience conference will he held when the current situation is resolved, and open travel is again possible (most universities have banned all travel, and isn’t clear when this restriction will be lifted). We sincerely look forward to seeing all of you there. Future plans will be announced as soon as it is ready.

 Susumu Date and Shinji Shimojo – eScience 2020 General Co-Chairs
 Steering Committee Members