We are thrilled to announce the merger of two key organizations supporting early-career researchers in network science: SYNS (Society of Young Network Scientists) and NetPLACE (Networks, PhD Life, and Complexity). Together, we are now NetPlace! This unified organization is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and community among young network scientists worldwide.

Since its founding in 2017, SYNS has been a vital hub for early-career researchers, hosting engaging events and fostering connections through initiatives like “Paper Unwinds” at NetSci conferences and an active Slack community. Meanwhile, NetPLACE, born during the pandemic in 2021, has grown rapidly with its bi-weekly seminar series, online presence, and in-person events at major conferences, such as NetSci in collaboration with SYNS.

This merger combines SYNS’s strong communication channels with NetPLACE’s dynamic organizational capacity, creating a more globally connected and efficient organization. Together, we aim to bridge geographical gaps and extend our reach to underrepresented regions like Asia, South America, and Oceania, starting with upcoming events at NetSciX2025 in India.

Under the banner of NetPlace, we will continue the best traditions of both organizations: organizing seminars, hosting panels and social events at NetSci and NetSciX conferences, while launching new initiatives to support the next generation of network scientists. By uniting our efforts, we streamline support for young researchers, ensuring a single, cohesive platform for networking, learning, and professional growth.

As we embark on this new chapter, we also look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Network Science Society. Together, we can create even greater opportunities for young scholars and shape the future of network science.

Stay tuned for more updates from NetPlace, and join us in celebrating this exciting step forward for our community!