We bid farewell to the old 2011 year acknowledging with confidence that the international staff of the Institute continues to implement the Seven-Year Plan for the Development of JINR. Today we see how the second year of the JINR Seven-Year Plan is being completed; we see how much has been done at all laboratories of the Institute. The upgrading of the Nuclotron has been practically completed. Certain progress was made in the implementation of the project NICA / MPD. The energy start-up of the modernized IBR-2M reactor was successfully completed. The cyclotron complex is being developed for accelerating heavy ions and exotic nuclei; new achievements were made in the synthesis and research of superheavy elements and awarded with the high State Prizes.

Good news came to the Institute on one of these December days – three JINR scientists were elected Corresponding Members of the Russian Academy of Sciences. I am extending my warmest congratulations on the high opinion of their contribution to the development of science!

Fundamental scientific results obtained by JINR scientists and specialists coupled with the development of the educational programme, the increase of the innovative component in our activities, the development of the international scientific cooperation enable us to successfully complete the year 2011 and enter into the year 2012 with new expectations.

I wish health, every success, happiness and prosperity to you and your close ones, dear colleagues, and all our friends and partners in JINR Member States, and research laboratories around the world!