Hey all,
I've got some personal news to share.
After 8 years with Wikimedia, I have decided to leave the Foundation to take up a new role focused on open science. This has been a difficult decision but an opportunity arose and I am excited to be moving on to an area that’s been so close to my heart for years.
Serving the movement as part of the Research team at WMF has been, and will definitely be, the most important gig in my life. I leave a team of ridiculously talented and fun people that I can’t possibly imagine not spending all of my days with, as well many collaborators and friends in the community who have I worked alongside. I am proud and thankful to have been part of this journey with you all. With my departure, Leila Zia is taking the lead of Research at WMF, and you all couldn't be in better hands.
In March, I’ll be joining CZI Science—a philanthropy based in the Bay Area—to help build their portfolio of open science programs and technology. I'll continue to be an ally on the same fights in my new role.
Other than that, I look forward to returning to full volunteer mode. I started editing English Wikipedia in 2004, working on bloody chapters in the history of London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithfield,_London; hypothetical astronomy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Nine; unsung heroes among women in science https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Potter; and of course natural https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_South_Napa_earthquake, technical https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2016_Dyn_cyberattack and political disasters https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_interference_in_the_2016_United_States_elections. I’ve also developed an embarrassing addiction to Wikidata, and you’ll continue seeing me around hacking those instances of Q16521 https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16521 for a little while.
I hope our paths cross once again in the future.
Best,
Dario