The University of Bordeaux hosted the SPRINT Plenary for 2023, with the meeting in the city centre of Bordeaux. The week focused on updates on progress across the work packages and the general strategic direction of the project, with considerable development evident. As always, there was a strong team spirit as we tackled the challenges of creating cutting-edge science in a policy and political environment where tensions and contention are growing.

Despite being at the centre of the heat wave afflicting Western Europe, the project team could complete the project's business and pay attention to our host's principal crop type of vineyard production. On the first evening, the President of the Regional Assembly greeted the SPRINT with a dinner highlighting regional produce and wine, where it was made clear of the scale of vineyard production and the health and environmental consequences for residents and producers. The field trip on Wednesday focused on efforts in the Saint Emilion Appellation to reduce pesticide dependency and the possibilities of organic management and traditional production practices.

We thank our hosts for all the work they put into looking after the team, including tickets for public transport, and their thoughtfulness about the quality of our visit.