Welcome

We have been honored to oversee the organization of IEEE VIS 2021. This marked the first year in which the SciVis, InfoVis, and VAST conferences were merged into a single, unified IEEE VIS. When we began planning for VIS in 2019, we envisioned a great experience for our community, who would be able to enjoy the innovative scientific program provided by a unified VIS, while delighting in the hospitable and lively atmosphere of New Orleans. But even the best laid plans cannot account for all contingencies. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic changed and complicated much in our lives, including the planning for VIS 2021. Moreover, transition to a unified conference was not without its challenges as well. Despite the difficulties, our community showed, once again, its strength and resilience. Our organizing committee created an exciting conference with a rich program full of high-quality research with all challenges being continuously and admirably addressed. As general chairs, our primary responsibility was to watch these wonderful volunteers conduct truly inspiring work under extreme constraints. For this, we are deeply indebted.