This issue features highlights of the 2023 ASE Annual Conference. The return to our ‘in person’ ASE Annual Conference was a great success: despite train strikes, over 1500 of you came to Sheffield Hallam University to hear our fantastic speakers, attend workshops, meet exhibitors and network with one another.

We are now busy planning our Futures Conference, coming up in June, a Technicians Conference in July and the next Science on Stage Festival in August 2024 in Turku, Finland – read about how you can apply on page 4.

Recently, the Prime Minister announced that all young people in England should study some form of mathematics to the age of 18, and the new science-specific report from Ofsted has been published. ASE welcomes this much-needed focus on advancing effective science learning and has long advocated for more prominence to be given to maths in the National Curriculum.

Finally, ASE offers special thanks on behalf of everyone to one of our longest standing members and Editor of School Science Review, Geoff Auty. Geoff was Editor for over 17 years and, as you will see from the many tributes on page 10, he was an inspiration, expert guide and supportive mentor for many authors. Thank you, Geoff!