This issue of JES aims to support the involvement of non-academics in the world of research in three main ways: to provide support for Action Research in the form of an extended 'Research guidance' article from Deb McGregor; the creation of a new 'Practitioner perspective' article category, with articles on careers education and outdoor learning; and an invitation to join the JES Editorial Board. We also include 3 original research articles: one on monitoring air pollution; one on the nature of creativity in Arts and science; and the third on the ongoing impact of school closures caused by the pandemic on primary science education.