The "Journal of Biological Education" is firmly established as the authoritative voice in the world of biological education. The journal aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, providing information, ideas and opinion, in addition to critical examinations of advances in biology research and teaching. Through the coverage of policy and curriculum developments, the latest results of research into the teaching, learning and assessment of biology are brought to the forefront. David Slingsby offers his comments in this article and discusses this journal's landmark 75th anniversary year.