Congratulations to Journal of Environmental Quality, Natural Sciences Education on 50 years

In 1972, our Societies had, in the words of executive vice president Matthias Stelly, the “determination and foresight” to start two new publications, Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ) and Journal of Agronomic Education (now Natural Sciences Education, NSE). Now, in 2021, we look with pride and see two strong scientific journals, both reaching their milestone 50th volumes. This is an achievement to be celebrated!

With JEQ and NSE, our Societies sought to expand our mission and provide new venues for our members and nonmembers to publish their scholarly works that did not fit easily into our other, flagship journals. We can say without a doubt that they accomplished their goal.

Both journals have grown and evolved as research in pedagogy and environmental sciences has changed over time, but their goals are as relevant today as they were in 1972. The name change from the Journal of Agronomic Education to its current title, Natural Sciences Education, reflects its broadening scope to include pedagogy across the natural sciences. The Journal of Environmental Quality was our first joint publication cooperating between the three Societies, and it continues to bring together research across all aspects of humanity's impact on the environment.

The success of these journals—indeed, all our publications—is testament to the Societies’ determination to take chances, serve our members, and expand our impact on society and communities. We urge our members and nonmembers to continue publishing in our Societies’ journals.

Thanks to the many editors who through the years have shepherded these two journals and made them an indispensable part of our stable of publications. We also are indebted to the hundreds of reviewers who meticulously examined each manuscript and judged its value to science and society. Finally, we extend our thanks and congratulations to the editors and editorial boards, past and present, of JEQ and NSE, and we look forward to the next 50 years with great anticipation!