40th anniversary of Human Reproduction: reflecting on four decades of scientific excellence

2026 is a special year for Human Reproduction—our 40th anniversary. The first issue of Human Reproduction was published 1 January 1986. As Human Reproduction enters its 40th year, we continue to celebrate the fundamental principle that has guided this Journal since the beginning: advancing reproductive medicine through trustworthy, innovative science. To celebrate this special milestone, 2026 will feature a number of events, including a return to a landmark article from each of the decades, accompanied by invited commentaries from one of the original authors in collaboration with leading experts in the field. The celebrations will culminate in a series of lectures and presentations at the ESHRE 42nd Annual Meeting in London in July. This commitment to scientific integrity has never been more critical. Reproductive medicine attracts intense public interest and, inevitably, the risk of misinformation. Unvalidated claims about fertility treatments, premature translation of experimental findings, and selective reporting threaten both patient care and public confidence. Against this backdrop, our role is clear: to publish only research that meets the highest methodological standards, undergoes robust peer review, and provides transparent, reproducible evidence.