Once again, we have reached the end of yet another year and we can all take some time to reflect upon what has passed. And it has been a year with quite a lot of turbulence in our societies. One such disturbance concerns academic freedom. In our view, academic freedom is essential to the mission of universities, as it enables independent research, open debate, and the pursuit of knowledge without external pressure. Historically, this freedom has allowed universities to contribute critically to social, scientific, and cultural development. Today, however, academic freedom is increasingly challenged in many parts of the world through political interference, legal restrictions, and pressure on teaching and research agendas. Defending academic freedom remains crucial for safeguarding critical thinking, democratic values, and the integrity of higher education. As an independent journal, free from commercial interests, we aim to contribute – as well as we can – to the safeguarding of academic freedom. We thank all those who contribute to the Journal of Social Science Education and wish you a fulfilling 2026, both personally and professionally. In the final issue of 2025, we present four original articles, a new country report, and a book review. We wish you an enjoyable and rewarding read.