When we launched our campaign last summer we debated fundraising at a time when many would be struggling, as the effects of the coronavirus crisis scythed through entire industries, leaving people out of work and reliant on furlough or crisis payments.

But The Conversation, itself a charity, is not immune to financial pressures. While we are fortunate to have such strong supporters in our network of university members, we hoped our readers would also see the value in our explanatory, public interest journalism.

We were right to think so, and have been heartened by our readers’ support. Last year we gained 2,300 new donors, and this year the number of readers signing up to give monthly has almost doubled to around 1,300. We cannot overstate our appreciation for your generosity, not least over the last 12 months that have seen such upheaval. The Conversation’s expert comment and news analysis is free to read, but it isn’t cost-free to produce. In these times when misinformation or misunderstanding can circle the globe as fast or faster than corrections and qualifications, we feel what we do is ever more vital. Bringing expertise to an audience of those keen to hear and learn from it is The Conversation’s only aim – your support has helped make it possible.

As we enter the final week of our fundraising campaign, it’s not too late to donate. We’re hoping to find another 206 donors to reach our campaign target – could you be one of them? It takes only a minute, and every donation is gratefully received no matter how large or small.

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Jo Adetunji

Managing Editor
Simon Maycock / Alamy

Europe has had a cold and wet spring – but will it last through summer?

Niko Wanders, Utrecht University

This summer is likely to be hot and dry, but that's more down to climate change than miserable spring.
Herr Loeffler/Shutterstock

A Chinese hacking competition may have given Beijing new ways to spy on the Uyghurs

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Mushroom-like structures on Mars. Nasa

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