Happy new year from all of us across The Conversation’s international network. We hope you had a peaceful and enjoyable holiday break, and are looking forward to 2023. In the months ahead we’ll continue to bring you detailed news analysis that is grounded in academic research. Elsewhere, there’ll be opinion aplenty and quick takes that perhaps don’t look so smart when the facts become clear. At The Conversation, we work with the world’s leading researchers to engage in an informed way with events as they unfold, and to relay new discoveries.

In 2023 we’ll explore new ways of doing this, working with our authors, editors, readers and the member universities and other funders that support this not-for-profit mission. We exist to explain.

Inevitably, the holiday season took as well as gave. Notable global figures who have passed away include the former Pope, Benedict XVI; and Pelé, arguably the greatest footballer of all time and a hugely significant cultural and political figure. Today sees his funeral take place in Brazil, where there have been three days of national mourning. In this piece, José Paulo Florenzano of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, considers his contribution to the fight against racism both in Brazil and internationally.

And how about this for a new year’s resolution: listen more? Specifically, to our podcasts. We’ll have a range of new weekly episodes and specials kicking off later this month. More on those in future newsletters, but below you can find a selection of some of the best of our recent episodes.

Finally, if you enjoy what we do and find this newsletter valuable, please do consider forwarding it to friends and colleagues to wish them a happy 2023: ask them to sign up here for the free email that brings you the best of the network twice a week. We remain free to read and republish.