FROM THE EDITOR

In the face of a totally new threat to our way of life, it’s been inspiring to see how scientists from different disciplines and nations have worked together, night and day, to chart a route through these dangerous times. That said, despite the best efforts of those modelling the spread of COVID-19, it’s difficult to predict what the next year will look like for the UK and the rest of the world. Will lockdowns come and go? Will we find better treatments? Will anything return to ‘normal’?

One thing is clear: the only thing that will bring back normality is immunity. Since January, scientists have been racing towards just that: multiple vaccines that can be manufactured quickly. Andy Ridgway met (virtually) with one team that’s leading the charge. Head to p52 to find out how we’ll fight the pandemic and, perhaps, stop the next one.

Sadly, the lockdown has meant that many publishers have postponed their book releases, which means we have put a pause on our books section BookSmart. Instead, we’ve put our time into a free science book club. Come and join us at sciencefocus.com/science-book-club, where we’re giving away the first two chapters of the award-winning Invisible

Women, along with extra interviews, insights and podcasts. Finally, for those of you who don’t subscribe, or who know someone who might benefit from a subscription to BBC Science Focus, we have a special three-month offer which just requires a one-off payment – it’s a simple, no-strings way to get BBC Science Focus delivered direct to your door. There’s a great longer-term offer too: six issues for just £9.99. Head to buysubscriptions.com/SFspring3 to order online or call us on 0330 162 138 and quote code SPR3MPG, BBC Science Focus Magazine. Full T&Cs available online.