Introduction: 2025 special issue on cross-cultural and multilingual research

The 2025 special issue on cross-cultural and multilingual research features 16 contributions, including 14 full articles, an in-brief note, and an “interview the expert” piece. The research articles cover a variety of methods and practices for surveying diverse populations, spanning four thematic areas: (1) Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), (2) U.S. Latinos/as, (3) survey translation practices, and (4) advancements in methods and evaluations. This introduction highlights the importance of embracing an inclusive definition of “cross-cultural and multilingual” to give credence to the ongoing research and practice both within and across countries. We conclude by reflecting on the role of science communication in promoting cross-cultural understanding and encourage researchers and research leaders to engage in more effective science communication where relevant to their work.