This paper outlines the history of The International Association for the Improvement of Mother Tongue Education [IAIMTE] and the International Association for Research in L1 Education [ARLE]. Delegates at a 1993 conference at UEA recognised how important research was to generate evidence about the teaching and learning of all first languages, and to disseminate knowledge and good practice. Over the first decade of the 21st century, IAIMTE ran several successful conferences; the ambition now is to hold the conference outside Europe every four years. In 2014, IAIMTE shifted its focus (and name) from the "mother tongue" to "L1" education, a shift in terminology that reflected research problematising the term "mother tongue". From its beginnings, the Association has regarded its work as "scientific", emphasising empirically oriented research. In the post-COVID period, ARLE conferences are organised in a hybrid format to encourage sustainable behaviour ecologically, socially and economically.