Starring the Special Interest Group SIG 1 Assessment and Evaluation biennial conference of EARLI, the idea of this special issue was born. ‘Linking multiple perspectives on assessment’ had been the conference theme and outcome of this 3-day gathering of assessment and evaluation researchers from around the world. One of the ‘perspectives’ that linked many contributions to one Quality assurance in assessment/ Studies in Educational Evaluation 43 (2014) 1–4 3 another was the concept of ‘quality’ in assessment. Participants of the SIG1 conference were invited to submit contributions to a special issue that would have this focus as a ‘linkage’. Proposals were received, feedback let to first drafts, reviewer comments to revisions and re-evaluations to final acceptations for publication in this special issue that we are proud to present today.