Education research plays a critical role in shaping effective policies and practices that empower individuals and societies to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) remains committed to supporting countries with timely research insights and forward-thinking approaches, helping them design education systems that are both robust and future-ready. Central to CERI's mission is the acknowledgment of education research as a key pillar for achieving quality education. The Strengthening the Impact of Education Research project has been a vital part of this mission, providing countries with evidence-based insights to enhance the use of research in policy making and practice.
This report, Everybody Cares About Using Education Research in Policy and Practice Sometimes, marks the third and final publication of the project. The first report, Who Cares About Using Education Research in Policy and Practice?, mapped the overarching landscape of actors and mechanisms that support research use. The second report, Who Really Cares About Using Education Research in Policy and Practice?, explored how to develop a culture of research engagement, offering tools and processes to help countries foster this culture. Building on these foundational studies, this final publication shifts its focus to the field, examining how a diverse range of organisations engage in knowledge mobilisation to bridge the gap between education research, policy and practice.
Drawing on data from the 2023 OECD Survey of Knowledge Mobilisation in Education, this report sheds light on the perspectives and activities of 288 knowledge intermediaries from 34 countries, organisations that enable policy makers’ and practitioners’ engagement with research to support their practices and decision making. These include formal intermediaries, research institutes, inspectorates, consultancies and teacher unions. It explores the ways in which these organisations support the engagement of policy makers and practitioners with research, characterising their knowledge mobilisation activities and examining their perceived effectiveness and impact. Through this, the report offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the international landscape of knowledge mobilisation in education.
Everybody Cares About Using Education Research in Policy and Practice Sometimes represents a culmination of the Strengthening the Impact of Education Research project’s work. It offers valuable guidance for countries looking to improve their use of research to inform policies and practices, ultimately strengthening their education systems. We hope this report inspires meaningful action and dialogue among policy makers, practitioners, researchers and other education stakeholders committed to advancing the use of evidence in education.