Givan announces funding for over three hundred schools to host Research-Informed Conferences
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced over 300 schools across 53 clusters across Northern Ireland will receive funding of up to £5,000 to host Research-Informed Conferences during the 2026-27 academic year.
This initiative is part of the Department’s Making Best Practice, Common Practice Programme within TransformED, which aims to strengthen the connection between educational research and classroom practice, supporting teachers to access and apply high-quality evidence in ways that improve outcomes for children and young people.
Commenting on the announcement, Paul Givan said:
“I have committed to providing regular access to educational research to all teachers and I am pleased to see the positive response to this latest opportunity under the Making Best Practice Common Practice programme. Our schools have once again embraced this opportunity to share and apply research for the benefit of their pupils.
“This continued investment reflects my commitment, through TransformED, to place high-quality teaching and learning at the centre of education reform. The conferences announced today will provide valuable opportunities for teachers and school leaders to engage with evidence, share expertise and strengthen professional learning across the education system.”
Reflecting on the response from schools across all sectors, phases and geographic locations in Northern Ireland, the Minister added:
“The levels of collaborations across schools have been truly impressive, and the quality of applications has been consistently high. This demonstrates an innovative range of thematic approaches.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this continued investment in professional learning will have on the lives of children and young people.”
The programme reflects the Department’s wider commitment to investing in sustained, high-quality professional learning for teachers at all stages of their careers.
A list of the successful applicants has been published on the Department’s website at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/research-informed-conference-expression-interest-successful-schools-202627.
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