Cambridge Assessment English is supporting a prestigious grant scheme which will provide funding for doctoral research in a range of areas associated with teaching and learning English.

The 2021 Doctoral Dissertation Grants Competition is run by TIRF, The International Research Foundation for English Language Education. Applications are now being invited from all over the world and students taking part need to submit proposals by the 26 May 2021. It is open to anyone who is at the dissertation stage whose work relates to TIRF’s Research Priorities – teaching and learning of English for the purposes of informing educational policy; improving classroom practices; and, ultimately, expanding educational, occupational, and social opportunities for individuals in a global society.

Up to $5,000 is awarded to each successful proposal, giving students the support they need to focus on their research, generate new ideas and find the latest thinking in this important area.

Dr Nick Saville, Director of Thought Leadership at Cambridge Assessment English said:
‘Generating new knowledge and fresh ideas in English language teaching and learning can only be driven by world-class research. We’re delighted to support this scheme as it can make such a difference to students by giving them the support they need to make a real impact in their chosen field. The awards not only help us to find the latest ground-breaking thinking in our sector, but they also help us to find practical solutions to English language learning and teaching challenges. This helps to inform education policy, classroom practices and opportunities for students all over the world.’

Ryan Damerow, Chief Operation Officer at TIRF, explained ‘As TIRF’s flagship program, the DDG program is a major focus of the work we do. The grants are designed to help promising junior scholars remain focused on their research and dissertation activities, so that they can soon graduate and continue their positive influence in the field of language education. Over the years, we have built a network of researchers around the world who are working toward some of the very same goals that underpin TIRF’s mission. A great deal of credit for the success of this program is because of the commitment from the various sources of support TIRF has from its donors, Board members, and partners, including Cambridge Assessment English, the British Council, and Educational Testing Service. I encourage all interested doctoral students to apply this year or in the future once eligible.’

The scheme, which is now in its 20th year, has helped fund around 150 projects including research into key areas such as language policy, teaching and assessing English Plurilingualism in Business, and English as a medium of instruction.

Find out more about the scheme, including TIRF’s research priorities and application guidelines at: https://www.tirfonline.org/grants-prizes/doctoral-dissertation-grants/

Source: www.cambridgeenglish.org