New institute driving education research
A new institute established by Liverpool John Moores University will drive forward world-leading, impactful research in education locally, nationally and internationally.
The Liverpool Institute for Research in Education (LIFE Institute) has been set up to build upon the success and research impact of the Centre for Educational Research (CERES) over the last 20 years.
It is a university-wide institute bringing together researchers from a wide range of disciplines to strengthen and extend educational and pedagogical research development at LJMU. The LIFE Institute will also provide a new platform for the university’s national and international partnerships.
Inclusive, innovative and radical
The LIFE Institute’s vision is to be an inclusive, innovative and radical space for research and knowledge exchange based on social justice. It has a set of guiding aims and objectives:
- Excellence in research outputs
- Securing external research funding
- Fostering an inclusive research community
- Opportunities for postgraduate research students
- Impactful, connected research and knowledge exchange
- Embedding research-informed approaches to teaching and learning
REF 2029
An immediate target for the institute is to enhance research development activities and outputs ahead of REF 2029.
Initial membership of the institute consists of over 100 academic staff and PGR members, representing all faculties and 14 different schools across LJMU. A number of partner organisations – the Portobello Institute in Dublin, the University Centre at Blackpool College and Mersey Forest – have signed Memoranda of Understanding to become affiliated members.
I’m delighted that approval has been granted for the establishment of the LIFE Institute by the university’s Executive Leadership Team and Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and it represents another significant step forward in our work.
As the Centre for Educational Research, we successfully delivered world-leading, interdisciplinary research with education at its heart for two decades. Our evolution into an institute now provides an opportunity to build on those successes and develop the momentum behind our research activities.
Our mission is to deliver impactful research and knowledge exchange that makes a difference to people’s lives and informs and leads discussion and decision-making around education research and policy.
The institute provides a fantastic opportunity for staff and students in LJMU’s research community to develop their skills and thrive. We have a strong and diverse membership and look forward to engaging with many more LJMU colleagues and external partners as we deliver our strategic plan.
Professor Michael Thomas, Director of the LIFE Institute
Working with the institute
The LIFE Institute has seven research groups:
- Digital Education and Society
- Educational Psychology
- Nature Related Pedagogies
- (Post)qualitative Research in Education
- Sustainability and Social Justice
- Teacher Education and Development
- The Absolute Chemistry Research Group
For enquiries about joining or collaborating with the LIFE Institute, please contact Professor Michael Thomas (Director), Dr Craig Hammond (Deputy Director) or Dr Gillian Peiser (Deputy Director).
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