UA Ruhr Research Community “Future of Education” ceremoniously opened

The research community “Future of Education – Advancing Quality and Innovation in School and Higher Education” was officially launched on April 17, 2026. It brings together the educational research expertise of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). The goal is to combine the expertise of Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen into a joint research and development strategy and to provide new impetus for educational research.

At the start of the event, the spokespersons for the research community and Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer, President of TU Dortmund University, welcomed the participants. Professor Bayer spoke on behalf of all the university representatives present from the University Alliance Ruhr, including Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Martin Paul, President of Ruhr University Bochum, and Prof. Dr. Stefan Rumann, Vice President for Studies, Teaching & Education at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

Following this, the spokespersons for the Research Community—Prof. Dr. Nele McElvany (TU Dortmund), Prof. Dr. Nikol Rummel (Ruhr University Bochum | Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)), and Prof. Dr. Isabell van Ackeren-Mindl (University of Duisburg-Essen)—presented the initiative’s goals and research priorities. The scientific impetus for the event was provided by the keynote address “Future of Education” by Stéphan Vincent-Lancrin, Ph.D. (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). 

In his lecture, he highlighted key developments and perspectives in education and educational research, with a particular focus on the growing importance of artificial intelligence.

In the subsequent panel discussion, “Contemporary Issues in Education and Educational Research,” JProf. Dr. Justine Stang-Rabrig (TU Dortmund), Dr. Peter Salden, and Prof. Dr. Joachim Wirth (both from Ruhr University Bochum) discussed current challenges in educational research. The discussion centered on key areas of focus for the Research Community, particularly research and knowledge transfer.

The event concluded with a poster gallery showcasing various research fields within the Research Community. During a reception featuring sparkling wine, coffee, and cake, participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas and network.

The “Future of Education” Research Community brings together expertise in educational research

The three locations contribute diverse, complementary areas of focus, including teaching and learning research, subject-specific didactics, and educational monitoring. This allows educational issues to be examined in an interdisciplinary manner and across various levels—from fundamental learning processes to the societal conditions of education. Thematically, the Research Community addresses, among other things, education-related data and monitoring, digitalization, issues of diversity and participation, as well as the further development of instruction, teachers, and schools.

A key objective is to closely integrate research, the transfer of findings into educational practice, and science communication. Through close collaboration among the three UA Ruhr universities, international partnerships, and joint research activities, the Research Community enhances the visibility of educational research in the Ruhr region while creating an attractive environment for researchers—particularly those in the early career stages.

IFS brings diverse expertise to the table and looks forward to the collaboration

The Center for Research on Education and School Development (IFS) brings its interdisciplinary expertise in empirical educational and school development research to the Research Community. The focus is on research into learning and development processes, classroom and school development, and the individual, social, and institutional contexts of education. Through large-scale studies such as the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and numerous national and international research projects, the IFS contributes to providing empirical insights for the further development of education systems, schools, and teaching, and to incorporating these into academic and education policy discourses.

Further information: Website of the “Future of Education” Research Community