We warmly invite you to join an informal meeting with the BERA Educational Research and Educational Policymaking SIG. This will be a friendly and informal space to plan future events ahead of the BERA Annual Conference 2026. This is a great opportunity to connect with others, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations within our community, as we explore how research and policy shape each other in education.

This Meet and Discuss session is a chance to share ideas, raise questions, and connect with others who are interested in the relationship between evidence, decision-making, and practice. We welcome attendees from all career stages and backgrounds, including those working in academia, policy, and practice. Whether you’re a SIG member or not, you’re invited to take part in the conversation and help shape the future activities of our SIG. We are particularly keen to build links with other SIGs and organise joint events so everyone is welcome whatever your research interests.

Programme:

13:00  Introductions (10 minutes)

13:10  Discussion of what are the current ‘big issues’ relevant to the SIG 

13:20  SIG event planning: sharing proposals for events to take place in the autumn term 2026 or later

13:35  Getting ready for BERA Annual Conference 2026 

13:45  Collaborating to generate ideas for taking the SIG from strength to strength 

13:55  Close & next steps 

14:00  Close of meeting