Where is the IEA International Research Conference being held?

The conference is being held in Bangkok, THA.

What is the primary focus of the IEA IRC?

The primary focus of the IEA IRC is to disseminate findings from IEA studies and foster dialogue on evidence-based decision-making in education, with a strong emphasis on comparative education.

12th IEA International Research Conference (IEA IRC)

Name: 12th IEA International Research Conference (IEA IRC)
Start: 2027-06-23T00:00:00Z
End: 2027-06-25T00:00:00Z
Location: Bangkok

Jun 23–25, 2027Bangkok, ThailandIn-person

Registration open

The IEA International Research Conference (IEA IRC) is a significant gathering for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of education. Hosted in Bangkok, THA, this event serves as a platform for disseminating findings from IEA studies, fostering dialogue, and promoting evidence-based decision-making in education worldwide. The conference aims to bridge the gap between educational research and policy implementation, contributing to the improvement of educational systems globally.

Committees & topics

Topics
Understanding Change, Advancing Education: Cross-National Learning Trends · Artificial Intelligence in Education · Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) · Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) · International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) · International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) · Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LaNA)

Why it matters

The IEA IRC holds substantial importance for the international education community. It provides a unique forum for experts to present and discuss research utilizing data from IEA's large-scale comparative studies, which cover various aspects of educational achievement and context. This focus on empirical data allows for robust discussions on educational trends, challenges, and successes across different national contexts.

The conference's emphasis on comparative education means that insights gained from one country's experiences can inform strategies in others. This cross-national learning is crucial for developing effective and equitable educational policies. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the IEA IRC facilitates a deeper understanding of the factors influencing educational outcomes and encourages the adoption of best practices. The event's location in THA further highlights the growing importance of educational research and collaboration in the Asia region.

How to prepare

Delegates attending the IEA IRC should prepare by familiarizing themselves with recent IEA studies and their implications for educational policy and practice. Engaging with the conference's themes and understanding the methodologies employed in IEA research will enhance participation. Consider how your own research or professional experience aligns with the conference's objectives, particularly in the context of comparative education.

Given the international nature of the conference, delegates should consider how educational findings from various regions might apply or differ in other contexts. For instance, if a delegate is from ZAF, they might prepare to discuss how IEA findings resonate with South African educational policies. Similarly, a delegate from JPN could explore the applicability of research outcomes to the Japanese education system. This preparation allows for more nuanced discussions and a greater exchange of ideas.

Furthermore, preparing to network with fellow attendees, including researchers from countries like AUS or SWE, and policymakers, can lead to fruitful collaborations and knowledge exchange. Delegates should be ready to articulate their own work and interests clearly, and to actively engage in discussions that explore the practical applications of research findings. Utilizing lessons such as "engagement-strategies" and "stakeholder-workshop" can be beneficial for maximizing networking opportunities and fostering meaningful connections.

Country perspectives

Where the most-relevant 16 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.

Thailand

Host nation and a key participant in international education discussions.

Role in topic

As the host country, THA plays a central role in facilitating the exchange of educational research and policy discussions. Its participation in IEA studies provides valuable data for comparative analysis, offering insights into educational trends within the region and globally. THA's perspective on integrating international research findings into national educational strategies will be a significant aspect of the conference.

United States

Significant contributor to educational research and policy, often a benchmark for comparative studies.

Role in topic

The USA is a major contributor to educational research and participates extensively in IEA studies. Its experiences and findings often serve as important points of comparison in international educational discussions. Researchers from the USA will likely present findings that contribute to broader understandings of educational effectiveness and equity.

Germany

Active participant in IEA studies with a focus on educational quality and equity.

Role in topic

DEU is a consistent participant in IEA's comparative studies, offering a European perspective on educational achievement and policy. Its research often focuses on aspects of educational quality, equity, and the impact of various educational reforms. Contributions from DEU will enrich discussions on diverse educational models and their outcomes.

Netherlands

Contributor to educational research, known for innovative approaches to learning.

Role in topic

The NLD actively participates in IEA studies and contributes to the global discourse on education. Its educational system is often recognized for innovative pedagogical approaches and a focus on student-centered learning. Insights from NLD researchers can offer valuable perspectives on effective teaching and learning strategies.

Singapore

High-performing education system, often studied for its success factors.

Role in topic

SGP is frequently highlighted for its high-performing education system in international assessments. Its participation in IEA studies provides data that helps researchers understand the factors contributing to its success. Discussions involving SGP will likely focus on curriculum design, teacher quality, and policy coherence.

Finland

Renowned for its equitable and high-quality education system.

Role in topic

FIN is widely recognized for its equitable and high-quality education system. Research from FIN, often presented at IEA conferences, offers insights into teacher education, student well-being, and comprehensive schooling. Its contributions are vital for understanding how to achieve both excellence and equity in education.

China

Emerging global leader in educational research and participation in international assessments.

Role in topic

CHN's engagement in international educational research and assessments is growing significantly. Its vast educational system provides a unique context for studying large-scale educational reforms and their impact. Contributions from CHN will offer perspectives on scaling educational quality and addressing diverse learning needs.

United Kingdom

Long history of educational research and policy development.

Role in topic

The GBR has a long-standing tradition of educational research and policy development. Its participation in IEA studies contributes to a comprehensive understanding of educational trends in a Western European context. Researchers from the GBR will likely share findings on curriculum, assessment, and educational inequalities.

France

Centralized education system with a focus on academic rigor.

Role in topic

FRA, with its centralized education system, provides a distinct perspective on educational governance and curriculum implementation. Its participation in IEA studies allows for comparative analysis of academic achievement within a different structural framework. Discussions involving FRA will likely touch upon issues of equity, social mobility, and the role of national curriculum.

South Korea

High-achieving education system with a strong emphasis on academic excellence.

Role in topic

KOR consistently performs highly in international educational assessments. Its education system is characterized by intense competition and a strong focus on academic achievement. Research from KOR at the IEA IRC will likely explore factors contributing to high performance, as well as challenges related to student well-being and equity.

United Arab Emirates

Rapidly developing education system with a focus on innovation and global competitiveness.

Role in topic

The ARE is actively investing in and reforming its education system to foster innovation and global competitiveness. Its participation in IEA studies provides insights into educational development in a rapidly changing economic and social landscape. Discussions involving ARE will likely focus on curriculum modernization, technology integration, and preparing students for future economies.

Ireland

Focus on educational reform and improving student outcomes.

Role in topic

IRL is engaged in ongoing educational reforms aimed at improving student outcomes and equity. Its participation in IEA studies offers data on the effectiveness of these reforms and provides a European perspective on educational challenges. Researchers from IRL will likely contribute to discussions on curriculum development, assessment, and inclusive education.

South Africa

Addresses challenges of educational equity and access in a diverse society.

Role in topic

ZAF faces unique challenges in its education system, particularly concerning equity, access, and quality across diverse populations. Its participation in IEA studies provides crucial data for understanding these challenges and evaluating policy interventions. Discussions involving ZAF will likely highlight strategies for improving educational outcomes in complex socio-economic contexts.

Japan

High-performing education system with a strong cultural emphasis on learning.

Role in topic

JPN's education system is known for its high academic standards and a cultural emphasis on learning and discipline. Its participation in IEA studies offers valuable insights into pedagogical practices, curriculum design, and student motivation. Researchers from JPN will likely contribute to discussions on effective teaching methods and the role of cultural factors in education.

Australia

Diverse education system with a focus on equity and quality.

Role in topic

AUS has a diverse education system with ongoing efforts to address issues of equity and quality across its vast geography. Its participation in IEA studies provides data for understanding the performance of its students and the impact of various educational policies. Discussions involving AUS will likely cover topics such as rural education, Indigenous education, and curriculum development.

Sweden

Focus on inclusive education and student well-being.

Role in topic

SWE is known for its progressive educational policies, particularly its emphasis on inclusive education and student well-being. Its participation in IEA studies offers insights into the effectiveness of these policies and their impact on student outcomes. Researchers from SWE will likely contribute to discussions on equity, student support, and pedagogical approaches that foster holistic development.

Topics & background

The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.

Understanding Change, Advancing Education: Cross-National Learning Trends

Since the 1960s, the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) has produced comparative studies of student learning, beginning with the First International Mathematics Study in 1964. These assessments emerged from a conviction that education systems could be understood scientifically by treating the world as an 'educational laboratory,' with cross-national comparison illuminating how curricula, teaching practices, and policy choices shape outcomes. Over six decades, the field has expanded from narrow achievement testing into a broader inquiry into equity, context, and the social functions of schooling. The present moment is defined by disruption and recalibration. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted instruction worldwide, with measurable declines in reading and mathematics documented in PIRLS 2021 and TIMSS 2023. Simultaneously, generative AI, demographic shifts, migration, and widening socioeconomic gaps have forced ministries to rethink what schools should teach and how progress should be measured. Debates now center on whether large-scale assessments capture the competencies that matter — civic engagement, digital literacy, well-being — or whether they entrench narrow definitions of achievement. The core dispute for researchers and policymakers is how to interpret 'change' itself: are observed score movements signals of system failure, recovery, or measurement artifact? Advancing education requires both methodological rigor in tracking trends and political willingness to act on uncomfortable findings about inequality and learning loss.

Key players

Artificial Intelligence in Education

The integration of artificial intelligence into education accelerated sharply after the late-2022 release of large language models such as ChatGPT, which made generative AI accessible to students and teachers worldwide. Earlier waves of educational technology — intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, automated essay scoring — had advanced incrementally for decades, but the sudden ubiquity of conversational AI compressed years of expected adoption into months and forced governments, examination boards, and universities into reactive policymaking on plagiarism, assessment integrity, and curriculum content. UNESCO issued global guidance on generative AI in education in 2023, and the European Union's AI Act, adopted in 2024, classified certain educational AI uses as 'high-risk,' requiring transparency and oversight. National responses have diverged sharply: some jurisdictions banned ChatGPT in schools temporarily, others issued teacher training frameworks, and several — notably in East Asia and the Gulf — launched state-backed AI literacy curricula. Persistent concerns include algorithmic bias, data privacy of minors, the deepening digital divide between well-resourced and under-resourced schools, and the erosion of foundational skills if students offload cognitive work to machines. The core dispute is normative as much as technical: should AI be treated primarily as a productivity tool to be regulated, a tutor capable of personalizing learning at scale, or a disruptive force that demands rethinking the purpose of human learning? Research communities, including IEA, are now developing instruments to measure both AI-related competencies and the effects of AI exposure on traditional learning outcomes.

Key players

Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)

PIRLS, launched by IEA in 2001 and conducted on a five-year cycle, measures reading comprehension among fourth-grade students across dozens of education systems. It assesses both literary and informational reading purposes and gathers extensive contextual data from students, parents, teachers, and principals on home literacy environments, instruction, and school resources. PIRLS has become a primary global indicator of early reading achievement and a touchstone for policy debates on phonics, comprehension instruction, and equity in foundational learning. PIRLS 2021, released in May 2023, was the first cycle to capture the impact of COVID-19 school closures and showed declines in average reading achievement in a majority of participating countries, with particularly steep drops in several European systems. The study also documented widening gaps between high and low performers and persistent gender differences favoring girls. Singapore, Ireland, and Hong Kong topped the rankings, while traditionally strong systems such as Finland and the Netherlands recorded notable declines. Current debate focuses on how to interpret post-pandemic trends, the transition to digitalPIRLS (which introduces new comparability questions), and whether the assessment adequately captures reading in screen-based, multimodal environments. The next cycle, PIRLS 2026, is in preparation.

Key players

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

TIMSS, conducted by IEA on a four-year cycle since 1995, measures mathematics and science achievement of students in grades 4 and 8 and is the longest-running international assessment of its kind. It is curriculum-based, designed to reflect what students are actually taught, and pairs achievement data with rich contextual surveys on instruction, teacher preparation, and school climate. Its trend design enables systems to track progress over nearly three decades, and TIMSS Advanced periodically assesses students in final-year advanced mathematics and physics. TIMSS 2023, released in December 2024, was the first fully digital cycle (TIMSS Digital) and documented widespread declines in mathematics achievement at both grade levels relative to 2019, attributed in large part to pandemic-era disruption. East Asian systems — Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong — again occupied the top positions, while many European and North American systems posted statistically significant drops. Science results showed more mixed patterns, with declines less uniform than in mathematics. Key policy debates concern the magnitude and durability of learning losses, the role of teacher shortages in STEM, the comparability of paper-and-digital administrations during the transition, and how to translate TIMSS findings into instructional reform without narrowing curricula to test content.

Key players

International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS)

ICCS, conducted by IEA in 2009, 2016, and 2022, examines how young people are prepared to undertake their roles as citizens. It builds on IEA's earlier civic education studies dating to 1971 and assesses lower-secondary students' civic knowledge, attitudes, and engagement, alongside teacher and school surveys on how citizenship is taught. Regional modules — for Europe, Latin America, and Asia — allow examination of context-specific issues such as European identity, democratic instability, or interethnic relations. ICCS 2022, released in 2023, was conducted against a backdrop of democratic backsliding concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It found generally rising civic knowledge in many systems but also growing polarization in students' attitudes toward immigration, gender equality, and trust in institutions. Latin American results highlighted concerns about acceptance of authoritarian practices among some students, while European findings showed strong but uneven support for democratic norms. The study sits at the center of debates over the purpose of schooling: whether civic education should emphasize knowledge, values, or active participation, and how systems should respond to misinformation, declining trust, and the digital reshaping of political life.

Key players

International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS)

ICILS, first conducted by IEA in 2013 and subsequently in 2018 and 2023, measures eighth-grade students' computer and information literacy (CIL) and, since 2018, computational thinking (CT). It is the only large-scale international assessment to test these competencies using authentic computer-based tasks, and it gathers extensive data from teachers and principals on ICT use in instruction, professional development, and school infrastructure. ICILS 2023, released in November 2024, found that a substantial share of students across participating systems do not reach proficiency levels needed to use digital information critically and safely, despite near-universal device access in many countries. The study documented stagnant or declining CIL in several systems compared with prior cycles, raising concerns that increased exposure to technology has not translated into stronger digital competence. Computational thinking results varied widely and correlated strongly with structured curricular integration. The results have sharpened debate about screen time, the limits of 'digital native' assumptions, the integration of computing into curricula, and the readiness of teachers to develop students' digital judgment in an era of generative AI and pervasive misinformation.

Key players

Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LaNA)

LaNA was developed by IEA to extend the reach of international assessment into countries where students' achievement levels are far below the floor of PIRLS and TIMSS, rendering those instruments inappropriate. Anchored psychometrically to PIRLS and TIMSS, LaNA measures foundational reading and mathematics skills at the end of primary school and produces results that are linkable to the main IEA studies, enabling lower- and middle-income countries to participate meaningfully in global learning monitoring. LaNA has become an important tool in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4, particularly indicator 4.1.1 on the proportion of children achieving minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics. By offering a less burdensome and contextually appropriate alternative, it has helped countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and elsewhere generate internationally comparable data without participating in the full PIRLS or TIMSS cycle. It complements other instruments such as UNESCO-UIS-supported assessments and regional studies (PASEC, SACMEQ, ERCE). Core debates concern how to use LaNA results to drive equity-oriented reform without stigmatizing participating systems, how to maintain comparability as the underlying anchor studies evolve, and how foundational-skills assessments should align with broader national curricula and political priorities.

Key players

Resources

News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 12th IEA International Research Conference (IEA IRC).

Recent reporting to ground your prep

Europe's June Heatwave: Infrastructure Crisis

Aarish Chhabra's Role in Indian Media Shift

NTA's Credibility Crisis in NEET-UG Exam

Taliban’s School Ban Forces Afghan Girls

Lessons

Bite-sized lessons to build the basics

Dynamic Analysis

Understanding Motivations

Hidden Stakeholders

Engagement Strategies

Courses

Guided courses that go deeper on the topic

Advanced Negotiation

Multilateral Negotiation

Policy Brief Writing

Conflict Resolution

Thailand June 2027

By committee

Frequently asked questions

12th IEA International Research Conference (IEA IRC)

Jun 23–25, 2027Bangkok, ThailandIn-person

Registration open

Committees & topics

Topics
Understanding Change, Advancing Education: Cross-National Learning Trends · Artificial Intelligence in Education · Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) · Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) · International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) · International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) · Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LaNA)

Why it matters

How to prepare

Country perspectives

Where the most-relevant 16 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.

Thailand

Host nation and a key participant in international education discussions.

Role in topic

United States

Significant contributor to educational research and policy, often a benchmark for comparative studies.

Role in topic

Germany

Active participant in IEA studies with a focus on educational quality and equity.

Role in topic

Netherlands

Contributor to educational research, known for innovative approaches to learning.

Role in topic

Singapore

High-performing education system, often studied for its success factors.

Role in topic

Finland

Renowned for its equitable and high-quality education system.

Role in topic

China

Emerging global leader in educational research and participation in international assessments.

Role in topic

United Kingdom

Long history of educational research and policy development.

Role in topic

France

Centralized education system with a focus on academic rigor.

Role in topic

South Korea

High-achieving education system with a strong emphasis on academic excellence.

Role in topic

United Arab Emirates

Rapidly developing education system with a focus on innovation and global competitiveness.

Role in topic

Ireland

Focus on educational reform and improving student outcomes.

Role in topic

South Africa

Addresses challenges of educational equity and access in a diverse society.

Role in topic

Japan

High-performing education system with a strong cultural emphasis on learning.

Role in topic

Australia

Diverse education system with a focus on equity and quality.

Role in topic

Sweden

Focus on inclusive education and student well-being.

Role in topic

Topics & background

The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.

Understanding Change, Advancing Education: Cross-National Learning Trends

Key players

Artificial Intelligence in Education

Key players

Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)

Key players

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

Key players

International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS)

Key players

International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS)

Key players

Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LaNA)

Key players

Resources

News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 12th IEA International Research Conference (IEA IRC).

Recent reporting to ground your prep

Europe's June Heatwave: Infrastructure Crisis

Aarish Chhabra's Role in Indian Media Shift

NTA's Credibility Crisis in NEET-UG Exam

Taliban’s School Ban Forces Afghan Girls

Lessons

Bite-sized lessons to build the basics

Dynamic Analysis

Understanding Motivations

Hidden Stakeholders

Engagement Strategies

Courses

Guided courses that go deeper on the topic

Advanced Negotiation

Multilateral Negotiation

Policy Brief Writing

Conflict Resolution

Thailand June 2027

By committee

Committees & topics

Why it matters

How to prepare

Country perspectives

Topics & background

Resources

Related conferences

Lawyers TED Talk: The Role of Thai Lawyers in International Law Competition (Inaugural)

CYSEC THAILAND 2026 – Thailand Cyber Shield: Advancing the Nation's Digital Security

2nd Government Cyber Resilience Summit – Thailand

5th NIC-NIDA Conference, 2026

CyberSecThailand Summit 2026

11th International Peace and Conflict Resolution Conference (PCRC2026)

Frequently asked questions

Committees & topics

Why it matters

How to prepare

Country perspectives

Topics & background

Resources

Related conferences

Lawyers TED Talk: The Role of Thai Lawyers in International Law Competition (Inaugural)

CYSEC THAILAND 2026 – Thailand Cyber Shield: Advancing the Nation's Digital Security

2nd Government Cyber Resilience Summit – Thailand

5th NIC-NIDA Conference, 2026

CyberSecThailand Summit 2026

11th International Peace and Conflict Resolution Conference (PCRC2026)

Frequently asked questions