This edited volume illustrates the idea of a successful research capacity model, critically addressing preconceived notions of early career research projects’ impact and drawing together insights and implications around the encouragement of newer researchers to conduct useful, robust studies with real-world effect.

Centring on research undertaken at the UK Durham University Evidence Centre, the volume features contributions from authors based at universities in the US, China, India, and Pakistan. The book discusses 15 substantial studies which explore themes such as children’s wider outcomes in school; disadvantage in education; and the supply of professionals for the teaching workforce. Novel in approach and highly interdisciplinary in nature, the book showcases a broad range of experience and knowledge sharing, from experienced researchers and policymakers to new academic staff, current doctoral students, and masters’ students conducting ambitious large-scale projects, thereby giving voice to those just starting out in their career.

Illustrating powerful studies that are feasible for students and beginners with limited or no resources, this book will appeal to new researchers, scholars and academics involved in the fields of educational research and research methods, continuing professional development, and education policy more broadly.