40 millioner DKK strengthens research in elementary schools and vocational education

"Education creates better opportunities for individuals and for society, and in the future, we will need everyone to ensure our welfare state. Therefore, it is incredibly important to strengthen the knowledge base for learning and well-being in both elementary schools and vocational education. This contributes insights into what constitutes a good education and how we can enhance the quality of our educational programs as the government embarks on further reforms in the field of education. I look forward to following the exciting research projects that have received funding today," says Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund. 

Strengthened learning and well-being in elementary school

What significance do deficient mathematical skills have for young people's ability to create a stable and independent adulthood? Can a reading intervention for weak readers also promote well-being among students? And what pedagogical activities can improve the transition from kindergarten to school for children?

These are some of the research topics within the primary school sector that have just received funding from Independent Research Fund Denmark. The funds are allocated to strengthen practice-oriented research and generate new knowledge about learning and well-being in primary schools. Additionally, they aim to support an enhanced knowledge base for teacher education by establishing a closer connection between research, the content of teacher education, and school practices.

"Creating a good learning environment where children and young people thrive - both in primary schools and in vocational education - is an important foundation for the future. I am pleased that research in these socially crucial areas is strengthened, and that the funds also contribute to building strong research environments within elementary schools and vocational education going forward. In this way, research will benefit both current and future children and young people," says Jørgen Frøkiær, Chair of Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Strengthened research for vocational education

What influences primary school students to choose or opt out of vocational education? How can one establish strong transitions to and within vocational education, and what impact do language difficulties have on dropout rates in health and social care education?

These are among the research topics within the vocational education sector that have recently received funding from Independent Research Fund Denmark. The funds are allocated to strengthen and enhance the quality and attractiveness of vocational education, and to ensure capacity building in research related to vocational education, including practice-oriented research in the field.

One of the committees under Independent Research Fund Denmark has assessed the applications for both programs. The committee's chair is Ane Qvortrup, Professor at the Department of Design, Media, and Educational Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark:

"I have no doubt that this will strengthen our research capacity in the environments receiving funding. We are supporting strong researchers who can drive development within the research environments. However, applicants have also addressed the question of how we build research capacity within elementary schools and vocational education in the future," says Ane Qvortrup, continuing:

"We need knowledge that can make a difference not only here and now but also in the long run, contributing to our strength in these two areas and thereby enhancing our research foundation for education, also in the future."

See all research projects under ‘Learning and well-being in elementary schools’ and 'Stronger Research Environments for vocational education' on the overview of thematic research in 2023 here.