The EPIC Alliance is driving a dynamic programme of collaborative research inquiries, designed to strengthen education systems in Cambodia through innovation, partnership, and evidence-based practice. Up to two research inquiries are supported, each aligned with five key thematic priorities: school leadership, digital tools in the classroom, inclusion and universal design, children’s voice and participatory pedagogy, and gender equality in education.
At the heart of the EPIC Alliance is the Agile Schools Network, coordinated by SeeBeyondBorders. These schools are not only delivery places for education, but also collaborative spaces for research and innovation. By grounding research within real classroom contexts, the Agile Schools model ensures that all findings are practical, responsive, and directly relevant to the needs of educators and learners.
This collaborative cycle goes beyond producing high-quality research. It is intentionally designed to cultivate a sustainable community of practice, bringing together researchers and practitioners from four core partner institutions: SeeBeyondBorders, Mary Immaculate College, Phnom Penh Teacher Education College, and Maynooth University (Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education).
Through this partnership, two collaborative research projects are currently underway:
- “Empowering New School Leaders: Supporting Professional Development for Leadership Transition in Cambodia”, led by Mary Immaculate College in collaboration with PTEC and SBB Cambodia.
- “A Collaborative Action Research Project Supporting Early Language Development through Participatory Pedagogies”, led by Maynooth University in partnership with PTEC and SBB Cambodia.
Together, these initiatives reflect EPIC’s commitment to bridging research and practice – ensuring that innovation in education is not only generated, but meaningfully applied to improve teaching, learning, and leadership across Cambodia.
