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Framework Programme Empirical Educational Research

Creating knowledge in order to improve practice in educational institutions and further develop the education system on a scientific basis - that is the aim of the Framework Programme for Empirical Educational Research. In this way, we can promote each individuals’ opportunities for educational and social participation in the best possible way.

Excellent research for the best possible opportunities

Education is vital for a self-determined lifestyle. It is the prerequisite for children, young people and adults to be able to develop their potential. It is therefore an important socio-political goal to provide every individual with the best possible educational opportunities - regardless of their origin, gender, religious and sexual orientation, disability or social status.

In order to set the right course for good education for all, we need sound knowledge about the education system. With our support, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is implementing the Framework Programme for Empirical Educational Research. Numerous research projects are funded in thematically bundled focus areas, such as - educational equity, dealing with heterogeneity in educational institutions, opportunities and risks of digitalisation in education or ensuring quality in education. The projects provide extensive findings about and for the education system and for the informal sector of education. They develop descriptive, explanatory and actionable knowledge that enables targeted policy decisions in the education system and can sustainably improve educational practice.

From project funding to public relations

In the Framework Programme for Empirical Educational Research, DLR-PT fulfils common tasks of project funding. In addition, we develop new funding ideas from the framework programme's fields of action and translate them into funding guidelines. We organise and accompany expert discussions and hearings and carry out the assessment procedures. We explore the research landscape, monitor the results from the funded projects and support the BMBF in responding to enquiries from the public.

To ensure that the knowledge generated in the projects and focus areas can inform educational practice, administration and policy DLR-PT is also responsible for public relations and science communication in the Framework Programme. Various communication formats provide information on the activities and results of the Framework Programme - from web reports and interviews to transfer dialogues. In addition, DLR-PT organises events such as the Educational Research Conference.

Priority topics

Through the Framework Programme for Empirical Educational Research, the BMBF, with our support, has established quality-assured project funding in the field of empirical educational research. This has also made German empirical educational research more visible in the international arena. In addition, the transfer of research results to politics, administration and educational practice is being expanded. Important structural goals are being implemented in the field of educational research through tailor-made measures – for example in the areas of research data infrastructure, promotion of emerging researchers, and national and international networking.

Currently, education researchers are working on various topics in empirical education research that is funded by the BMBF. Here you will find an up-to-date overview of the main research priorities.

Further assignments in this area

Joint initiative of the BMBF and Germany’s federal states “Education through Language and Literacy” (BiSS) and BiSS-Transfer

Language as the key to the world

Enabling children and young people in Germany to receive better and more individualised support on language, reading and writing – this is what the joint initiatives "Education through Language and Literacy" (BiSS) and BiSS-Transfer are all about.

In BiSS, researchers examined the effectiveness of methods to promote language, reading and writing and how they can be further developed together with nurseries and schools. The target group is children and young people with the need for language support who have learned German as a first or second language or who have no knowledge of German at all – for example, children and young people from refugee families.

BiSS-Transfer aims at the science-based transfer of BiSS results. Up to 2,700 schools and nurseries nationwide will be accompanied and advised in the implementation of their concepts for language education, reading and writing support.