IOE research culture and environment

The IOE’s vision for the future of its research.

At IOE, we create an inclusive and diverse environment. We support research staff and students and encourage research excellence and innovation. We aim to be an international beacon of research excellence. Our research culture and environment support our researchers, academics and students. It allows them to thrive in all aspects of their work.

We create strong foundations for our research work and environment, including: 

  • Our research development strategy and vision
  • Initiatives to support a healthy and inclusive research culture
  • Research integrity and robustness through an IOE-specific research ethics committee and application process
  • Dedicated research infrastructure and facilities
  • Research support from IOE professional services teams.

IOE Research Strategic Plan

The IOE Research Strategic Plan 2022-2027 outlines our vision for our research over the next five years. It sets out our commitment to inspire and sustain the aspirations of our researchers, share our vision with our partners, and fulfil our responsibilities to the wider community. 

Research ethics and integrity

We pursue ethically responsible research agendas and recognise the importance of upholding the highest ethical research standards. The IOE has its own Research Ethics Committee, dedicated professional services team and Research Ethics approval process which leverages this expertise.

Our research culture

In line with UCL research culture, we foster the development of our researchers and students. We embrace diversity of thought, people and ideas. The IOE is a proud, diverse and international community of more than 6,000 staff and PG research students, coming from more than 100 countries. Our work towards gender equality was recognised with the Silver Athena SWAN award. We take part in initiatives such as UCL Race Equality Action Plan.

Research facilities and support

The IOE is further improving its research facilities and infrastructure. We aim to provide an outstanding environment where research and innovation can thrive. We offer:

  • Art, drama and music studios
  • IOE Future Media Studio, linked to UCL’s School for the Creative and Cultural Industries
  • Newsam Library and Archive - a foundational resource for education and social research both nationally and internationally, and the largest education library in Europe
  • Access to 16 other libraries across UCL, local access to the British Library, the Wellcome Collection and the libraries available to members of the federal University of London
  • Digital Education Repository Archive (DERA), a unique, open-access digital archive of documents published electronically by government and related agencies in the areas of education and training, and children and families.
  • A cafe, quiet and communal meeting and working spaces and hubs, and the Institute Bar. [The Institute Bar | Students Union UCL]
  • World-leading digital infrastructure and support for digital research applications, High-Performance Computing clusters, digital support staff and training workshops for researchers
  • UCL Data Safe Haven, supporting research involving sensitive data.
  • Access to internal and external training, events and researcher career support and development through our partnerships with the University of London
  • Impact and engagement infrastructure to support the sharing and promotion of research through blogs, public affairs, policy and media services and support, podcasts, seminars and publishing support.

IOE research support services

More than 300 professional services staff support the IOE's world-leading research environment. Services that support research include:

Useful links