Call for research proposals

The IELTS partners are making available grant funding to a total value of around £120,000 (AUS$225,000) for IELTS-related research projects to be conducted during 2010

IELTS Joint-funded research program 2009/2010

Educational institutions and suitably qualified individuals are invited to apply for funding to undertake applied research projects in relation to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Financial support for individual projects selected will in principle be limited to a maximum of £15,000/AU$36,000 though this upper limit may be reviewed in exceptional circumstances.

What areas of interest have been identified?

The IELTS Joint Research Committee is interested in supporting external researchers to conduct quality research under the three headings below. This year we would particularly encourage applications to undertake research studies which fit within these broad areas.

Test development and validation issues

studies investigating the IELTS General Training Reading test, particularly stakeholder reactions to the revised section two
investigation of the cognitive processes of IELTS test takers
investigation of the process of writing IELTS test items
Investigation of Writing and Speaking features that distinguish IELTS proficiency levels, including investigation of the impact of different L1s on transition between proficiency levels

Issues relating to contexts of test use

studies to establish appropriate IELTS score levels in specific contexts (for access to a university department or vocational training course)
use of IELTS for professional registration purposes, or for purposes of migration, citizenship or employment
studies investigating the use of IELTS and IELTS scores in local contexts, especially in-depth case studies focusing on individuals or small groups
Investigation of IELTS usefulness compared to other tests in similar contexts

Issues of test impact

Investigations of the role of interactive communication in the IELTS speaking or writing tests and the impact of this on candidates’ preparedness for interactive communication in study or training contexts
investigations of attitudes towards IELTS among users of test scores including admissions and academic subject staff in receiving institutions
investigations of perceptions towards IELTS among test takers, teachers, learners and others engaged in preparing for IELTS (particularly in countries where there has been little or no previous IELTS related research)
test impact relating case studies in local contexts (e.g., teachers’ experiences of working with IELTS)
Case studies on English language progression among overseas students in undergraduate or post-graduate contexts
Case studies on in-session English programmes at English–speaking universities, particularly with consideration of the relationship between hours of study and typical score gains

Consideration will also be given to other issues of current interest in relation to IELTS.

Annual timetable

30 June 2009:
July-August 2009:
September 2009:
October 2009:
January 2010:
September 2010:
December 2010:

Applications close
Preliminary review of applications
Evaluation and selection of successful proposals
Notification of Research Committee’s decisions to applicants
Research commences
Research completed
Final reports due

All applications received will be treated on a confidential basis.

The decision of the review committee will be final. Proposals from researchers and institutions with established links with IELTS are welcomed.

Institutions/individuals are invited to submit a written application (maximum of 10 pages, unbound) in accordance with the format and content requirements (see links below)