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Since 1998, the mission of TIRF (The Internationa Research Foundation for English Language Education) has focused on improving the global landscape of language education. Through engaging in various research-based activities, TIRF has demonstrated its continued commitment to positively influencing the lives of its stakeholders, including teachers, researchers, authors, publishers, philanthropic foundations,  government  agencies,  and  corporations.  Our Trustees believe that the ultimate success in meeting the Foundation’s goals will depend to a large degree on support from both individuals and groups around the world. We wish to partner with others who share this philosophy and desire to take part in this critical endeavor. The following provides an overview of TIRF’s programs and activities – past and present.

TIRF Publications: TIRF has demonstrated a history of commissioning research on some of the most important topics  in  the  field  of language education. Through partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals, TIRF has produced a number of publications which address critical areas in the field of language education. In 2012, TIRF entered into a publishing contract with Routledge (Taylor & Francis) to produce an international research-based series, “Global Research in Teaching and Learning English.” Since that time, the Foundation has published 11 volumes. Also, TIRF co-publishes the TIRF Insights series with National Geographic Learning. Through this series, TIRF profiles recent research in the field of  English  Language Teaching in a practical and accessible format. These publications are written for parents, teachers, school leaders, and all student advocates who want to review recent educational trends in a nonacademic way.

Grant & Prize Programs: The Foundation’s flagship grant opportunity – its Doctora  Dissertationl Grants  (DDG)  program – began in 2002. Designed to provide financial support to candidates in the final stages of their doctoral studies, the DDG program has made 208 awards to individuals from nearly 30 countries. TIRF partners who have made major contributions to this program for more than two decades  include  the  British Council, Cambridge English (part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment), Duolingo, Educational Testing Service, among others. Beyond the DDG program, TIRF offers annually the TIRF Kat een M. Bai ey Teac  er-Researc   Awarhllhh d, the TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research on Language Policy and Planning  in  Educationa Contexts, and the TIRF-British Council Research Mentoring Awards.

Professional Services: TIRF provides various types of servicesf in the field of language education. These services include professional development opportunities for language education professionals, program review services for language education centers, TIRF Talks, conference co-hosting, and others

Board of Trustees: TIRF’s Board is composed of internationally renowned, senior members in language education. The Trustees represent academic, business, and policy perspectives in our field. The Foundation’s current Trustees are from or live in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Organizational Support: Over the years, the Foundation has enjoyed support from numerous organizations in our field, for example, from the  British  Council, Cambridge Assessment  English, Cambridge University Press, the Center for Applied Linguistics, Duolingo, Educational Testing Service, Laureate International Universities,   National Geographic Learning,   Pearson Education, TESOL International  Association,  Walt  Disney Company, and many others. We continually  work toward providing our partners important PR coverage, including via our website, newsletter, and our social media outlets.