Message from the TIESA Chair

Dear colleagues,

I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us—whether in person or online—for the 2026 TIESA Conference. Your presence, insights, and commitment to advancing Education Studies made for a stimulating and impactful two days. It is the range of perspectives represented across countries, institutions, and professional backgrounds that gives our association its strength and richness.

This year’s programme showcased the reality of putting research and theory about inclusion and diversity into practice. Our keynote speakers challenged us to think critically about inclusion and diversity issues in an era of rapid social and technological change. Presentations and workshops were designed to explore current research, theoretical understandings and provide thoughtful reflections on practice. It was particularly encouraging to note the contributions from emerging scholars and early career researchers whose work points to a bright future for Education Studies.

Across the conference, several themes resonated strongly: the need to critically engage with notions of equity and access in the study of Education, the evolving role of educators and institutions in showcasing the underpinning aims of Education Studies and the need for interdisciplinary research that meaningfully engages with communities. Putting the needs of others before our own seems a very fundamental step towards ensuring every human being is valued and their needs are addressed; in other words, being non-exclusionary.Such conversations reaffirm TIESA’s mission to foster rigorous multidisciplinary enquiry, support collaboration, and champion education as a transformative force in society.

Looking ahead, TIESA will continue building on the momentum of this year’s event. Over the coming months, we aim to launch new networks and special interest groups and expand opportunities for member collaboration.  Expanding on these initiatives, we plan to develop additional resources to support both established and emerging scholars, including thematic webinars and blogs. Your participation will be vital as we shape these developments together.

Our association flourishes because of the commitment and generosity of its members. I encourage you to stay connected—share your work, join a working group, mentor a colleague, or reach out to others across the Education Studies community, both nationally and internationally. The relationships formed through TIESA are among our greatest assets, enriching the field in ways that extend far beyond any single event.

Thank you once again for your contributions to the 2026 Conference and for your ongoing dedication to TIESA. Together, we will continue to develop Education Studies as a serious academic discipline and force for good.

Dr Catherine A Simon

Chair, TIESA – The International Education Studies Association 2025-2027