This year marks the 25th consecutive year TIRF has offered its Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDGs) to doctoral candidates around the world. With the support of our partners – Cambridge (sponsored by Cambridge English, which is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment) and Duolingo, and the TOEFL® program at ETS – along
Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees, As I reflect on the successful conclusion of the AI for English Language Education International Summit 2026 (AI4ELE 2026), held October 24–25 in Zhuhai, China, I am filled with appreciation for the meaningful conversations, thoughtful exchanges, and collaborative spirit that characterized this important gathering. Jointly
TIRF is pleased to announce a new partnership with the European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA), bringing together two international organizations with shared interests in research, language education, and assessment. The partnership has been formalized through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) and creates a framework for the organizations
How is generative AI changing the ways we assess language ability—and what do these changes mean for learners? Join us for the inaugural webinar in the TIRF DDG Fellows Research Spotlight series, a new initiative highlighting timely research conducted by recipients of TIRF’s Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDGs). The session will
A TIRF Perspective on using artificial intelligence to strengthen language assessment while protecting validity, fairness, and public trust Editor’s note: TIRF Perspectives is a new publications activity from TIRF. It profiles recent research and developments in English Language Teaching (ELT) in a practical and accessible format. TIRF Perspectives is aimed
Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees, The 12th International Conference of the Asian Association for Language Assessment (AALA) in Macau, September 18–21, was, for me, much more than another international conference. It was a wonderful gathering of colleagues, friends, and fellow travelers in language assessment —and, most importantly, a meaningful moment
As digital technologies continue to transform how languages are taught, learned, and used, research can help educators make sense of both the opportunities and challenges these changes bring. TIRF’s newest volume with Routledge, Research on Language Learning and Teaching in Digital Spaces, offers a timely collection of research examining these
TIRF Trustees met earlier this month, as part of their annual September Board meeting, to review the Foundation’s recent progress and discuss priorities for the months ahead. President Jun Liu and TIRF leaders highlighted a range of activities supporting the Foundation’s strategic plan and its mission to advance English language
The 2027 TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research in Language Policy and Planning in Educational Contexts nomination period is currently open. However, individuals interested in nominating a paper must do so by October 5th. For the 2027 TIRF Alatis Prize, we invite nominations of outstanding journal articles or chapters
We are pleased to announce the 2026 TIRF-British Council Research Mentoring Award (RMA) recipients! Now in its fourth year, the RMA program is designed to support new researchers and improve the quality of research undertaken by students in doctoral programs within the field of English language education on issues of
Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees, One question that has kept me thinking a lot lately is “What does AI mean for English language education?” For me, the implications of AI extend beyond the university classroom. AI is fundamentally changing the landscape of English language education itself. The question is no
TIRF’s mid-year appeal provides an opportunity for our global community to invest in the Foundation’s mission of advancing English language education through research. This year, we’re focusing on a new way to give—one that creates a lasting impact while supporting one of TIRF’s most valued resources. Through our new Reference
TIRF successfully hosted the latest installment of its AI Show & Tell webinar series on August 12th, continuing the Foundation’s efforts to provide practical, accessible professional learning around artificial intelligence and English language education. More than 100 colleagues registered for the session, thereby demonstrating the desire for this type of
Editor’s note: “TIRF Perspectives” is a new publications activity from TIRF. It profiles recent research and developments in English Language Teaching (ELT) in a practical and accessible format. TIRF Perspectives is aimed at parents, teachers, school leaders, and all student advocates who want to review recent educational trends regarding AI
We are pleased to announce the 2026 TIRF Kathleen M. Bailey Teacher-Research Award recipients! The TIRF Bailey Award honors Dr. Kathleen M. Bailey, who served as TIRF’s President and Chair of the Board of Trustees for over a decade, from 2009 to 2022. The award is meant to recognize Dr.
